GAIN


 * Google Apps - Instructional Needs**

Monday, June 27 - Lerman & Hicks, Chapter 7: __ Blogger __ Tuesday, June 28 - Lerman & Hicks, Chapter 1: How Google __ Transformed __ a School Wednesday, June 29 - Lerman & Hicks, Chapter 13: __ @iGoogle __ Thursday, June 30 - Lerman & Hicks, Chapter 11: __ Calendar __ Friday, July 1 - Lerman & Hicks, Chapter 3: __ Documents __

Monday, July 4 - Lerman & Hicks, Chapter 4: __ Presentations __ Tuesday, July 5 - Lerman & Hicks, Chapter 5: __ Spreadsheets __ Wednesday, July 6 - Lerman & Hicks, Chapter 6: __ Forms __ Thursday, July 7 - __ Drawing __ Friday, July 8 - Lerman & Hicks, Chapter 16: __ Sites __

Using a blog-based performance record for the SMART track requires that we front-load the session on Blogger, although it may seem peculiar to begin in the middle of the text. The idea is to use in the course the tools we are studying in the course. Along those lines, it may be useful to note that this course plan is presented in Google Sites. It is not necessary to front-load Sites, however, because you are a passive user of Sites, rather than an active developer as you are with Blogger.

Much of the Web 2.0 work in this course is based on Google services/apps. There are many non-Google Web 2.0 tools, which are explored in coursework in the MAET program.The use of Google is becoming increasingly widespread. Beyond the savings on direct and indirect costs (software purchase and support services, respectively), the advantages for educational applications and administrative services provided through the Google integrated services are significant, as can be seen in Chapter 1, along with the supporting You Tube clips.

GAIN follows the apps mentioned in Chapter 1. Calendar is a foundation piece, as is Gmail, and they often are discussed together. It is within Gmsil that the Chat feature resides. However, Gmail (and Chat) do what they do in education more or less the same way as in any other use. While Gmail does have some special features compared to other email systems, the text chose not to give it space. Calendar, on the other hand, does have some unique education use, as the text and supplemental ITunesU segments will demonstrate.

Most of the apps mentioned in Chapter 1 are part of Google Docs, covered in Chapters 3-6. Drawing, although part of Google Docs, was developed too recently to make the publication deadline for the text. The school model in Chapter 1 also mentioned Google Groups. However, Google Groups has been changed since the text was published in favor of Google Sites and iGoogle. So, Google Groups has been shifted to the GLUE track with iGoogle and Google Sites now part of the core set of apps used in schools.

__Notes__:
 * With regard to the Lerman & Hicks text, Chapter 2 is not needed because you will have your account before you come to class. Chapter 17 is about administering a Google Apps site. Most of you will not have to do that, but if you do then you may want to consult that chapter then. Section V is parceled out among the pages on each app.
 * Appendix A may be of interest if you are aware of the restrictions concerning the use of the internet by children under 13 years of age. Again, like chapter 17, this is an administrative issue that is unlikely to be a concern for most classroom teachers, but it is there if you need it. Appendix B is simply a recap, for your convenience, of the National Educational Technology Standards for Students, Teachers, and Administrators, respectively.