Download - Introduction to Google Apps For Education
An Introduction to Google Apps for Education
By Steven Hall, RIS K-12 Technology Coordinator
This Presentation:
• What is Google Apps (GApps)?• What is GApps for Education?• Why Do We Need GApps for RIS/T?• Benefits of GApps for RIS/T• GApps for RIS/T Tour• GApps for RIS/T Class Wikis • Other Schools Using GApps• Future Considerations
What is Google Apps (GApps)?
• Google “Applications” is a cloud based groupware product
• It’s a suite of various applications that permit communication & collaboration
• Other examples: LotusNotes, MS Exchange, FirstClass, Live.edu, Adobe, Yahoo Apps
What is Google Apps for Education?
• “GApps for Education” is a specific grouping of applications tailored for use in schools. These include:
• StartPage• Calendar• Documents• Sites• Talk• Gmail (we currently have this turned off)
The Google Apps Suite
Why Do We Need GApps for RIS/T?
1. Staff needs access to an up-to-date school calendar
2. Staff needs a way to easily create and update websites: class wikis, departmental intranets, etc.
3. Staff needs to work and communicate with peers & students from any device at any location, anytime
BENEFITS
10 Reasons Why Google Apps Can Benefit RIS/T
Benefit 1: Control
• GApps allows centralized control & administration of all content
• Wikispaces, Wetpaint, Weebly, etc. do not allow any real administrative control
• When staff leaves RIS/T, their associated GApps content disappears also
Benefit 2: Collaboration
• Users can create: Documents, spreadsheets, surveys, quizzes, slideshows, websites, intranets, wikis, calendars, instant message groups and videoconferences
• These creations can be shared with or edited by students, peers or parents… or kept entirely private
• Students and staff can log in anywhere/anytime to collaborate and communicate
Benefit 3: No Software Needed
• No Cost (MS Office is certainly not free!)
• No security issues (hacked software, etc.)
• No legal issues
• No compatibility issues (.doc vs .docx, Mac vs PC.)
• No maintenance (software installation, updating, troubleshooting)
Benefit 4: Compatible w/ all OSs
• Works on PC
• Works on Mac
• Works on Linux
• Works on any smart phone, iTouch, etc.
• Accessible 24/7 from any internet-connected device
Benefit 5: Multiple Administrators
• There is no “sole” gatekeeper of GApps for RIS/T
• If one of us disappears, the others can maintain the system, anytime/anywhere
• Tony, Liang & I are administrators
Benefit 6: Allows Tech “Leapfrogging”
• Other schools have previously invested in older, complicated & expensive groupware
• GApps is easier to use & manage, and is FREE
• Shows the world that RIS/T is taking a lead in the use of new technologies
Benefit 7: Helps in Emergencies
• In the event of a medical or political crisis, GApps can make staff/student/parent communication & collaboration possible
• Courses can be run “virturally” through the use of class wikis, blogs, calendars, IM & videoconferencing
Benefit 8: Only 1 Login
• GApps requires just one login to access multiple applications
• Other options such as Netvibes, Wikispaces, WordPress, Yahoo, Skype, etc. provide applications “individually,” forcing users to login separately for each!
Benefit 9: Skills Transfer
• Learning how to use GApps is a valuable skill
• These skills will help staff and students be prepared for learning & working in the 21st century
• Google is here to stay & learning the “Google way” will pay off
• Putting effort into learning the “Wetpaint way” or the “Zoho way” might be wasted effort
Benefit 10: Brings Unity
• People are overwhelmed and frustrated by all the technological choices these days
• The GApps “umbrella” of services is simple to use (fun, even!) and provides a unified solution for many needs
• Helps unify our campus
Google Apps for RIS/T Tour:
• Start Page (start.rism.ac.th)
• Calendar (calendar.rism.ac.th)
• Docs (docs.rism.ac.th)
• Sites (sites.rism.ac.th)
• Talk
GApps for RIS/T Wikis
• Ms. Vivian (Mandarin Weather Project) • Ms. Junko (Japanese Class)• Mr. Alex (English Skills 11)• Ms. Mendy (Bio 10 Self-Assessment)• Ms. Jenny (Accelerated 9 Math) • Ms. Gail (Teaching ESL in the Mainstream) • Ms. Rachel (Week Without Walls)• Ms. Jennifer (UNEP Ozone Project)• Mr. Steve (IT Dept)
Other Schools Using GApps:
• Prem Tinsulanonda of Chiang Mai
• American School of Japan
• Yokohama International School
• International School of Kuala Lumpur
• Busan Foreign School
• King George V School of Hong Kong
• Carol Morgan School
Future Considerations
• Gmail for next year?
• Google Earth Pro – 200 free licenses
• Google SketchUp Pro – licenses coming
• May RIS/T be on path to becoming a “Google School”?
• Importance of Internet bandwidth
• Importance of students using RIS email
That’s IT.