When someone mentions the word, “Google,” most everyone thinks of the fantastic Web search site. Others think of it as their customized Home page on the Web. However, as an educator, Google should also bring to mind one of the most valuable collection of tools for educators on the Web, Google for Educators.
The philosophy of the site, according to Google, is to “support teachers in their efforts to empower students and expand the frontiers of human knowledge.” To this end, they have assembled a world-wide array of information, activities and tools that educators can apply in their local classrooms.
To assist you in using Google for Educators, one will find a teacher’s guide to Google Tools for Your Classroom on the site. And to spark your imagination, there are examples of innovative ways that other educators are using these tools in their classrooms.
Various tools that an educator will find useful, such as collaborative document creation, geographical applications (like Google Earth and Sky), 3-D drawing programs, and on-line book searches, are bundled in an easy to access site. Teacher discussion boards, blogs, lesson activities and posters are also easily located from the Google for Educators site.
Google offers educators the option to sign up for their quarterly Google for Educators newsletter to keep informed of new offerings added to the site. The Newsletter also announces various educational competitions and contests. One recent offering was a partnership with the Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum to encourage the next generation of designers and artists.
Google adds features and content to their Educator pages regularly, so be sure to check the site often. It will be time well-spent.
Google for Educators can be found at: http://www/google.com/educators.
(c) 2009, New Vista Concepts, LLC
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