During the month of October, educational technology specialist Jennifer Bloomingdale launches two exciting courses on Google Apps. In this interview, Jennifer discusses her Google Docs 101 and Google Presentations 101 eCourses and what participants can expect to experience.

Jennifer has four years of elementary teaching experience, which includes implementing a 1:1 netbook initiative. It was through her teaching experience and masters program that Jennifer developed a passion for integrating technology and assisting others in doing so. Participants in these courses are in for a treat!

1. Who is the ideal learner for this course?

Anyone who is interested in learning more about Google Apps or wants to use Google Apps with their students.

2. What’s your favorite use of Google Apps for education that you’ve seen so far?

I would have to say it is the collaboration aspect of Google Apps. I love that students and teachers can work together on something, it leads to so many possibilities for lessons and activities.

3. What will the learning experience be like for participants? Can you tell us about some of the learning activities?

We start with specifics, how to use some of the basic features of Google Apps. Participants also have access to a video library to help review certain features as they work through projects. There are a few hands-on activities throughout the course that guide participants in using Google Apps and encourage them to utilize some of the collaboration features.  We also share and talk about ways to utilize Google Apps in the classroom and how to manage classroom use of the tool.

4. How will the courses change the way participants think about or use Google Apps?

The courses show participants that Google Apps is more than the traditional programs that we’re used to. I have to say at first I didn’t want to try Google Docs with my classroom because I loved Word, but once my students all got Google Docs accounts, I realized that Google Docs was so much more than a word processing tool. It allows us to collaborate, share and create together.

5. What would you tell someone who was interested, but on the fence about signing up?

What I noticed about the last section of this course is that everyone was very supportive and excited to share ideas. To me, this is an ideal way to learn and explore a new tool! You have a group of people with unique experiences that help brainstorm, support and create, You’ll walk away with a wealth of information that you will always have access to!

These courses are scheduled back to back for a full month of learning. You can also take one or the other, but both courses will give you the full learning experience!

Google Docs 101 starts October 14

Google Presentations 101 starts October 28

About the Instructor

Jennifer Bloomingdale graduated from the College of St. Rose in 2006 with a Bachelors in Childhood Education. In 2011 she completed her Masters in Educational Technology and became a New York State certified Educational Technology Specialist.  Jennifer has four years of elementary teaching experience, which includes implementing a 1:1 netbook initiative. It was through her teaching experience and masters program that Jennifer developed a passion for integrating technology and assisting others in doing so. Here you will find Jennifer’s Digital Portfolio.

About Google Docs 101

Leveraging Web 2.0 tools is a powerful learning strategy in the 21st Century. But how do you choose the right tool that will enhance classroom learning and not be an afterthought or add on? This course is part of the Web 2.0 Tools Series, which will address the relationship between content, pedagogy, and technology while covering the nuts and bolts of each tool and how to use each within the context of your classroom.

The first two-week course in the Google Apps 101 series will be Google Docs. As result of this course participants will:

• Learn how-to create and collaborate with Google Docs for professional and classroom use
• Evaluate how Google Docs can enhance curriculum
• Discuss pros/cons of private and public viewing of information
• Confer on value of Google Apps versus Microsoft Word, Corel Word, etc.
• Create engaging lessons and activities with Google Docs

Upcoming courses in the Google Apps 101 series will include Google Forms, Spreadsheets, Presentations for professional and classroom use and Google Hangout.

This course launches October 14 and space is limited! Don’t miss out!

About Google Presentations 101

This second two-week course in the Google Apps 101 series will be Google Presentations. As result of this course participants will:

• Learn how-to create and collaborate with Google Presentations for professional and classroom use
• Evaluate how Google Presentations can enhance curriculum
• Discuss pros/cons of private and public viewing of information
• Confer on value of Google Presentations versus Powerpoint, Hyperstudio and other multimedia software
• Create engaging lessons and activities with Google Presentations

Upcoming courses in the Google Apps 101 series will include Google Forms and Spreadsheets for professional and classroom use and Google Hangout.

This course launches October 28 and space is limited! Don’t miss out!