In our grad class we have been learning the value of digital technology and learning its practical use in the classroom. The combined use of many tools can be implemented by students and teachers to enhance education. If I had to choose just one as my favorite I would have to pick Google Drive. Its difficult to choose just the one tool for me because using Google drive would include the use of other tools, too, like blogs for example.
It is my intention to create a paperless classroom with Google Drive. In the next semester at the university where I teach English I will make it part of my expectation of the students to learn and use this tool. It will be my pleasure to reduce my use of photocopiers and lose the stack of wasted paper on my desk, effectively lending a hand to the efforts of reducing environmental waste.
If my students are all submitting assignments in a Google Drive folder I will become much more organized. This will also eliminate the issue of handing assignments in late because there will be no excuses for missing due dates. The internet doesn't give any leeway to lateness. Students will also learn and use other digital tools to prepare their assignments.
The educators of the world could all be using Google Drive. I can't imagine the amount of paper that would be saved if schools around the world applied a paperless classroom policy. It could also be a small step towards globalizing education as a standard tool in a global curriculum.
I am with you 100% on this one Dave. Going paperless made my class more efficient and students more accountable. Everything is always there whenever they are connected.
ReplyDeleteDave, Google drive is defiantly an amazing tool! It is really easy to use and digitizes everything in one area. Like you, I would love to create a paperless classroom starting next semester. I waste so much paper printing out multiple copies for my students; Google drive would eliminate this problem. Google drive also keeps everything in one place, which for me is crucial, considering how often I lose/misplace things.
ReplyDeleteHey Dave,
ReplyDeleteCan't argue with your logic! Going paperless not only is good for our beloved environment (which makes Captain Planet very happy BTW) but it makes the life of a teacher way easier. I remember back in the day, when I would have binders and binders full of paper that eventually would get lost or thrown out. The same thing is true with some of my students (although recently I make them glue their papers in their books lol ) I don't know the % of teachers who use Google Drive around the world (or similar programs) but it would be strange if they don't. Why not save yourself some time? I guess this is still in its infancy and word hasnt gotten out yet of all the advantages Google Drive brings to the classroom. Feel like being a spokesman David?
Dave, Google Drive is on my shortlist of favorite tools for teaching as well. I wasn't aware of the ability to submit assignments, the editing features (including edit history) or the signup list feature. It is all saved automatically on the GDrive in realtime. Sharing my course syllabus, supplying supplemental lesson materials, or correcting essays are all viable options for me to incorporate into my next semester.
ReplyDeleteAs Michel mentioned, why do these features seem to be a best-kept secret at Google? Time to spread the word!