Discussions with Tech

Sometimes technical errors or glitches lead to better solutions...

My last post was about setting up Google Sheets as whole class discussions. It went great on day one back from break. 

I started off with the question 'what did you do on break?' I couldn't get the students off the Sheet, but they got the concept of answering in the cells and replying with comments right away. 

However, the next day we were back in the classroom on iPads. Sheets was only working on about 50% of them. So, I looked to do the discussion starters on Forms. 

It was great. I love the new Google Forms. Students were able to answer as individuals and then gather in the Board Room (area of meeting tables around the SMART Board as we discussed the anonymous answers. Although the answers on the SMART Board were anonymous I was still able to open the spreadsheet and link students with their responses.

I am continuing to use Sheets as whole class resources where all students can edit one Sheet. For example I am doing small group research on a Sheet that is editable to all. From this research sheet students will complete individual writing reflections on a Doc. 

This is a project where students will connect the book NightJohn by Gary Paulson to MLK, Ghandi, and Mandela. I am excited for this project on so many levels. The tech, sharing, small groups, connections, discussions and the content - I could not ask for more!!! The crazy part is now that the students are comfortable with the technology they will be able to focus on the tasks, content, and learning. 

Students need PD too! 

Now Sheets has been updated on all the iPads but Chrome is glitching...