Proposal

JutesJohn High School

The many features of Google Apps

Being a global leader in technology innovation, the Google Apps for Education suite also includes many features to make learning accessible for blind and low vision users as well as the deaf and hard of hearing. Tools like Google Translate, will help to improve the comprehension and level of student participation by students from diverse populations such as Nepal, Somalia Mexico and our ESOL students, encompassing over 70 different languages, two of which are spoken at JutesJohn High. Additionally, the Google Text to Speech Program offers advanced skills in handwriting focused on those who are visually impaired.

All work done in Google Apps is automatically backed up with each user having 30GB of storage space, and even though we would be using Google servers (freeing up space and speeding up our network), we would still maintain ownership of all of our data. Additionally, there is no need to purchase new hardware or expensive software licenses; Google updates are automatic.  Cloud based products that work on any computer or mobile device with internet access assures compatibility when moving from one device to another thus reduces the spread of computer viruses and less dependency on thumb drives. 

Google Apps for Education has capability for use with both mobile devices and the web to include but not limited to applications including Gmail, Drive (documents, spreadsheets, presentations, forms, etc.), Calendar, Sites, Groups, and Google Hangouts. These applications are available to any consumer however, when contracted through a school system, they include the federally mandated student privacy and protection filters that are traditionally purchased at no additional cost.  Collaboration increases through the use of cloud-based apps as multiple users work together in various Google Apps to solve problems and share resources across both space and time.

Google makes it possible to integrate their services with several learning management and student administration systems including Promethean ActivEngage. When coupled with student mobile devices this reduces the number of Promethean ActivExpression (clickers) needed as well as our use of paper for student assessment through the creation of digital data. Information created from student assessments in Google Forms and Drive makes data analysis and easier through the use of spreadsheets and graphs for student assessments created using in Google Forms and Drive.

To Keep First Class or Not...That is the question

Using Google Chrome as a web browser and Gmail rather than Internet Explorer and First Class (FC) will be an adjustment but the benefits far outweigh the costs. An additional concern may be the loss of data stored in First Class; with the school running a Google Apps for Education on a trial basis, teachers would still have access to data stored in FC until the County makes the decision to terminate or keep it's use. Take a snapshot one of its features on how you can to create messages in First Class .  Many of these files can be imported to Google Drive, email contacts added to Gmail and future access to professional learning handouts can also be provided through a Google site built and maintained by the Instructional Technology Department.

Automatic Java updates in Google Chrome may interfere with eSIS which relies on older versions of Java. This should not conflict as teachers will open eSIS in Internet Explorer.  However, JutesJohn High could also be granted “early adopter” privileges and run Infinite Campus during the Spring as well; again, troubleshooting and working to identify problematic issues before a system-wide deployment during the 2014-15 fiscal and academic year.

Change is good at JutesJohn High

As an International Baccalaureate World School, it strives to provide all students with an educational foundation for reaching their maximum potential and as such, we should be at the forefront of investigation, evaluation, and change with in the County school district. 

Why Not Google Prezi?

Just click on the link above to view our Prezi on Google Apps for Education. What is your response?
Let's make taking attendance in your classroom a little easier, Lets create, share ideas, collaborate and eliminate the countless emails and files and let the cloud have them all. Let's have fun while learning.


                                                                         References

http://tbarrett.edublogs.org/2008/10/18/my-proposal-to-use-google-docs-for-online-reporting-to-parents/

http://www.google.com/enterprise/apps/education/

http://googleenterprise.blogspot.com/2013/10/google-helps-schools-stretch-tight.html

http://www.google.comhttp://www.google.com/enterprise/apps/education/resources/recorded-webinars.html/edu/teachers/

http://www.google.com/enterprise/apps/education/customers.html