5 simple ideas to use Google apps in your classroom

Google apps are a great tool to use in the classroom - regardless of your age of students. They are free to use, multi-purpose and allow for creative opportunities in the classroom. Google incorporates a range of apps like docs, sheets, slides, drawings, sites and more! Each of these can be used in many different ways depending on your age and students you teach. Here I will share five simple ideas for using Google in your classroom! 

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1. Google forms
Google forms are a great tool for gathering voice, ideas and surveys. A multi-purpose tool that can be designed for lots of different learning opportunities. Some ways are:

• Morning check ins
• Collecting data
• Maths time
• Student choice in learning
• Workshops
• Fun tests​

I have used Google forms for lots of different curriculum areas, especially in maths or data gathering. I love using it to gather voice and then create data sheets to show the information that is displayed. Check out a few examples of Google forms in use below. 

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2. Voice typing
Voice typing is an amazing tool that can help all students to record and type their learning. You press the voice record and dictate your sentences into your device. Voice typing will record your sentences and type them for you. 
Voice typing is great for students that struggle to write, ELL's, time saver students or teachers, sharing ideas ideas from multiple people and even dictating on the go. 

​Watch this simple video on how it works. 

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3. Google sheets
Google sheets is an amazing hidden gem that can be used in so many different ways. I love how you can present information, share findings and create sheets to document/analyse learning.  I have been exploring different features and tech tips with Google sheets recently that you might find interesting! I want to explore the use of conditional formatting so will share more of that once I have done it!

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4. Emoji bullets
I love using emojis - i use them all the time in my classroom, resources and materials. My kids love helping me choose which ones to use, with their being heaps to choose from! I recently shared about this in my What's 'App'-ening newsletter and made a quick explanation video showing you how to do it also. See it below to add this excitement to your classroom or resources too. 

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5. Google Calendar
Of course a calendar app is a great way to keep your life in line. Google calendar integrates with your other apps, appearing down the right hand side of your dashboard now when using Google apps. You can click on it to add appointments, schedule items, events and more! 
You can even invite others onto your calendar invites and include video conferencing for meetings that are online. It integrates great with Zoom and Google meet. Check out my two handy videos that could help you using Google calendar too.