Description

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G-Suite is an online software package produce by Google.  It includes Gmail, Drive cloud storage, Calendar, Docs, Sheets, Slides and Forms (Google, n.d.).  This software package is free to anyone with a Gmail account and is comparable to he Microsoft software suite of Word, Excel and PowerPoint.  Many schools and boards use Google classroom to scaffold and link student usage in the classroom.  The software is accessed through web browsers and data is stored virtually in cloud storage.  This allows files to be access with any internet connected device.

​A brief summary of the component purposes is listed below:

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Calander - interactive calendar that allows users to share schedules

Drive - store and share data and files virtually with cloud storage

Gmail - email application for secure communication

Docs - word processing software

Sheets - spreadsheet application for data organization, storage, analysis and presentation.

Slides - presentation software

Forms - application for collecting information through forms, surveys and quizes

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Examples and Rationale

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Cloud based software applications are becoming increasingly common in workplaces and society.  G-suite is an example of how these applications can support collaboration and sharing.  Teacher candidates at Ontario Technology University have access to G-Suite and we have regularly used them in our classes.  We are informed of important dates through Calendar, we communicate with instructors, administration and each other through Gmail, and share files and data through Drive.  Class presentations can be made in Slides, shared through Drive and evaluated with a rubric created in Docs.  The most important feature is the ability to work collaboratively even when working from home.  Group members working on a project can share and access the same file allowing them to work together virtually.  Revisions can be tracked, sections can be highlighted with notes for reminders or clarification.  The software allows for blended learning allowing students to work asynchronously or synchronously both virtually and in person (Agarwal 2013).  This has the potential of connecting learners not just in the classroom, but throughout the world.

 

The company that created G-suite is the same company that owns YouTube and the Android operating system for phones and tablets.  Google also runs the world’s most used search engine.  We should be aware of the amount and type of information we reveal to Google when we use these applications (Mayer and Pereira 2014).  Teachers, parents and students need to understand how and what information is collected and how it will be used.  When used to its potential the G-Suite software can be a transformation technology as judged with the SAMR model (Puentedura, 2013).  It can significantly modify the way educators teach a class and has the potential to reach the level of redefinition.

 

References​

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​Agarwal, A. (2013). Anant Agarwal:  Why massively open online courses (still) matter. [video].  retrieved from https://www.ted.com/talks/anant_agarwal_why_massively_open_online_courses_still_matter

 

Google (n.d.) G suite for education. [website] retrieved from https://edu.google.com/intl/en_ca/products/gsuite-for-education/?modal_active=none

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Puentedura, R (2013, January 7) Technology in Education:  A Brief Introduction [video] retrieved from https://youtu.be/rMazGEAiZ9c

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Mayer, A. and Pereira, M. (2014., March 7). Digital surveillance:  How you’re being tracked every day [news article] CBCnews: Toronto, On. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news2/interactives/digitalsurveillance/