...manage digital data

G Suite: Google Classroom

URL: https://edu.google.com/products/classroom/

Sample Tutorial Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6L-nZGIUTE

Overview: Application for teachers to manage coursework with students, and part of the "G Suite for Education" (Google, n.d.)

Platform: Cloud-based, web and mobile applications - all devices and operating systems except the Windows Mobile OS.

Cost: Free for schools as part of the G Suite for Education kit.

Age: Year 5 to Adult.

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This resource is included in the "managing and operating ICT" capability and provides students and teachers with a tool and framework to “manage digital data" (ACARA, n.d.).

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Google Classroom uses a variety of tools and approaches known to benefit teachers in managing their student learning with ICT, such as self-marking quizzes and a platform for disseminating "general information and learning resources to students" (Lim & Tay, 2013, p. 179). It is essentially a Learning Management System (LMS) that embraces and integrates Web 2.0 tools (Google Drive, Google Docs etc.) to provide a more holistic and learner-centric experience (Conde et al, 2014, pp. 187-189). However, its educational relevance and effectiveness rely on meaningful application in the classroom, which should move beyond just cloud-storage and group communication, toward carefully planned strategies such as Slone & Mitchell's (2014) "Think-Pair-Share" activity using Google Docs and Google Drive for 'live' collaborative learning (pp. 102-103).  

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References:

• Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority [ACARA]. (n.d.). Information and communication technology (ICT) capability. Retrieved from https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/f-10-curriculum/general-capabilities/information-and-communication-technology-ict-capability/

• Conde, M. Á., García-Peñalvo, F. J., Rodríguez-Conde, M. J., Alier, M., Casany, M. J., & Piguillem, J. (2014). An evolving learning management system for new educational environments using 2.0 tools. Interactive Learning Environments, 22(2), 188-204.

• Google. (n.d.b) Manage teaching and learning with Classroom. Retrieved from https://edu.google.com/products/classroom/

• Lim, B. C., & Tay, L. Y. (2013). A reflection of our journey into the future–sustaining and transferring our practices. In Creating holistic technology-enhanced learning experiences (pp. 177-187). Rotterdam: Sense Publishers.

• Slone, N. C., & Mitchell, N. G. (2014). Technology-based adaptation of think-pair-share utilizing Google drive. Journal of teaching and Learning with Technology, 3(1), 102-104. https://doi.org/10.14434/jotlt.v3n1.4901

BBC Bitesize - UK understand ICT systems and usage teaching package

URL: https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/guides/z2c82hv/revision/1

Overview: Web-site featuring a series of learning and revision activities to develop understanding about ICT systems.

Platform: Web-site - all devices and operating systems.

Cost: Free

Age: Year 5 to 10

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This resource helps students to "understand ICT systems" through a blend of online multimedia resources, addressing the capability of "managing and operating ICT" (ACARA, n.d.).

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This resource is located within the BBC Bitesize online collection of educational resources that enable students to "learn and revise" across a range of subject areas (British Broadcasting Corporation, n.d.). It uses a "hypermedia instructional sequence" featuring structured content pages and an online quiz to develop student understanding about ICT systems (Roblyer & Doering, 2014, p. 213). Students can benefit from this resource's approach, as not only do they have access to visual and interesting information, but they are also able to garner instant feedback and identify any gaps in their knowledge - one of the valuable affordances of "self-marking" digital activities (Lim & Tay, 2013, p. 179).

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References:

• Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority [ACARA]. (n.d.). Information and communication technology (ICT) capability. Retrieved from https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/f-10-curriculum/general-capabilities/information-and-communication-technology-ict-capability/

• British Broadcasting Corporation. (n.d.) BBC Bitesize [Web-site]. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/learn

• Roblyer, M. D., & Doering, A. H. (2014). Integrating educational technology into teaching (6th international ed.). Harlow, UK: Pearson.

• Lim, B. C., & Tay, L. Y. (2013). A reflection of our journey into the future–sustaining and transferring our practices. In Creating holistic technology-enhanced learning experiences (pp. 177-187). Rotterdam: Sense Publishers.