What is G Suite for Education?

What is G Suite for Education?

G Suite for Education is a major segment of the PALCS educational network. G Suite for Education has a collection of tools that help foster critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity. The main tools are Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, Gmail and Calendar.

How is G Suite for Education used?  

G Suite for Education is used in many ways at PALCS. Some examples are listed below.

• Teachers use a Google Form as an "Exit Ticket" to check for understanding after a presentation of a topic [example].
• Teachers embed graphic organizer-style research notes within a Canvas lesson for submission [example].
• Students use their Google Drive to store a portfolio for a Reading course [example].
  
  

Why does PALCS utilize G Suite for Education?

In an effort to best “prepare students to be creative, intuitive and analytical leaders¹” we are constantly searching for dynamic, safe, and effective tools. G Suite is proven to elevate student enthusiasm about learning², improve student performance³, and improve communication⁴. Also G Suite for Education can help create opportunities in which student collaborate and engage in peer-dependent activities. These opportunities give students a more significant role in the development of their educational process. This heightened role “not only gives them a model for developing the habits of lifelong learners, but is also encourages them to consider the learning legacy they leave for others⁵.” Lastly, G Suite allows students to use tools to prepare them to be strong “digital citizens” that use technology responsibly and appropriately⁶. PALCS believes that incorporating G Suite in our educational environment is a sound educational decision and that will have a significant impact on student learning.

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Footnotes:

1. PALCS Mission and Vision - http://www.palcs.org/mission-and-vision/
2. G Suites Case Study - NYC IS-339 - http://bit.ly/T7JD5E | G Suites Case Study - Littleton Public Schools - http://bit.ly/1mYHjv1
3. G Suites Study - Edmonton Public Schools - http://bit.ly/RGUyls
4. Tradition meets technology: top universities using Apps for Education - http://bit.ly/1mYMoU5
5. “Who Owns the Learning” by Alan November, 2012.
6. Digital Citizenship - http://www.digitalcitizenship.net/