All In!

As previously mentioned, I've been getting my class ready to start using their GAFE accounts. After students returned their signed Account Rules and App permission form, everyone was given their account information. There was a clamor from the class that they could access any of their peers accounts as the password is just their birth date. I believe this will be an issue...as far as I can tell students can't change their password. Maybe someone knows differently? We did discuss how they all agreed in the Account Rules form that they would only ever use their own account or would lose account privileges.
I did an overview lesson of the basic features of Google Drive, specifically Docs and using Read & Write for Google. Students were quite excited about the features available.
To get students started on their GAFE accounts, I wanted to have a clear focus and task for students to get going. Earlier in the day, we did a small-group science lab (cleaning up an oil spill) and collected data and observations in a chart. I shared with students the Science Lab template and one student from each group made a copy and shared it with their group members. Students then worked collaboratively (using the chat feature) to complete the science lab in the assigned time. I was so impressed with how engaged students were in completing their labs. Students who typically waste precious computer lab time, were busy typing away to help their peers complete the assignment.
Once students completed their group science lab, they made a copy to their Drive and then shared a copy with me. This allowed them to complete the assigned questions individually (which I will assess).
My current goal is for students to become comfortable using Google Drive to share, collaborate, and create their work. This was a great start to making GAFE an extension of our classroom and a tool to increase student engagement and participation.

Collaboration is Key!

I attended a P.D. session today for instructional leaders. I found the afternoon very helpful, as we were provided time to talk with a number of other teachers about what they were doing with GAFE in their classrooms, as well as the challenges encountered.

The teachers at my first table had some great ideas to ease students into using Google Drive and Presentations. They also shared some great websites: (http://newsela.com/, http://www.readworks.org/).

I raised my concern with the package of third-party Apps that is automatically loaded on each student's GAFE account. We require parental permission for students to use these, however there is no form yet created. I went home this evening and modified a Blog permission letter and rules (from Ferdinand) so it would apply to third-party Apps. The third-party Apps Permission Form and GAFE Account Rules will have to be used for the time being so we can move forward with our projects. If you have any comments or suggestions, they would be much appreciated!

The teachers at my second table gave me some great feedback on my Project Plan and how to modify it to suit my class abilities and computer lab access. We also spent some time exploring different apps.

I'm hoping to get started next week setting two other teachers up with their Chromebooks and GAFE accounts. Next week I begin an online AQ course on teaching and learning through e-learning. I hope this will give me further insight into how to lead my students through online learning!