Information and digital literacy in education via the digital path

Like Apple and Microsoft, Google also wants a place in your classroom.

Google Apps for Education is a free suite of cloud-based tools created by Google to use in your classroom. You probably knew that part, and likely have a vague awareness of what’s available (Google Drive, Google Form, etc.) But Sylvia Duckworth has gone a step further, giving you an extended metaphor (a train), a graphic (with color), and a brief description of each “stop” of the Google Apps for Education train.

(If we wanted to over-read into the metaphor, we could even wonder if she’s using the momentum of the train as a criticism of Google’s business practices and their “railroading” of smaller app developers, but we’re crazy and Sylvia isn’t, so…)

As more schools adopt Google Apps For Education (GAFE), increasingly teachers and students are dealing with multiple Google Accounts - one for work/school and one for personal use. When this situation happens, we often want to keep our two worlds separate.  Google has a way to make this possible that is built into Chrome.  Users can establish multiple Chrome profiles tied to specific Google accounts.  As the Director of Technology in my school district, I often see teachers attempt to solve this problem by adding a second account by selecting their profile picture in Gmail and choosing “add an account.”

Quick Search Tips for Google, Drive, and Gmail (Downloadable Cheat Sheet)

Google Slides is a cornerstone in the edtech toolbox. It's one of my favorite apps in the GAFE suite, and it holds a lot of potential beyond the traditional slideshow concept. Here are some ways teachers and students can think inside the box.