G Suite For Education
Most of us recognize and many of us use a group of tools that Google (now Alphabet) has created. We have Gmail accounts for our email, use Google to search for just about everything, browse the web with Chrome and maybe use Calendar to track our busy lives.
We will be using the tools found in G Suite for Education. Some of the tools a student might use are listed below:
Drive
The basis for many of the collaborative tools is the "cloud" based storage area. Any type of file can be stored here and any Docs, Sheets, Slides, or Forms created by a student are automatically stored here. This drive is accessible via any web-enabled device with apps or browsers. More about Drive
Chrome
Google's web browser is the framework that run our Chromebooks. When signed into our frogrock.org domain students have access to G Suite and third party extensions that make both the Chromebook and Chrome browser do many things impossible just a few years ago. More about Chrome
Gmail
Students each have a "frogrock" email. This domain is controlled and access to it is granted based upon a student's grade. Middle School students can only email within the district or from whitelisted domains. High School students are less restricted and can receive email from outside sources. More about Gmail
Docs
A web-based word processor that allows for easy sharing with peers and teacher with commenting or editing ability. The ease of collaboration makes this foundation for most student projects. From simple text based assignments to those with pictures, tables, chart and more - this is the application students often use. Most of the pages of this website are really G Suite Docs that are simply embedded. More about Docs
Slides
Presentation tools using pictures, graphics, charts and visuals. Again easy collaboration makes this a powerful tool for student presentations in person or virtually. More about Slides
Sheets
Online worksheets for heavier data analysis, simple databases and spreadsheets. More about Sheets
Forms
A survey tool that teachers mainly use for worksheets, question, quizzes, exit tickets and data collection. Students too can build surveys and analyze their results. More about Forms
Calendar
If a student and teacher are using Classroom this Calendar is automatically populated with due dates and clickable links back to the assignments. These calendars can be shared to other devices and notifications can be personalized. It's like a personal planner! More about Calendar
Classroom
Based in a student's Drive, this tool help organize, disseminate and gather work for a specific "class". A teacher can assign and collect work easily and a student's Drive is organized "for them". No more losing the paper in the backpack! More about Classroom
Maps and MyMaps
Powerful mapping tools for directions and building personalized maps. Try out your own MyMaps, it's pretty engrossing!