After discussing our timeline with each other, we have decided to change the direction of our inquiry. While we feel the google certification program is a valuable asset, the amount of work necessary to complete it is unrealistic at this point in time. Last week, we looked into the first unit of the course which would have taken us a minimum of 85 minutes. The entire course suggests that it would take about 775 minutes. If you see the following images below, you will see the extensiveness of the course. To complete this course and spend time to blog about it, we do not have enough time on top of our current academic course load. 

We will now be using this inquiry as a way to learn more about the apps in the GSuite. We think this will benefit our future teaching careers while also being a realistic goal for our current student schedules. Once we become really well acquainted with the google apps, we will be able to teach our students how to use them easily and also be able to seamlessly incorporate them into our future classrooms.

The first app we will be looking at is “Science Journal.” This is a Google app that “transforms your device into a pocket-size science tool that encourages students to explore their world. As they conduct eye-opening experiments, they’ll record observations and make new, exciting discoveries.” This app can be used in younger classrooms that have tablets/iPads or in older middle school classrooms where students have their own phones.

The app allows students to document their science experiments through measurement, picture taking, and note-taking. The app is free and provides “70 hands-on science activities from education experts.” 

– Sarah, Heather, Lauren