Google Collaborator
#GAFE
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GAFE is Google Apps for Education, and you only have access to this if your district does a little legwork and sets it up. We are lucky enough that MISD is a GAFE district for all students and staff. Most teachers are familiar with Microsoft Office and saving things to folders. This is the same thing, but better. It is better because it automatically saves. It is stored on the cloud, and accessable on any device from anywhere. It has cool features. Most of all it allows for easy collaboration and sharing. Google Drive is like your driveway, it is where you PUT the stuff you are working on. With unlimited storage you can store ALL of your files here (whether they are google or not). Upload pictures of your students, create folders, upload older documents and create new Google docs....but keep it all in one drive. Google docs is your text editor (like Microsoft Word). Google Sheets is a speadsheet tool (like Excel) and Google Slides is a presentation tool (like Power Point). Learn more about each of these tools including some cool tricks for each.
Resouces
How to Make Google Slides Shine
Having a (mostly) Paperless Classroom
Measure, Understand and Share Student Growth
FAQ
What are my students' user names and passwords?
All students login using the same username pattern: first.last###@student.mckinneyisd.net (### is the last three digits of their student ID). Their password is their eight digit birthdate. Check out this template to help students determine their login credentials.
That login is WAY too long for my kids to type each time! Can we change it?
No. That is a district standard, but I do have several pieces of good news for you. #1: Kids will shock you at how quickly they will memorize and be able to type that (even young ones). #2: Most devices save the usernames typed previously so after the first few characters students may not have to type the entire username. #3. Teachers are highly encouraged to name/number their devices and assign students a device (learn more in the iPad Apprentice TLC). Then schedule time for the MRS to come in and host a workshop with your students helping them learn not only to sign-in to their assigned device to Google Classroom, but how to switch between accounts with one click.
How do you switch Google Accounts with one click?
This only works if you are using Google Chrome (but why would you use anything else?). Look in the top right corner. You should see your name (or a little head if you are not signed in to Chrome). Pulling that down will allow you to switch user. Learn more about Google Chrome and Extensions in that TLC.
What is "the Cloud"?
GCF Learn Free explains it more in depth but when someone refers to "the cloud" they are not really sending your files into the atmosphere, but rather to VERY large, secure computers (or servers) that are designed just for this purpose. Files are often more secure here because they are saved redundently and better protected from viruses. Using the cloud also give you more space. GAFE users have NO limit to the amount of files they can store on Google Drive, but an iPad or laptop has limited storage space for files.
Can I see past versions of my(or students) documents?
Every now and then there are reasons you might want to see or revert to a previous version of a document. With Google Drive this is possible. Learn how using the help center. NOTE: It is possible to go back to a version about each time it is OPENED. However if you have 20 students all working on the same Google Slide show for example and one student deletes everything, the only revision that would be saved is from the LAST time it was opened, not what each student did in the past 10 minutes. In that case I strongly suggest the UNDO button on each computer!
How do I install Google Drive on my computer?
MISD teachers can access Self-Service to install applications (click on Launchpad to find self-service). Once installed it will put a Google Drive folder on your computer that looks and acts just like any other folder.....but with the super-power of connecting with Google drive. This means your are REALLY saving to "the cloud" rather than taking precious space on your computer.
BEWARE: This needs an internet connection to sync. Not all the time, but every now and then. If it does not sync files will not upload to your Google drive and the two will fall out of sync. This often happens when teachers change their passwords and they need to re-authenticate Google Drive.
What should I install on my phone? My iPad?
Make GAFE your one place to store files from EVERY device, including your phone and iPad. Checkout these easy directions about how to setup automatic backup for your photos. Then start using these devices to access all of your files, upload videos/creations to Google Drive, work on Google Slides, etc. Learn more about using Google on iOS (Apple) devices.
I know all this stuff. How can I take it a step further?
Have you heard of add-ons? Each Google product (Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc.) has the option to add "Add-Ons". These tools allow you to do some really cool stuff. Research GAFE add-ons, add-ons for each product or simply go to each product, pull down the Add-ons menu, select Get Add-Ons and browse through.
Challenge
Task 1: Go through the training center for Google Drive, Docs, Sheets and Slides. Become comfortable using each of these. Sign-in to your account, make documents for your first team meetings including things like an Agenda, Team Planner, Ideas for the year, Introduction page in Google Docs; an Open House presentation using Google Slides, and a class roster using Google Sheets. Make sure to share each with team members.
Task 2: Create a Google Doc, Sheet or Slides that can be shared with students. This can either be something each student can work on independently or the entire class can collaboratively finish. Learn more about how to share this with students in the Google Classroom TLC.
Task 3: Find at least one add on for either Google Docs, Sheets or Slides that you think will be helpful throughout the year.
Bonus Task: Post to your favorite social media page (Twitter if possible) with #GAFE about how you hope to use this tool with your students.
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 Collaborator badge or claim your Credly badge (claim code: 54D-F865-AD0). 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.