REFLECTION #1 (google pt. 1)

WHAT?:
In class this week we learned more about Google, and two of the different applications that Google provides for us to use! We learned how to use Google Calendars, Google Docs, and we are to create a "welcome letter" for our future students with other classmates from our class.

SO WHAT?:
I think that all the stuff we learned in class today was very cool! I never knew about Google Docs or Google Calendars. I was highly impressed with both of them. I think that these are very essential to me as a student, future teacher, and collegue because all of these are very well organized. As a teacher I will be able to post calendars to my website so that kids/parents can see what we are going to go over that day, what is due, etc. Also, I will be able to use the calendars for my personal use that way I can stay organized and know exactly what my schedule is for that day. I think that Google Docs could be highly useful in working with collegues especially if you want them to edit your papers, or even work on a paper together.
I am very glad that we learned about these two applications in Google, because I have already started adding things to my calendars from other classes of when things are due, class time, when I need to go to work, etc. It has been very helpful! I feel like this technology is going to be a huge benefit for me not only now, but also when I become a teacher. This is probably the most organized calender/word documents I have seen. I am thoroughly amazed with the calender settings, the fact that you can work on the same word document with others, and that people can just simply edit your paper and email it back to you! It is truly amazing.

NOW WHAT?:
I think learning this different applications not only was beneficial to me but also to my future students. Google Calendar is going to make me more organized as a teacher, which in turn is easier for my students. Also, I can't even tell you how nice it is to be able to go to a website, see a calendar, and to know exactly what is due that day and what we are going to be going over in class. It is a huge benefit, and I know it would be a huge benefit for my students as well. I think that Google Docs are great! Being able to work on assignment with a group and not even having to meet up is such a nice feature, because not everyone's schedules are the same. I think as a teacher I would give out multiple assignments throughout the year that the children could work through Google Docs together. They could meet together in class and talk about ideas, then work outside of the classroom to put the final project together. Whether it be a little research paper, a letter, a book report, etc. With Google Docs I definitely think it will change how I work on different projects with my collegues. I will just send them it through this, and we can then work on our project together through Google Docs. Also, when I am working on a project myself having someone edit my paper is going to be so much easier, because I won't have to meet up with them ever. All I will do is send my paper through email, have them give me ideas, and have them edit my paper. It is going to be so simple!

I honestly believe that the future is going to become more and more technologically inclined, and so I believe it is essential that I learned these different applications and that I teach my students these as well. Google Calendar and Google Docs are going to make me more organized as a student, teacher, and collegue. I cannot wait to teach my classroom the important features of technology. I think it is essential for children to learn. All the "new" things coming out in technology kind of scare me in a way. We are getting so advanced, but I believe it is important to stay on top of all the new advancements because it will help my classroom and me, as a teacher, be successful!