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eBistro Module
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Module Title:
Google Tools
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Participant:
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Description:
Google provides many interesting and effective tools that you can use with your students. From interactive maps, to Web page editors, to video resources, Google provides tools to aid you in teaching in the 21st Century. Explore many of the Google tools in this module.

A rubric has been included to help guide you through the collection of all the artifacts you will need to share as evidence of completing the module. Also, the rubric is an assessment tool to be used by the designated personnel in your school district to whom you will submit your completed work for CEU credit.


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Files
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Horizontal Line Google Tools Rubric Doc File
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NETS for Teachers:
1. TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS AND CONCEPTS. Teachers demonstrate a sound understanding of technology operations and concepts. Teachers:
A. demonstrate introductory knowledge, skills, and understanding of concepts related to technology (as described in the ISTE National Education Technology Standards for Students)
B. demonstrate continual growth in technology knowledge and skills to stay abreast of current and emerging technologies.
2. PLANNING AND DESIGNING LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS AND EXPERIENCES. Teachers plan and design effective learning environments and experiences supported by technology.
A. design developmentally appropriate learning opportunities that apply technology-enhanced instructional strategies to support the diverse needs of learners.
B. apply current research on teaching and learning with technology when planning learning environments and experiences.
C. identify and locate technology resources and evaluate them for accuracy and suitability.
D. plan for the management of technology resources within the context of learning activities.
E. plan strategies to manage student learning in a technology-enhanced environment.
3. TEACHING, LEARNING, AND THE CURRICULUM. Teachers implement curriculum plans, that include methods and strategies for applying technology to maximize student learning.
A. facilitate technology-enhanced experiences that address content standards and student technology standards.
B. use technology to support learner-centered strategies that address the diverse needs of students.
C. apply technology to develop students' higher order skills and creativity.
D. manage student learning activities in a technology-enhanced environment.
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Preparation:
Horizontal Line NOTE: You will need Adobe Reader for all PDF documents in this module. Go to the Adobe Web site - http://www.adobe.com/products/... and download the software for free.

This module will provide you with the opportunity to explore two different Google tools. Please see your school’s network administrator or technology representative to assist you with downloading these free software programs:

1. Google Earth- http://earth.google.com/

To get some background information about Google Earth and how you can use it with your students, go to - http://www.google.com/educator...

2. Picasa- http://picasa.google.com/

To get some background information about Picasa, read the PC Magazine article entitled, Picasa 2.0 -- http://tinyurl.com/5chf8

NOTE: All of these tools represent individual pieces of software or Web based applications. While you will be able to explore some features from each of these two tools, this module will not provide you with all of the possible uses for each. Please plan to use the User Guide if you would like to learn about additional features.
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Engagement:
Horizontal Line Activity 1: Google Maps

In the 21st Century, we are more likely to use MapQuest, Yahoo Maps, or Google Maps to find directions as opposed to pulling out an atlas or a road map.

Since we use these resources regularly, we need to begin teaching our students how to use them as well. The following activity will focus on how to use Google Maps.

A. Preparation:

1.Print the Google Tools Implementation Worksheet.
2.Print a copy of the Google Maps Web page as you explore Google Maps - http://www.google.com/help/map...
3. Visit Google Maps at http://maps.google.com
4. Click Help in the top, right corner.
5. Review all three links under Getting Started (Search, Features, and Other.)


B. Get Started With Google Maps:

1. Click on the Google Maps logo in top, left corner of your browser.
2. In the Search Box at the top of the screen, type in your school’s name and zip code.
3. On the left side of the screen, click on the pink ‘push-pin’ that has your school’s name.
4. Click Hybrid in the top, right corner of the map screen, and zoom in on your school building.
5. Print out the map of your school.
6. Generate a list of ways to use Google Maps with students.

C. Finding ‘Easter Eggs’ With Google Maps:

With the satellite feature, people all over the world search to find ‘Easter Eggs’ or different, unique features that have been photographed. People have found trains that look like “Thomas the Tank Engine,” buildings with large cartoons on their roofs, or just some interesting ruins from Egypt. This application has a lot of benefits for students, so visit the Google Sightseeing Web site to begin generating some ideas.

Google Sightseeing- http://www.googlesightseeing.c...

After viewing some of the entries, record some ideas on what you may have your students “search” for.

Activity 2: Google Earth

NOTE: Remember to download the free software to use Google Earth.

Google Earth replicates many of the features of Google Maps, but it is a more powerful geography tool. Besides just displaying maps, users can make movies, download additional information for display, import GIS data, and more.

1.Download Google Earth at http://earth.google.com/downlo...
2. Visit the Google Earth User Guide- http://earth.google.com/usergu...
3. Once you have downloaded the software, open Google Earth and click on. Sightseeing Tour found on the left panel. This will give you the opportunity to practice some of the Google Earth features.
4. Experiment with the Layers panel by clicking some of the features on and off.
5. Using the User Guide, add a bookmark for your school.
6. Add some additional bookmarks for points of interest (POI) near your school
7. Print a map showing your bookmark(s).

Activity 3: Picasa

Google’s free Picasa program helps the typical user organize and manipulate their digital photo collection. After the initial installation, Picasa will automatically scan your hard drive to organize existing photos. When you download additional pictures to your hard drive, Picasa will allow you to create a photo name, picture names, and much more.

1. Download Picasa.
2. Examine the Picasa User Guide at- http://static.picasa.com/asset...
3. When you open Picasa the first time, you will need to allow Picasa to scan your computer for images.
4. Click once on any image in your image folder.
5. View the photo editing tools on the left and use them as needed.
6. Select a picture that needs editing such as red eye or cropping.
7. Print an unedited copy of the image.
8. Perform the tasks on the image.
9. Print a copy of the edited image.
10. Using the User Guide to review other options for using Picasa.
11. Reflect on using Picasa with your students, especially when creating multimedia projects.
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Files
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Horizontal Line Google Tools Implementation Worksheet Doc File
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Reflection:
Horizontal Line • Brainstorm a list of ways to extend the use of these Google Tools, including, but not limited to, extracurricular projects in and outside of the classroom.

• Discuss how you will these Google Tools to replace teaching tools you currently use in your classroom.

• Explain how using these Google Tools will better prepare your students for their futures in a 21st Century learning environment.


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Exploration:
Horizontal Line • Complete the Google Tools Implementation Worksheet.

• Create a lesson plan illustrating how the Google Tools will be used in your classroom.


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Implementation:
Horizontal Line To show that you understand how to implement Google Tools in your classroom, submit the following artifacts:

1. A lesson plan integrating one or more of the Google Tools.

2. A reflection about the success of the lesson.


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Appendix:
Additional Resources
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User Guides for Google Tools:

Picasa
http://static.picasa.com/asset...

Google Earth
http://www.keyhole.com/GoogleE...

Google Earth Community (resources, additional bookmarks, lesson ideas, etc)
http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/ubb...

Google Maps
http://www.google.com/help/map...
Extensions:

Blogger- http://www.blogger.com
Blogger is Google’s free and very popular blog engine. Sign up for an account, then your can begin blogging in a very easy environment.

Google Pages- http://pages.google.com
Create your own Web pages in this easy to use editor. You receive 100 MB of storage, but you must have a Gmail account.

Froogle- http://froogle.google.com/
Google’s shopping site, similar to Yahoo Shopping. This can be used to teach economics and comparison shopping.

Cited Works

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Complete Work   
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