Many schools are “going Google” and using the Google suite of educational tools for educators and students. Google Classroom is a great tool to use for communication and collaboration, but learning its full potential can take some time. If you feel like you have some holes in your knowledge, it can be useful to look for tips, tricks and information from other educators.
The sites we’ll discuss today are great ways to get ready to use Google Classroom with students. Many of these are not specific to music teachers, but the information they contain would be very easy for a music teacher to adapt to fit their needs.
1. Shake Up Learning – Kasey Bell
Shake Up Learning has a variety of helpful blog posts about using technology in schools. There are many posts about using Google Classroom, as well as a paid course to learn about using Google Classroom.
One of the most helpful resources I found on Kasey’s site was a blog post on how to differentiate using Google Classroom. Music teachers could differentiate both based on skill level and even different assignments for students who play different instruments.
- The Shake Up Learning Show podcast
- Co-host of the Google Teacher Tribe podcast
- Connect with Kasey Bell on Twitter: @ShakeUpLearning
Here are 3 posts we love from Kasey Bell
- 10 Google Classroom Tips You Didn’t Know
- How to Create Drag and Drop Activities with Google Slides
- Back to School with G Suite: 6 Activities for the Classroom
2. Ditch That Textbook – Matt Miller
Ditch That Textbook includes many useful teacher resources, including lots of educational technology tips. There are non-technology related articles too, many focused on student engagement. The site has a great article about how to organize a Google Classroom.
- Co-host of the Google Teacher Tribe podcast
- Connect with Matt Miller on Twitter: @jmattmiller
Here are 3 posts we love from Matt Miller
- Tech tip smackdown! 70+ edtech tips from fellow educators
- 3 easy strategies to organize your Google Classroom
- 20 activities to “Bloom” with the new Flipgrid camera
3. Educator Alexander – Desiree Alexander
Educator Alexander includes a variety of educational technology topics on their website. The newsletter is full of features and helpful links for teachers interested in a variety of technology tools. In the current newsletter, you can find a link to a beta test program for rubrics in Google Classroom, which sounds like a great option for many music teachers who use Google Classroom for assessment.
- Connect with Educator Alexander on Twitter: @educatoralex
Here are 3 resources we love from Educator Alexander
4. Class Tech Tips – Monica Burns
Class Tech Tips includes many, many blog posts about using technology in the classroom. The posts are easy to follow, and the handy search feature makes it easy to find what you’re looking for.
One interesting blog post covers how to use Spark Video (an Adobe tool) in Google Classroom.
- Easy EdTech Podcast
- Connect with Monica Burns on Twitter: @classtechtips
Here are 3 posts we love from Monica Burns
- Tech-Friendly Student Storytelling Activity
- Multimedia Goal Setting Activity for Students
- How Google Forms Transformed My Data Collection
5. Teacher Training Videos – Russell Stannard
This video-based site includes tutorial videos made especially for teachers. One that might be useful to teachers using Google Classroom is the tutorial on Google Forms, which can be used inside a Google Classroom for easy student access.
And a bonus: Google Certification for Teachers
In addition to learning about Google Classroom through the sites above, teachers can also learn about Google Classroom straight from Google by becoming a Google Certified Educator.
Google Certification for Educators is a great way to learn the basics of many Google Tools, and helps teachers to see the possibilities of the many different tools that Google offers for learning. Multiple training courses and certifications are available, including Levels 1 and 2, Certified Trainer, and Certified Innovator. For more information about getting certified, check out this article.
- Connect with Russell Stannard on YouTube: Russell Stannard (Teacher Training Videos)
Here are 3 videos we love from Russell Stannard
- Google Docs in Education
- Google Forms-Create tests and quizzes that are automatically marked by Google Forms
- How sharing works in Google Docs
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Looking for More Resources for Music Teachers?
Hello! I’m Katie Argyle – an Australian music technology trainer and consultant with a passion for helping music teachers through my business Midnight Music.
I’m a qualified teacher but no, I don’t currently teach in a school. I help teachers through my online professional development space – the Midnight Music Community – where there are tutorial videos, courses, links and downloadable resources.
I like to focus on easy ways to incorporate technology into what you are already doing in your music curriculum through a range of creative projects. I also run live workshops and have presented at countless conferences and other music education events.
If you want simple, effective ideas for using technology in music education, I would LOVE to help you inside the Midnight Music Community.
