If you would like to improve your classroom activities, make sure to check out our list of the best Google tools for classroom teaching and learning.
Who said that it is a piece of cake to be a good teacher or a productive and good student? These things are definitely not easy at all, but there are so many possibilities today to make them at least a little less difficult than they are in general. Among many amazing things, such as some of these best productivity tools for teachers, there are also Google tools for teaching and learning, and you are about to find out something more about them. Of course, one of the best Google tools for education is actually the Google for Education itself, and you may use it for various amazing purposes. In short, this is a Google service throughout which you can access customizable versions of several Google products that can help you manage your time better, make presentations, save and share documents and many other useful things that can serve well both teacher and students. Moreover, you can use the Google for Education Directory and get in touch with the community of educators who can give you some useful advice or insight regarding the use of Google for Education tools. Also, this is a great way to share your ideas with experts around the world.
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In order to make your classes more interesting, or to make your studying more productive and useful, it is almost impossible not to use your computer, tablet or phone. Also, I’m pretty much sure that you use even one of the numerous Google apps for education. If not, you definitely use Google Chrome to search for some relevant information, books or data, right? We are all more than thankful for this amazing Internet miracle. All in all, the school year is at its very beginning, so it’s never too late to learn something new and improve your teaching and learning process.
Making of this list was more or less easy because I graduated from university and have a little bit of teaching experience, as well. So, I knew exactly where to search for ideas. Websites such as Daily Genius, Teach Hub, and Edutopia always offer some of the best ones. Using suggestions from these sources, the final ranking was made with the help of the Chrome Web Store, where all of the apps, as well as their ratings, can be found. The personal will to change and to do something new is always the most important if you are in the pursuit of better results. Teachers who are not satisfied with the same teaching style for their whole career know best what I’m talking about. Technology can help improve education in so many ways. But, the question is how much teachers and students are interested in using it?
Enjoy while learning more about the best Google tools for classroom teaching and learning.
15. Hangouts on Air
Average Rating: 2.91
I don’t know whether you have thought about this, but using Hangouts on Air in your classroom is probably one of the best ideas that you can come up with. As it deals with the live broadcasts with just a webcam, a computer, and an Internet connection, it can be a great tool for the purpose of having, for example, guest lecturers who are not able to come in person but have a lot to say. These classes can be interactive and very exciting, as both students and teachers may communicate, ask questions and share ideas.
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14. Google SketchUp
Average Rating: 3.63
We’re continuing our list of best Google tools for classroom teaching and learning with this 3D modeling software that can improve, for example, art classes. It’s a great tool for kids since it’s not complicated for them to learn how to use it. Both teachers and students will learn more about 3D techniques and also gather some new knowledge from this area. It can be used for the purpose of constructing models of buildings, cars, trees or whatever else a teacher or students prefer. To make the class even more interesting the teacher can combine it with the Google Earth.
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13. Google Calendar
Average Rating: 3.96
If you have troubles to organize your time or you simply have a lot of things to do, Google Calendar may be of a huge help. No matter whether you are a student or a teacher, the good time management is the essence of the successful teaching and learning process. Because only when you know everything is well organized, you can relax and fully participate and devote to your classes.
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12. Google CS First
Average Rating: 4.0
If you didn’t know it by now, the shortcut CS stands for the computer science. This program is more than great for students aged 9 to 14. Teachers who teach these grades should definitely consider using this tool since computer science is the future. You don’t need to be an IT expert to start teaching this to your students, but a teacher who is willing to teach something that children will have use of, for the rest of their lives.
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11. Google Classroom
Average Rating: 4.0
There are so many things that can be done with the Google Classroom. A teacher can use it for things such as publishing documents, giving homework, evaluating assignments, creating classes, posting announcements, and organizing the class schedule, etc. It is completely free and it’s credible, so don’t worry about the information posted!
