4 Types of Activities to consider using in Google Classroom

Some of you are connecting synchronously with students through platforms such as Zoom or Google Hangouts Meet (could we make the title of that tool more awkward please? No), some of you are engaged in more asynchronous work (post activities to be done during a period of time), or some are doing both.

If you are working in a district that is using Google Apps (G-Suite), Google Classroom is an option. I am doing all synchronous directly, but consulting with some school staff around asynchronous options.

I first want to point out that Richard Byrne is a tremendous resource on all things Google in Education. See his post and video on several ways to share in Google Classroom, pieces modeled below also.

I wanted to present a sort of taxonomy, by no means comprehensive, of the kinds of activities you might post in Google Classroom for asynchronous "work" for your students, whatever the expectations of you are at this time. Here are 4 (Click on any of the images below to see larger):

1. Write about a picture.
Create an assignment (adjust timeframes and points- maybe "ungraded" to avoid confusion- for all assignments) and within it create a Doc. From another tab find an interesting picture with elements to describe from social or other targets. Insert into Doc with a prompt.

Here's an example. You can use this doc if you would like (file>make a copy, please do not request permission)

If you look at Richard's post above, he shows a student view as well. They complete the activity and Turn In.

2. Ask a Question/Conversational Prompt

Promote conversational skills on and offline by posting a question and moderating the discussion.

3. Post a video to prompt discussion.

The video example for this is here. Use your imagination, you can find all kinds of videos to prompt narrative and social language. Again, Anna Vagin is the authority on this- see her YouTube, Twitter, and books. 

4. Post a Drawing Prompt. 

This may engage students in descriptive language or Comic Strip Conversations for social cognition.

You can use this drawing if you would like (file>make a copy, please do not request permission).

If you want to know more about using Google Classroom, there are many more tutorials on YouTube.

I will be discussing Google Classroom as well as other Google Tools for distance learning in Reading with TLC's Hot Topic Webinar this Wednesday. Click here to register.