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Google Sites

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Attended a webinar on Google Sites. Edina Public School District in Minnesota is a Google district. All teachers have Google Sites and they use it for communicating information to parents. The district created a template for teachers to use so they didn't have to think to much, but there were those teachers who took it above and beyond.

Molly Schroeder, who is a certified Google Trainer and Technology Coordinator for Edina Public Schools, shared some of the issues of what they found, but also how they got around it. One of the issues was student names being posted when blogs were used. So, the no longer use this function. Google provides the district with all the permission forms and have been reviewed by their legal department for students to use Google. She did point out regarding to any digital image of students (photos, video, audio, etc.), they require permission from parents each quarter when participating.

We currently use Google Sites in our A'o Kumu KeKumu course. Chatting with Kassia, we came up with some ideas that we may look at:
  • Creating our own course template. This will allow for streamlining content that goes into the Google Site. Also, reduce the frustration for tech skills when developing the site.
  • Integrating Google Docs for the class so import and management is easier for learners.

When working on the site, you can use Google Video to insert videos rather than YouTube.

For more information on this webinar, go to followmolly.com and see the resources and additional presentation on Google apps.

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