Jitka Nováková
Paphos
The involvement of technology in education has now become an indispensable part of modern teaching. The G-Suite, with all its components, is just such a tool, enhancing productivity, collaboration and creating a dynamic and stimulating environment that prepares students to compete in the digital age. But it's not just about the students, teachers must also be able to respond to the current changes in education, specifically with regard to the use of modern technology. And the Erasmus programme is able to provide just such education. In a very inspiring atmosphere, teachers who want to broaden their horizons, learn something new and improve their teaching methods come together. That is why I decided to participate in this programme, where two very important factors for me came together - to improve my orientation in the field of digital technologies and to share and learn from colleagues from different parts of the world.
So, the main focus of our course was to go through the different parts of the G-Suite and not only learn about them, but it was also about practicing practical skills. The G-Suite provides support for collaborative learning, allowing students to work together on different projects, share ideas, through variable tools e.g. artsandculture.google.com students are opened doors to museums around the world, meet important personalities etc. At the same time, its use reduces the need for traditional materials such as paper, given that all materials are accessible online. Last but not least, G-Suite resources increase and improve communication between students, teachers and parents, thus promoting an open and effective learning environment.
However, this program had one minor drawback. As it took place in the uncertain times of the receding covid-19 pandemic, only myself and a colleague from Spain participated in the programme, and so there was a lack of a larger space for sharing experiences and establishing greater international collaboration between multiple participants.
On the other hand, perhaps it was the looming pandemic and the need for online learning that highlighted the possibilities of using applications such as the G-suite given their online capabilities, e.g. using Google Sheets, Jamboard, Google Forms to create online tests, worksheets, etc.
My tips
what I take away from the course
2
Google Sites
Google Sites is used to create websites without the need for in-depth knowledge of programming, there are templates that make it quick and relatively easy to create a site, as well as add content including text, images, videos or forms, as well as share tutorials. Simple navigation then allows students to more easily navigate through the content more easily.
3
Google Earth
This app brings a new dimension of spatial thinking and interactivity to the classroom, it is a great space to connect learning and the real world, offering the possibility to create specific routes for students to visit historical places, explore ecosystems or learn about different cultures without leaving the classroom, but almost as if they were in a real environment.