Google+Groups+-+Collaborative+Learning

 ** Using Google Groups as a key component to building a collaborative learning community ** 

** What is a Google Group? (5 minutes) ** - ** "meeting place" that can be used to hold threaded discussions about our reading, writing, learning and thinking. ** Take the next 5 minutes to check out examples of students pushing their thinking as readers and writers using Google Groups.

** Example Shared Learning Opportunities Using Google Groups: **

· ** Threaded Critical Reading and Writing Responses/Replies/Reflections – ** ** in class, with other classes, across buildings... **  o Example: [] o Example: Example: [] · ** Literature Circles ** o Example: [] Homeless Bird - Literary Connection to our Non-Fiction study of Ancient India · ** Poetic Form ** o Example: o Example: Homeless Bird - Literary Connection to our Non-Fiction study of Ancient India with a focus on setting/mood/tone/descriptive details · ** Shared Learning or Core Content Knowledge ** o Example: o Example: o Example: · ** Free Writes ** o Example: · ** Interest Journals ** o Example: 
 * Example: []

** Why use Google Groups? ** ** STUDENTS ** ** Pushes Student Thinking and Overall Reading and Writing Skills: ** ** TEACHERS ** ** Formative Evaluation and Teaching Extension Tool: ** 
 * They know that others will see their writing and thinking, therefore, they are more thoughtful and careful.
 * Builds a larger sense of COMMUNITY within the class, other classes and across buildings.
 * Provides students with peer mentor text and modeling to build upon and deepen their thinking.
 * Provides an opportunity to reflect and synthesize their learning.
 * They can't lose the assignment!
 * Can be used to formatively assess students' needs and depth of application and understanding.
 * Can be implemented in an asynchronous model, extending students' thinking beyond our classroom walls.
 * Discussions can also be [|monitored].

** ﻿How do we support our collaborative online community? (5 minutes) ** · ** Provide Strong Mentor Text ** · Examples: · ** Model Using Student Examples ** · Examples: · ** Teach Participate as a Reader/Writer WITH our Students ** · Examples: · ** Provide Clear Rubrics ** · Examples: http://hamillwiki.wikispaces.com/Discussion+Rubric · ** Establish Guidelines for Online Community ** · Examples:

** ﻿ **** How do you see yourself using this tool to support the development of content knowledge and student reflection? ** ** (5 minutes) ** Click here to participate: [|DOGGIE BAG TAKE AWAY]


 *  If you want to know how to create a [|Google Group] :
 * Or check out the homepage: []
 * For more information: []
 * Why not participate in this [|Google Discussion Group] for more ideas?!