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.