Task 1. Google Tools to Facilitate Learning 

To facilitate means to help bring about or make something easier. Isn't that one of the main roles of a teacher - to make learning easier and more accessible to learners? Among many tools that make teaching and learning easier, you'll start out looking at Google Workspace apps. They are selected for your first tool exploration in this course, not because they are perfect tools, but because they are free and are easily accessible. 

I'm aware that most of you are familiar with many Google apps. In Task 1, we'll explore how the Google tools ecosystem, known as Google Workspace, can be helpful in facilitating learning. You will also learn about some advanced features of Google apps that could benefit your productivity.

As you now understand from the readings in the last unit, "how," "when," and "why" you use certain technology is often more important than "what" technology you use when it comes to teaching and learning. While you learn more about the Google apps, think about "how" they can benefit learning and "when" they could be helpful.

Part 2: Complete the Fundamentals Training

1. Go to the Fundamentals Training Page. 

2. Click the blue "Get Started" button. At this point, only complete Unit 1 "Get Ready to Use Technology in the Classroom", not the entire training.

3. Work through Unit 1 (from "Introduction" to "Think Beyond the Textbook") and complete the Unit 1 review quiz. Don't forget to take notes when you come across something interesting; you'll need them for your writing.

4. Take a screenshot of your Unit Review results. Don't worry if you don't get a perfect score - as long as you pass,  you'll earn credit for this part of the task.

5. Post the screenshot image under the heading "Task 1. Google Tools to Facilitate Learning" on the Facilitate page you created on your course portfolio website.

   • • "Insert" menu → click "Images" → "Upload" button to insert your screenshot.

6. Write 1-2 paragraphs about your key takeaways. What did you learn from the tutorial, and why did you find it informative? Do you have any related experiences? 

   • • "Insert" menu → click "Text box" to write your sentences. 

7. Make sure to click the Publish button - If it's not published, I can't see it!

Part 3: Complete an Additional Intermediate Training Section. 

1. Pick 2 of the 6 sections to complete from the Intermediate use of Google Workspace for Education Fundamentals. In addition to using Google apps for teaching and learning, you'll have the opportunity to explore some features of the Google apps you've been using.

2. Work through all of the parts of the section you select.

3. Under the "Task 1. Google Tools to Facilitate Learning" of your website, list the titles of the training you have completed. Write your reflection in 1-2 paragraphs for each of the two trainings (2-4 paragraphs in total). 

   1. • Share 1) why you selected these trainings, 2) what was new to you, and 3) how they could be helpful for teaching and learning. If applicable, you may also share how you could incorporate them into your daily life.

4. Make sure to click publish!

**If you're an education major, you might want to consider exploring some of the other areas of Google Workspace for Education training and even completing some of the certification tests. Adding "Google Certified Teacher" to your vita is not a bad way to stand out from the crowd when you're applying for jobs!