Google Calendar
#GoogleCalendar
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Google Calendar is one of the simplest and perhaps most powerful of the tech tools out there right now. You NEED to be using this one! It is one that will help keep you organized with all of the different hats you wear and roles you lead. Google Calendar is simple, easy to use but you can also do so much with it. You can customize it, you can collaborate with others (share your personal calendar with family but your school calendar with fellow teachers), and you can also subscribe to others calendars. One of the best calendar tricks comes with adding new layers. Think of these as transparent layers that you CAN stack on top of each other, re-order or remove as you like. See them when you want and turn them off when unneeded (for example the computer lab schedule might be nice to see when you are looking, but most of the time you will leave that turned off). It is a great tool that integrates with everything else Google and works on all devices. Now that you know why you NEED it, get started!
Resouces
FAQ
Can students use Google Calendar too?
Yes, students also have access to Google Calendar. This means if you create a class calendar they too can subscribe to it and add it to their own view. Hint: To make THEIR lives easier you may create a calendar for 5th grade Science 16-17 and delete it when the year is done so that they do not continue to see this year after year.
Why do I have a Google Classroom layer?
Google Classroom automatically adds assignments/due dates to your calendar. Even better, it also adds these to student calendars to help keep them organized as well.
Bonus: It also automatically adds events from GMail too. Things like flights and reservations that come to your inbox will automatically be synced with your calendar.
How can I use this on my phone?
This is one of those apps you MUST have on your phone, and you will use it all the time. If you have an Android phone, Google Calendar is already your default calendar and once you sign in with the same account on all devices you will be synced. If you have an iPhone you need to download an app or two from the app store. Compare the Calendar app by Google and Calendar5 by Readdle. Both are high quality products with different features. Choose the one that works best for you, install and sign in with your Google account and it will automatically begin syncing.
How can I use Google Calendar to help me track goals?
Check out this video to learn more about one of Google Calendar's newest feature. This cool feature will allow you to set a goal and then not only help you find time to work on it, but when life happens, help you continue to stay on track. The only negative is that it currently (5/6/16) is not available on any device EXCEPT your phone.
How do I subscribe to the Malvern calendar?
Once your calendar is set up it is time to start adding layers. The Malvern calendar is kept by the Malvern secretaries and MRS and will automatically add a layer of school events to your calendar. You only have view permissions on this calendar. If you would like to ADD an event to this calendar please speak to the keepers of the calendar. Click on this link to view the calendar, in the bottom right corner is a +Google button, if you click this it should add to your calendar. If this does not work, go to calendar.google.com and next to Other Calendars (on the left) pull down the menu and select Add by URL. Copy and paste this URL: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/ical/student.mckinneyisd.net_90retbr4qqjesg0ov9s08b40t8%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics
How can other people "Book" my time using calendar?
When people need to reserve your time you can either create a form with the add-on for choice eliminator (learn more about this in the Google Forms TLC) or use Appointment Slots in Google Calendar. Learn more about these in this tutorial.
Did you know you can use Google Calendar for lesson planning?
Think about it, isn't the calendar the most obvious place for your lesson plans? If something comes up you can reschedule or edit, just like in any document. You can share with team members or administrators. You can also add locations (like science lab, computer lab or library), invites to special guests and most off all add attachements. There is also a great search feature to help you look back at what you have done in the past. This video or this tutorial website will both help explain the HOW TO.
Challenge
Task 1: Learn about Calendar using the resources above. Then sign in to your Google Calendar and begin adding events. Create at least a week's worth of events for your school calendar, consider adding all trainings and big events. Remember you can always change these later if needed.
Task 2: Create another layer or calendar either for your personal events, a team calendar one for your kids or anything you might be able to use. Share this calendar with one other person (even if it is your personal account)
Hint: When sharing a calendar you can determine the permissions the other person has to edit your calendar. Students might be able to view while co-workers share editing rights. If you are sharing with yourself it is recommended that you give both accounts the highest level of permissions.
Task 3: Add calendar to your phone and use it to manipulate and add events.
Already doing ALL of this? Checkout the tips and tricks above and research more Google Calendar tricks and add a few new ones to your repitoire.
Bonus Task: Post to your favorite social media page (Twitter if possible) with #GoogleCalendar about why you think it is awesome or how you plan to use it as a teacher
Claim your Badge
Please complete this brief survey to help TLC and future technology professional development improve and then download and save a copy of the Google Calendar badge or claim your Credly badge (claim code: D1B-2EB8-9B4). Visit the Show Off page to learn about ideas of how to share the badges you earn. Consider leaving comments below with additional questions, tips for others or feedback that was not included in the survey.