For my second personal technology project, I learned how to create a Google Group. I didn't even realize I could make my own until I saw it on the list of possible projects.
Some of the specific things I learned how to do were how to create a group, how to change the appearance, how to change privacy settings, how to add and ban members, how to change the icon to a microscope, and how to attach certain category descriptors. I had trouble figuring out how to attach a document or picture to a post though.
As for instructional problems I could solve with this technology, it could be especially useful in group project collaboration between students who can't meet each other outside of class due to distance, transportation, or illness. It could be a great way to include a student absent for an extended period of time due to illness. This technology could also be a useful way to share information with students, such as lecture notes, corrections to ideas presented in class, or questions for further discussion by students. Credit could be given based on posting a thoughtful response. It would also be a great place for students to share what they might be learning about science through the news or other outside sources (ILO 2: a. Voluntarily read and study books and other materials about science).
Some activities that can be done through Google Groups:
1. Bioethics discussion: For this assignment I would perhaps provide links to a news article on a current bioethical issue for students to debate over. Examples of issues include: stem cell research, euthanasia, animals as test subjects, etc. Students would need to be respectful and show understanding of other people's points of view. I may have them find an article that supports the opposing position, or exhibits a new viewpoint.
ILO #2 Manifest Scientific Attitudes and Interests
c. Maintain an open and questioning mind toward ideas and alternative points of view.
d. Accept responsibility for actively helping to resolve social, ethical and ecological problems related to science and technology.
e. Evaluate scientifically related claims against available evidence.
ILO #5 Demonstrate Awareness of Social and Historical Aspects of Science
a. Cite examples of how science affects human life.
b. Give instances of how technological advances have influenced the progress of science and how science has influenced advances in technology.
ILO #6 Demonstrate Understanding of the Nature of Science
i. Understand that science and technology may raise ethical issues for which science, by itself, does not provide solutions.
2. Group Research Project: I could have students create a group project on any number of subjects using this technology. Google documents would be a useful resource for the actual writing of the report, however this allows me to supervise discussion and provide feedback on appropriateness of sources. It also allows different groups to see what other students are doing for ideas and ask classmates for feedback.
ILO #4 Communicate Effectively Using Science Language and Reasoning
a. Provide relevant data to support their inferences and conclusions.
b. Use precise scientific language in oral and written communication.
c. Use proper English in oral and written reports.
d. Use reference sources to obtain information and cite the sources.
Q: Are there any problems or limitations to google groups that would be
make it problematic in the classroom? How can they be overcome? Are
there any other technologies that would work better?
A: One limitation I noticed by perusing other groups for high school age kids was that inappropriate comments pop up. The ones that are posted as direct responses to discussion threads, I can deal with by deleting and docking students grades or pulling them aside in class to discipline/teach appropriate conduct. However, I cannot manage responses to individuals. Also, as mentioned above, Google Docs is a better place to do some types of activities, such as group collaboration on projects. I did point out the benefits to Google Groups though. Another limitation would be computer and internet availability for some students. Participation outside of school may not always be possible. I could provide time in class for those students to post.
All in all, I am excited to use it, both for my classes and for my own personal use.
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