Digital Intensive - Hangouts & Gmail

Today we looked at several different resources.  Our focus today was based on creativity, we discussed the 'CREATE' out of the 'Learn, Create, Share' Model.  We talked about 'empowerment' and how we can get our children to engage in their learning, we then discussed how we can get the children motivated.

We then looked at all the extras that Gmail can offer us.  You can use different filters to put separate emails in different folders.  I was able to make a folder for all the Blog Posts I get so I am able to look at them all at the same time in another folder.  We then went on and looked at Calendars and how you can organize your schedule.  Google Calendars provides the opportunity to share meetings with colleagues whilst sharing documents during the meeting also.  I was able to add several of my colleague's calendars to my calendar.

We then looked at Google Hangouts, how are these useful for teachers and our children?  You are able to have a discussion with anyone around the world at any given time.  You are also able to share documents and chat through Hangouts.  We had a discussion about a child's blog post.  You can see Norah's blog here.  We discussed what 'Create' can look like in the classroom.  We unpacked an activity and talked about the disadvantages this activity had and what was good about it.  This is our Google Hangout below.



I look forward to using Hangouts in the classroom and with other colleagues.  This will also give my children the opportunity to talk to professionals about different topic interests.  Thanks again to Dorothy and James for all of this amazing Professional Development we are getting.