Most science classrooms involve writing as form of sharing or presenting information. Many school boards have opted for either Google Apps for Education (GAFE) or Office 365 as cloud computing options. Both provide online storage of documents, presentations, spreadsheets, etc.

Moving beyond basic file storage and creation, cloud computing can support teachers in providing effective descriptive feedback and facilitating peer feedback. The development of collaboration skills in students can be supported through the co-creation of documents, presentations and spreadsheets with peers in the same class, or across the world. =

While the major players in cloud computing are GAFE and Office 365, there are other tools that may be available to teachers and students.

Tool

About

Safety Considerations

Resources

Google Apps for Education (GAFE) or Google Drive

  • file sharing and storage (any files)

  • file collaboration

  • excellent collaboration and sharing tools and extensions

  • word processing, spreadsheets, presentations (slides) and drawings

  • works on: laptops, chromebooks, iPads

  • ask school/board contact for access info if you have GAFE tools

  • if not accessed through a school/board GAFE account - the age limit for Google accounts is 13 years old

  • student work can be shared beyond GAFE and embedded or linked to other sites and online places

Google Drive Help

Office 365, Office web apps

  • file sharing

  • file collaboration

  • Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote

  • Files can be edited in web-based versions or desktop versions

  • works on: laptops, chromebooks, iPads

  • ask school/board contact for access info if you have o365 tools

  • usually quite secure, depending on how set up by school/board - check board policies and documentation

OneDrive Help

Primary Pad

  • online word processor (for collaboration)

  • free or paid version

  • works on: laptops, chromebooks, iPads

  • no account required for students

Primary Pad

 

Video Guide for Primary Pad