Google Docs has been around for awhile now, and I won't lie--I don't use them very often. I've used the program for group projects and things like that, but not for the every day. I don't think the intention of Google Docs was to replace Microsoft Word though, but there are so many opportunities to use this simple but effective tool. I think a lot of people focus on what's new and has that WOW factor when thinking about incorporating technology in our classrooms. As we have seen with the many changes of Facebook, sometimes new isn't better. Google Docs, PowerPoint, Movie Maker, iMovie, etc. have all been around for awhile, but why not use them? All of these things are free and beyond user friendly (I mean if little kids can make a movie on iMovie so can you).
The problem is that so many teachers are overthinking their use of technology or even just everything. I know that when I come up with a lesson plan, it generally makes no sense, needs a lot of work, and will probably have to be rewritten because I often overthink everything. Sometimes a great idea needs to just happen, who cares if it completely fails--that's why you have another class next year (just kidding). Secondary education kids are a little more forgiving; you will be able to tell if they like the lesson or not by their feedback (also known as complaining). Updating or just reinventing the type of activity you are using the tools for are great ways to make icky old stuff seem new. Prezi is a fantastic update from PowerPoint if you or your students are tired of PowerPoint. Google Docs is a great tool to use not only for group projects but also cross-curricular assignments in high school and junior highs. My mom is amazed by Google Docs (she is a secretary at a high school), they are in the process of whole-grade sharing with another school; it is a great tool to use between the buildings.
Just because PowerPoint is an ancient program doesn't mean we can't use it--as long as we are using it in NEW and effective ways. What are some of your ideas about old products that are still useful?
Here is a link to a video about how to use Prezi, when embedding the video it brought up two videos and I didn't like that so sorry for the extra step--I know it will be extremely time consuming for you to click the link. I get car sick easily, so I don't like Prezi very much (unless it's used properly, so learn how to use it correctly).
Cassie, I know what you mean when you talk about over-thinking (especially when writing lesson plans!) Sometimes it's hard to get through a task because we're so worried about whether or not it will seem "cutting-edge" and original enough to be distinguishable from the fifty other things we do everyday. As an English ed major, I write A LOT. I'm talking about every day, online and off, on paper, Word, Stickies, Googledocs, anything I can get my ideas onto. And sometimes it's hard to break away from the traditional Word document because it's so simple and easy. But Googledocs are AMAZING, and now that I'm writing a thesis, Googledocs are my saving grace (also I am terrible at keeping track of a flash drive).
ReplyDeleteThe world that we teachers occupy can get crazy and hectic, but that doesn't mean we have to pull our hair out looking for new methods to do things each day. Like you said, there are some great ways you can "spice up" your presentations, simply by changing medium. Prezi is an awesome tool, especially (as I have found) when used to brainstorm and clump topics in a language arts brainstorm. I think when we take the old and re-vamp it, the new might even seem a little "blah", don't you?