Google Apps

I have not used any Google apps as a student as they were not really around when I went to college for my BA. Now that I'm back in grad school, the idea of being able to work on a group prokect around everyone's schedule is great. I also like the google calendar. I need all the organization and scheduling I can get! As I'm about to explain the lesson plans I chose, I would definitly use Google calendar in the classroom to explain telling time further. Google earth and maps would be useful to show various locations being discussed. In my opinion, this would be more interesting to the student rather than simply looking at a paper map. I'm sure there are plenty more ideas that will come to me as I further educate myself with these apps.

The first lesson plan I chose was Telling Time and Google Calendar. It is a math lesson for K-3. This teaches time to student in a different way other than loking at a clock. It has them look at blocks of time, like if class starts at 10:00 and lasts 45 minutes, what time will it be done? It also has them plan out their schedule for the perfect Saturday. I think this plan is great because the student not only is learning about time but also about scheduling and planning.
The second lesson plan I chose is Historical Novel. This is for 4th-6th Social Studies and language Arts collaboration. It can also be used for 7th-9th graders. The students read a hisorical novel from a particular time in history they are studying. They discuss the meaning and main ideas of the book. Students use such things as Google Docs (word processing, presentation, forms), Google Blogger, Google Earth/Google Maps and Google Book Search/Book List. This can be solo or partner work. Both these lessons plans are great to keep the student actively involved in the material, while also utilizing the technology that the student already enjoys.