Google for the classroom

As you can probably tell from previous postings, I really appreciate all of the products Google has come out with.  I use Google products many times each day at work.  I'm especially pleased that Google has branded a series of these as Google Apps for Education.  

Here's a video from Google that speaks to their work in cloud computing for education and other organizations:

If you have some time this summer, I highly recommend trying some of these out.  All  you need is one Google ID (like a Gmail address, which is free) to use them all.

My favorites for the classroom are GoogleDocs (no surprise there!) and Google Talk.  I use both of them pretty regularly.  Try them out-especially Google Docs-it works great with Twitter to keep in contact with your kids, and the best part is that iTouches can access GoogleDocs content. 

Score! Lots of Technology in class = Better Prepared Students...

...sort of.

This article explains the link between technology-heavy classrooms and students that are prepared with "21st Century Skills".  This skills are defined as:  "skills in accountability, collaboration, communication, creativity, critical thinking, ethics, global awareness, innovation, leadership, problem solving, productivity and self-direction."

Another main aspect of this article centers around teachers' readiness to utilized technology and teaching of so called 21st century skills based on their courses in college.  I think most teachers would agree that the majority of their coursework had little usable effect in the classroom (with the exception of student teaching).  It seems that most teachers' skill and especially prowess with classroom technology comes from being in the classroom and trying things out.

Technology & Cheating in Class

Clearly I think technology has enhanced teaching a great deal, but it has also made it much easier for dishonest (or crafty) students cheat in class.  I read this article, which outlined a number of ways schools are working to combat cheating in the classroom.  One of the more amusing "fighting back" methods is not allowing students to chew gum during tests as it "could disguise a student speaking into a hands-free cell phone to an accomplice".  It seems like many of these are definitely more geared toward large, lecture-based courses in college.  If classroom teachers are up and monitoring students during assessments, much of the cheating can be prevented, caught or just discouraged. 

It does happen though.  

I think some of the best things that all school officials can take from this type of article are resources like turnitin.com, something that is available in my school.  Students are required to upload research (and other) papers they have written.  Turnitin.com then analyzes it and gives the instructor a report on the percentage of similarity between the students' work and sources online.  

image source

From writing answers on scraps of paper to photographing tests for friends, students unfortunately will try to cheat.  

• The best thing teachers can do is be vigilant.  Students don't want to get in trouble-if they think you'll catch them, they are less likely to cheat.  
• Show your students respect.  If you can develop a positive relationship with them, and then express disappointment in choices that you don't like, students will make more positive choices.
• During tests, walk around and watch your kids.  
• Read what they turn in-don't just 'stamp it' or put a check on it.  

How do you combat 'techno-cheating' in your classes?