Google Resources - Back to School Communication
The end of August has arrived and with it comes a flurry of exciting ‘back to school’ activity. Technology and online access is now a more fully embedded part of our lives especially since 2020!
Both Google sites and Google Classroom are excellent tools for supporting teaching and learning. With a wide array of ever expanding options, teachers can reach for them to customize student learning and shape a better student experience. I recently gathered a few favorite Google resources and am sharing them here.
What role do digital sites play in communication between students, teachers and families? A very important one! An engaging and informative website and class site can make a substantial difference.
Recent studies conducted by Project Tomorrow: Speak Up provide a look at positive effects technology can have as students use mobile devices in school and at home. Positive impact highlights: Increasing access to content is cited by 87% of principals surveyed and increasing student engagement by 85%. (see below)
Where to start? Teachers can customize their school website with Google sites. Include an ‘About the Teacher’ section, a welcome letter, school calendar and homework sections.
Create a Google Classroom site where students can access a class portal for viewing and posting assignments, viewing interactive resources and communicating with the teacher and other students in the class.
When designing back to school resources and activities, keeping safety in mind is something that can benefit all. Common Sense Media provides a back to school guide with a quick primer for educators packed with valuable information. Google provides the Guardian Safety Guide which is full of helpful strategies for online safety and data privacy for the classroom.
These strategies can save time for teachers and craft an overall better experience for getting the school year off to a great start! Sharpen your digital communications skills and set your students up for a great start to the new school year!
Here are a few resources to explore from Google for Education.
Resources for Teachers:
· Google Edu – Back to School Guide 2022
· Google Classroom Rubric Creation
· Google – Guardian’s Safety Guide
· Tutorials and Activities – Back to School Bingo Google Classroom
· CommonSense Media for Educators, Back to School Guides
· Common Sense Media Safety Guides