How Google Can Help

Recently I came across an article titled, “50 Ways Google Can Help You Become A Better Teacher.” One of my passions surrounds all things Googley, so initially I was caught up in all of the amazing ideas shared in the article. It wasn’t until I considered sharing this that I noticed the title: 50 Ways Google Can Help You Become a Better Teacher.
Let me say this - teachers are amazing! All the time, energy, emotions, and resources that we put into our content, planning, classes and individual students is beyond what people outside the profession can understand. Google doesn’t make you a better teacher. It is a tool. Teachers are the architects creating the environments that empower students in their learning. Google resources support those amazing things you bring into the learning environment.

Beyond the title, what does the article have to share? Here are some of my favorite ideas:

• Have students analyze cultural tends using Google Trends.
• Learn about staying safe online with Google’s Safety Center.
• Use Google Expeditions to plan virtual field trips.
• Connect art to your curriculum by creating and sharing galleries in Google Art Project.
• Use Google Maps to tell digital stories with text, photo and video embedded into a trail students lay onto the map.
• Use the Flubaroo extension to help grade formative assessments.
• Have students follow a character’s journey with Google Earth.

There are many more ideas ranging from professional development, to online safety, to productivity in the article. Check them out!
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50 Ways Google Can Help You Become a Better Teacher