EEND 676 Artifact #1: Using Google as a Collaborative Tool

Google Communities: Artifact #1


Hello Class,


One of the biggest take-aways from this course was my increased familiarity with Google Apps and Tools.  I had worked with Google Communities before, but have really strengthened my familiarity with this amazing tool!  I feel that even some Google Pros don't use or know about Google Communities and rarely hear about it's use in the classroom.  This year alone, I have set up 5 assignments with Google Communities, and am planning a 6th with a google study group.


The artifact I submitted for this class was a screencast and Google Community for the amazing film Chasing Coral.  There are so many great eco-documentaries out there today, and I wish I could show them all to my students.  Because of the lack of time, and not wanting to use valuable class time to watch movies, I wanted to find a way to assign a film where students could watch, comment, ask questions, and collaborate with their peers while watching.  This would mimic the classroom environment from the comfort of their own home and not take valuable class time. 


That is why I set up a Google Community.  Students could join and access the community and follow a specific prompt and Screencast on how to comment to their peers about their thoughts while watching the film.  Interaction was a key component, and much like this class, replies to fellow students comments were a critical part of this assignment. 


I am happy to say that I just finished running this community in my class and all comments were due December 1st.  Wow, I have really enjoyed the overall experience.  Although there were some hiccups, such as students not being able to access the community or the video itself, overall the assignment was very powerful.  Students were vey involved with the discussion, and provided lots of feedback! In fact, there were a few students that I hadn't heard from all year that gave amazing comments on the film, making me wonder how I can get them more comfortable in class to share these amazing comments.


I did have one student reply with some inappropriate comments and that had to be addressed.  I think a continuous reminder for digital citizenship is critical with these assignments!  Hopefully, these problems won't exist as their exposure to these activities increases. 




Here is a link to one of my class periods discussions:


https://plus.google.com/communities/111088396665746250684?sqinv=V3NWb2VNVnVaeF9YTEJhMEdXMm9xWG5zVnJ2Tl9n




Thank you,


Jim Nielsen

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