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10. Google Earth
Average Rating: 4.14
This tool, among the other best Google tools for classroom teaching and learning, may be used for various classes, starting from science, geography, to language learning while watching certain parts of the Earth. And, the best thing is that it is not limited to the Earth, but you can go and check out the Moon and Mars, for example, and discuss the technology, space, or whatever else you may think of. There is a lot of material, you just need to use your creativity.
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9. Google Docs
Average Rating: 4.19
Don’t confuse Google Docs with Google Drive, since they are completely separated and different tools. Google Docs offers a lot when it comes to teaching and learning process, and it is high time to start using it. You don’t have to use MS Word anymore, and you don’t have to use your notebook either. Everything can be done online, making sure that nobody will forget their homework or similar stuff. Google docs are also amazing for collaborative projects or assignments where everyone must contribute since it is possible for one document to be edited by more people.
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8. Google Science Fair
Average Rating: 4.28
If you teach students aged 13 to 18, maybe you should motivate them a little bit and encourage them to participate in an online Google Science Fair. It is open to students around the globe, and the awards are amazing, including scholarships, mentorship, or educational trips. It is definitely an amazing experience and a great way for children to start loving science, being the reason why it is on our list of the best Google tools for classroom teaching and learning.
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7. Google+
Average Rating: 4.36
We’re halfway through our list of best Google tools for classroom teaching and learning and we are bringing you some great news! If you want to have a social network so you can follow up with your colleagues and students, but at the same time to remain professional, without adding them on Facebook or Twitter, Google+ is probably the best option for you. Having a social media of this kind today is essential if you want to keep up with what is going on in your branch, but also generally in the world around. You can also follow what’s new in education, and participate in discussions with fellows.
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6. Google Sites
Average Rating: 4.36
Almost everything you do with the Google Classroom you can do with the Google Sites, as well. The main difference is in the access. Google Sites can be accessed by anyone, which is a great thing if you want to share something with your parents or with people in general. Having this for your class is a great idea, and it may serve as the inspiration for others to start using these tools even more.
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5. Google Forms
Average Rating: 4.39
Having tests, questionnaires, and quizzes during studies is something that is very important, but it is widely known that not many teachers enjoy making them, let alone grading them. On the other side, students also don’t like them, so Google Forms are there to improve the overall experience. The most beautiful thing about this is self-grading, so you don’t need to worry as a teacher. Just use this one or any other of best Google tools for classroom teaching and learning from the list
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4. Google Drive
Average Rating: 4.43
In short, Google Drive is online storage for digital files, including not just documents, but anything else that you can think of. It is very useful for classes, and it can be an excellent storage for both teachers and students. With Google Drive, teachers can share useful materials, and students can share their notes and upload content. Besides helping in teaching and learning, it also develops the sense of collaboration within the class, which is probably the most important thing.
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3. Google Cultural Institute
Average Rating: 4.47
Among top three best Google tools for classroom teaching and learning we have Google Cultural Institute, a tool that can be of great use when you cannot take your students outside, to visit a museum or somewhere else where they can learn something more about the art. It’s a fantastic tool, and especially if you are a visual art teacher, or a student specifically interested in the art. With this tool, you can search some of the most amazing art works from different periods and different authors. Raising a cultural awareness among students is very important, and Google Cultural Institute made it easier than ever.
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2. YouTube
Average rating: 4.52
There is no need explaining what you can do with YouTube during classes since the options are numerous. You can use it for both educational and fun purposes, which is a great thing. This virtual space is full of interesting videos, lectures, documentaries, songs and many other useful materials which can be very well used during classes. So, think about it because students will definitely enjoy it!
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1. Google Maps
Average Rating: 4.56
Geography classes may be highly improved with using Google Maps. Admit it, it’s amazing to have every corner of the Earth on your computer, tablet or phone. It would be a pity not to use it for educational purposes. This is one of the best Google apps, with the highest ratings. It can serve you as a virtual atlas. Possibilities for improving your teaching and learning process using Google Maps are numerous. That’s why this Google app gets a well deserved first place on the list of the best Google tools for classroom teaching and learning.
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