Take a Tour using Google Earth

This week I discovered Google Earth , I had heard of it previously but I had not even considered the possible applications to the classroom.  With a quick Google search I was able to find numerous ready made lesson plans that would fit easily into my classroom and curriculum.  This teacher offers suggests some other applications.
Download Google Earth Here

One feature I found to be particularly promising with its classroom applications , is Google Tours. Google Tour Builder is a web-based storytelling tool which lets you easily create and explore stories and places around the world. I made a short tour of Albert Einsteins life. Check It out here   I can imagine infinite applications for tours across curricular areas, Language Arts could to a Shakespeare tour, Social Studies could give longitude and latitude lines and students could tell what they found there.  Watch the video below to create your own.

Do You Drive? Google Drive that is...

This week we got into the meat of Google's Drive.

 Google Drive is a cloud storage service that allows you to store your documents, photos, videos, and more online. From Drive, you can also use Google Docs, Google Sheets, and other applications to create and edit various types of files. Google Drive and Docs. 

This means as long as you have access to the internet you have access to your files no matter where you are in the world!

Do not have Microsoft office? You can still create word documents, presentations (similar to power point), even spreadsheets and forms! For a quick overview check out this video. 

Feeling unsure want some additional info and training ?  Basic training on Drive 

There are many cool ways that Google Drive can enhance learning in the classroom, check out this presentation created in Drive's presentation.40 Ways to Use Google Apps for Education

Google Drive is also  Ipad and IPhone compatible!  It is a great tool to be able to sync all your information across your different systems. Even if your prefer your IPhone but still love you PC.   

Please take my How are you feeling about Google? quick survey created using Google forms. Learn how to create your own Google form my checking this out.

Getting a Google account and G-mail in all its Glory

If you do not have a Google account you need one now!!  The Google account you create will also your g-mail address. If you already have a g-mail account that is your account as well.  

Now that you officially have your own account lets talk G-mail, My main personal email is still at hotmail.com, I have had it for probably fifteen years and never even considered what I may or may not be missing by staying with it. Today the heavens parted and I heard the angels singing, as I discovered all that G-mail can and wants to do for me. I will highlight a few of the most awesome features.  

Undo:That's right g-mail has an undo button! You accidentally send and email before your done..or maybe reconsider the wording, realize you did not spell check.. If you have the undo feature turned on a little button pops up and give you an extra 10 seconds to stop if from being sent, and it reverts back to a draft. Click on the video below for steps on how to start undoing things.

Todo List: We all have busy lives, we work, have families and more! How can we remember everything we need.have to do? Create a to-do list using your g-mail account.   

There is so many more things that G-mail can do check out an overview here.