Evaluation of Communication Tool "Google Suite"

Google Suite

What is Google Suite?

Google Suite is a collection of apps used to for cloud computing, collaboration, and productivity. The suite was formerly known as Google Apps. You can connect with your peers or a global audience using Gmail, Calendar, Google+ and Hangouts. You can collaborate in real time and create using Docs, Sheets, Forms, Slides, Sites and the newest app Jamboard. You can access your creations from any computer at anytime with their cloud based storage device known as Drive.

How could Google Suite be used in the classroom?

The apps used for creating and collaborating in real time change the way learners can work together. Group projects can be created and shared. Notes can be taken by one and shared with many. Feedback can be ongoing and the revision history makes it easy to hold students accountable for their work. They can also publish their work. Online journaling becomes easier using google docs. No more lugging home 30 notebooks to read and respond to! Google sites can be used to connect with families and make the learning transparent. Google Forms can be used to create assessments that can self correct or create surveys for learners and families.  The opportunities are limitless. 

Rubric

EDU 568 Communication Tool Rubric Group 4
Characteristics	4	3	2	1	Score
Purpose	I can communicate with a global audience.	I can communicate with a select audience.	I can give information to a global audience but can not receive feedback.	I can give information to a select audience.	4
Usability and Navigation	I can easity navigate the tool the tool is very intuitive.	With a little practice the tool is easy to navigate.	The tool can be used and navigated with assistance.	Very hard to use even with practice.	3
Appropriateness	The communication tool is appropriate for all 5 age levels included: Early Elementary, Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School and Adult Learners	The communication tool is appropriate for 4 of the age levels included: Early Elementary, Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School and Adult Learners	The communication tool is appropriate for 3of the age levels included: Early Elementary, Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School and Adult Learners	The communication tool is appropriate for 1-2 of the age levels included: Early Elementary, Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School and Adult Learners	3
Help/Support	Support is readily available to guide you through using the tool.	Support can be found if searched for, but is not instantaneous.	Support is limited.	There is no support.	3
Information Sharing	The tool allows users to link to other sites such as Facebook, Twitter & Blogs and compresses URLs into shortened links (bitly).	The tool allows users to link to other sites such as Facebook, Twitter & Blogs.	The tool only allows limited links to other sites.	The tool does not allow linking to other sites.	3
Safety/Monitoring	Allows monitoring & editing by teacher/gatekeeper.	Allows teacher monitoring but limited editing.	Allows teacher monitoring but no editing capabilities.	No ability for teacher to monitor or edit.	4
Cost	Unlimited free accounts for students, staff & parents. Unlimited cloud storage.	Some options are free or cost is minimal.	Minimal fee for all accounts.	Annual fee.	4
Design	The communication tool meets all of the criteria listed: It is neat and organized, simple and not overstuffed,the background does not interfere with the text, and the layout is visually appealing.	The communication tool meets 3 of the criteria listed: It is neat and organized, simple and not overstuffed,the background does not interfere with the text, and the layout is visually appealing.	The communication tool meets 2 of the criteria listed: It is neat and organized, simple and not overstuffed,the background does not interfere with the text, and the layout is visually appealing..	The communication tool meets 1 or none of the criteria listed: It is neat and organized, simple and not overstuffed,the background does not interfere with the text, and the layout is visually appealing.	4
Accessibility	I can access the tool from any device, does not require an application, and fast instant notification of communication.	I can access the tool from most common devices, may require an application to be downloaded and receive notifications if the application is open.	I can access the tool from only one kind of device, application is required to be downloaded, and only can receive notification if application is open and refreshed.	I can access the tool form only one kind of device and it is glitchy. It requires an application to be downloaded, no notifications or inconsistent.	4
				Total: 32

In conclusion I will be using the Google Suite extensively. It is an easy tool to access and all of my learners can navigate it.