Google for Education (draft)

I have to say, "Without Gooogle, my education work would not be a success!"

My boss and colleagues think that I am an IT expert. In fact, I do not know any computer programming language at all. Taking the advantage of Web 2.0, I use the free web tools for my education work. Google is the largest providers with more than 40 products. Take a look on the list at: http://www.google.com.hk/intl/en/options/

We need not use all of them for success. Just choose some for right application would be enough. Here are my experience:

Blogger
I convert blogs into multi-media platforms to extend the learning beyond classroom teaching.
Example: http://pyjchi.blogspot.com/

For my current project, I set up a blog as the portal for general information
http://yuejuedu.blogspot.com/
and derive other sub-blogs/theme blogs with different content and approach:
- Webquest for pre-visit preparation: http://yuejuedu1.blogspot.com
- Multi-media showing for art appreciation: http://yuejuedu2.blogspot.com
- Interesting story-telling for knowledge: http://yuejuedu3.blogspot.com

[A side story:
In the old days (Web 1.0), we need a technician to create and maintain a web site. Being a project manager, if I have something to update in my project website, I first go to the research centre and then request the central technician to do so. The technician may tell me to wait as he has other tasks on hand. Even worse, the technician is on annual leave. Even if the technician entertains my request promptly, the updating may not be satified. Then, the liaison drags on until finishing.

Now with Blogger (or other blogging service), I can immediately update by myself without any delay! Super efficient!]

YouTube
Apart from grouping the related videos into playlists, I start to write some suggestions/instructions for learning beside the videos for enhancement on the top of viewing.
Example: http://hk.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=A6AA8AB10E1C6993

Picasa
The web album shows the activities of my current project. People can know its ongoing work and progress. More importantly, I wish that it can be a database for teachers to pick suitable photos when making their own teaching materials.
http://picasaweb.google.com/yuejuedu

Google Docs
With Google Docs, teachers can work on the same piece of teaching material online without emailing each other forth and back. They can even chase back the previous version if needed.

Google Apps
I am attempting to build a network for 10 partner schools of my current project to enhance inter-school collaboration.

* * * * * *

With the above Google products free of charge, my effort as a single person can be like a team! That's why my boss feels that I am so capable.

(To be continued)