The “Basic Suite” for Learning

The ways of using Suite programs in the classroom are endless. Whether you are using Google G Suite or Microsoft Office Suite, the powerful tools incorporated into these programs can transform any classroom into a technology wonderland! Regardless of grade level, there is always something you can create using Google. Thinking there were probably only a few ways to have a first grader use Google Sheets, I was surprised to find a large assortment of ideas including creating custom coloring pictures by having students color in the squares to create a picture, to Skittles candy sorting, to favorite holiday survey results. Moving up in the grade levels will only increase the project ideas and difficulty levels of the lessons you can create using Google Sheets. From a teacher’s standpoint, Sheets can be used for tracking attendance, averaging grades, tracking assessment and growth over time, inventory of classroom supplies, or even something as simple as making a math worksheet.

Another Google Suite program that is great for the classroom is Google Slides. This program is perfect for students working together in a hybrid or remote learning environment.  Regardless of the student’s location, a group of peers can collaborate on creating a portfolio-type project on any subject or idea.  The program includes template for standard page layouts, or students can use their creativity and arrange their slide to create dramatic effects or to incorporate videos and narrations.

The opportunities do not end there – I could go on to describe the benefits of Google Classroom, Forms, Sites, Keep, Photos, Chat, Calendar, Meet, and Gmail. I remember years ago when everyone was saying, “there’s an app for that!” The same could be said now with Google Suite.  For all of your needs, there is a program to accomplish that task. In addition, the programs are so easy to use that incorporating technology into your lessons will not only enhance them, but it will engage your students at a level of learning that was never before possible.

One of the relative advantages of using Google Suite is the ease of use. Whether you are using Slides, Doc, Sheets, or Sites, students can create professional looking work. I would like to say students are only limited by their own creativity, but even that is not true. Even for students that feel they are not creative, there are ways to make a great presentation.  If you are unsure where to start, choose one of the pre-made templates and color schemes and start adding text and images. Google has created a program where you can easily add items to your presentation with just the click of a button – adding videos, images, hyperlinks, and recordings. For those tasks that are difficult to figure out, Google has even included a “help” button to answer all your questions.

My favorite advantage to using Google Suite is the collaboration tool that is built into all their programs. With more students working remotely, it is easy for students to work on projects both during class time and outside of class time. Multiple students can be working on the same document at the same time and teachers can view the work in real time.  An added benefit includes the ability for teachers (and students) to leave comments on the project so students receive instant feedback throughout the length of the project timeline.

Finally, the save-as-you-go feature that is standard in all Google programs is great.  I remember years ago typing an entire report only to have my computer crash in the middle of the last paragraph! It is so easy to get deeply engrossed in the work you are doing and completely forget to save your project. Gone are the days of starting from scratch and trying to remember everything you did. From the large variety of programs to fit all your needs, to the ease of using each programs, I think adding Google Suite is a perfect addition to your classroom resources.