Google+Applications

Google Applications
This semester, we learned how to use several applications through Google. This was definately my favorite part of this course. I learned so much about Google that I did not know before. They have so many useful applications such as Google Documents, Sketchup, Reader, iGoogle, and Maps/Earth.



For one particular assignment, I wrote a lesson plan that used **Google Earth**. My classmates (Kerianne and Sam) and I thought that this application would be a great tool for a geography lesson. It was really neat to show our classmates a satellite image of places around the world. You can view our lesson by clicking the button below:



Another great application from Google is **SketchUp!** Another group in my class wrote a lesson plan using SketchUp to teach patterns. It was really, really cool. You can make basically anything in this application. According to  Wikipedia , sketchup is a 3D modeling program designed for architectural, civil, and mechanical engineers as well as filmmakers, game developers, and related professions. It also includes features to facilitate the placement of models in Google Earth. On the Google SketchUp website there is an entire page dedicated to using the application for K-12 Education.

**Google Reader** is an application that I had never heard of before this course. It is so neat because it allows you to view so many different publications online. In class, I learned how to view and subscribe to some of my favorite magazines. I subscribed to TIME Magazine and Teen Vogue. I can even see the blogs of my classmates that I have subscribed to! Google Reader is such a useful resource. I think it would be a great way to get students who don't normally like to read to enjoy reading. I think students would find it more exciting to read on the computer. I really enjoyed learning about Google Reader.

My absolute favorite thing that I learned about Google is how to use the application **Google Documents**, or as it is often abbreviated, Google Docs. According to Wikipedia , Google Docs is a free, Web-based word processor, spreadsheet, presentation, form, and data storage service offered by Google. It allows users to create and edit documents online while collaborating in real-time with other users. Using this application is so easy and convenient. My favorite feature is that my classmates and I could edit the same document at the same time on separate computers from completely different parts of campus! After learning about this application in Media and Technology, a classmate and I used it to write a lesson plan for a different class. It made the assignment so much easier and we were able to collaborate and have control at the same time. I definitely plan to use this application in the future!