BP14_GoogleDocsDrawing

What's the point?

Google Docs Drawing allows users to collaborate, chat and draw. Although there are endless possibilities, I’ve found this tool most relevant for brainstorming group ideas. My group members and I are able to draw flow charts and add images that visually represent what we plan to do for projects.

The chat feature allows us to communicate during our drawing session and adds a personal touch to online, distant usage. I also find this drawing tool really effective for its ability to save your drawings as picture files such as jpeg or giff. This not only enhances group collaboration online but it also enhances group productivity. Truly an amazing work tool.

BP13_GoogleDocsDrawing

As students, business professionals and educators, we often have teams and groups that we must effectively work and communicate with. We have common goals to reach and deadlines to meet. Then there comes that daunting moment of agreement, the actual process of choosing our topic, outcome, or idea. It gets extremely hard when you have distance between members and schedule conflicts. So Google Docs, the most amazing collaboration tool has presented yet another tool that serves its awesomeness. Google Docs Drawing! Now teams have a place to begin the brainstorming process-together!

So what makes the drawing feature different than a traditional email? I’m glad you asked because this drawing feature allows users to chat online, edit and save work, and add other collaborators to the project. So meetings can really become productive meetings with members working on the same document. The drawing feature can definitely make our lives a little easier. Collaborate, Communicate, DRAW!

BP12_GoogleDocsDrawing

This video is an introduction video to the tool Google Docs Drawing. Enjoy!

BP11_OMM_Edublogs

Edublogs is a blog site designed for teacher and students. It's a great way to use blogging in a more controlled environment.

BP10_Link to Bryan's Blog

Follow this link to see my comments on Bryan's blog. He discovered a great Web2.0 tool.

BP9_Comments on June's Blog

Follow my link to see my comments about the Web 2.0 tool June discovered.

BP8_Edublogs

Since I've been enrolled in Education Media Design & Technology at Full Sail University, I've discovered and explored a long list of great Web 2.0 tools. I've learned from my instructors and peers many ways to enhance teaching, training or instruction through technology. I've really taken an interest in blogging and video blogging and have incorporated it into my curriculums. 

I encourage blogging in the classroom and other programs to allow all students to actively participate in contributing to a group project. I want the blogs to be the student’s brainchild. It will become something that they come in wanting to do and something they can be proud of.

The Web 2.0 tool I plan to use for my students is Edublogs. Edublogs is a free blogging site that allows teachers and other professionals to set up blogging sites that can be controlled. I no longer have to think about the unfiltered blogging communities that exist because this tool is strictly for educators, students and professionals. Edublogs is safe and reliable with its privacy setting and options and student friendly with its user interface. The advantage of this tool is the exploration of other school blogs to get ideas and discover how well other students respond to blogging. I plan to allow my students to check out other schools blogs for ideas. I eventually want to link some communication between distant students with my students through blogging. I also think blog collaboration would be a cool idea as well.

Edublogs allows educators to incorporate blogging into teaching and instruction. It offers features such as posting pictures, video and other media and can be used for a number of activities and/or assignments. Overall, Edublogs is a great blogging site that’s designed specifically for education.

BP7_Smilebox

I've finally found a reliable and creative answer not only for my personal use but for classroom use as well. Smilebox is such a neat tool that allows me to give my students a creative outlet for their video blogs and photos. I've included scrapbooking into our year end activities and Smilebox is the perfect tool for that. I've purchased the premium subscription and have already began printing works of wonders. I look forward to incorporating this tool into my AR  Project and overall curriculum. I hope this commercial and example of the beauty of Smilebox encourages you to try it.

Smile.

 

BP6_Comments to Jonnika's Blog

Follow this link to see my comments to Jonnika's Blog.

BP5_Comment to Jen Alman's Blog

Follow this link to read my comment to Jen Alman's Blog