How to Master Google Apps in Your Classroom [Free Guide]

Update: Backupify is proud to announce that we have partnered with leading EdTech teachers to compile the definitive guide to Google Apps for Teachers by Teachers. Enjoy and please share!

With the school year in full swing, there are thousands of school districts around the country (even the world) tapping into the power of Google Apps for Edu. Several months ago, we created an infographic “Growing Up Google” to showcase the widespread adoption of Google Apps for Edu.

Like any other technology, Google Apps comes with a learning curve. (Thankfully since many of us are already familiar with Gmail, this particular learning curve isn’t a scary, steep one.) Regardless, the growth of Google Apps for Edu means that resources are in demand to help get teachers, IT staff, principals, and of course students up and running smoothly.

Here at Backupify we’ve packaged up a nice complimentary resource entitled “Mastering Google for the Classroom” and it’s designed to help schools get the most out of their investment in Google Apps for Edu – it’s essentially a helpful place to start. The complete guide also also provides pointers on how to effectively use these cloud tools.

While we think “Mastering Google for the Classroom” eBook is a super resource, here are some other resources to help you on your Google Apps journey.

Associations To Consider Joining

Google Apps is part of a larger trend – technology + education. A few interesting associations worth looking into for Google help or much more broadly, on anything education technology related, are:

ISTE: The International Society for Technology in Education welcomes educators and education leaders looking to empower “connected learners in a connected world.”

Educause: A nonprofit dedicated to IT leaders and professionals in higher education

Go To The Source

Google that is! With schools, entire school districts, and universities adopting this technology, Google offers resources such as webinars to help beginners get going. There is even a training program where education professionals can become Google Apps Certified.

Get More Social (Social Media, That Is)

The amazing thing about social media is the sharing and constant flow of knowledge you can get from total strangers. Have a Twitter account? Make sure to follow hashtags such as #edtech, #edtechchat, #edchat, #mlearning to discover timely tips and tricks related to technology in the classroom (like Google Apps!).

Given that you now have a Google account, start joining relevant groups through Google + like Google in Education or  Education Technology and Mobile Learning

Turn To Your Peers

There are lots of interesting bloggers out there offering advice on what works for them (or what doesn’t). Here are a few blogs worth checking out. These bloggers don’t focus specifically on Google Apps but rather cover a range of edu topics.

The Higher Ed CIO: This blog focuses on “advancing the role of the CIO in higher education.” But the topics aren’t narrowly focused on higher ed and offer lots of advice on topics such as IT hiring best practices or IT security.

Web 2.0 Connected Classroom: Steven Anderson’s blog about the intersection of technology and the classroom is one worth reading. Steven is the Director of Instructional Technology for the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools in Winston-Salem, NC.

Emerging EdTech: This site is brought to us by Kelly Walsh, Chief Information Officer at the College of Westchester in NY (@emergingedtech). Popular posts include “15 Favorite iPad Apps as Selected by Teachers” and “6 Free Online Collaborative Interactive Whiteboards”

Educational Technology Guy: aka David Andrade is another CIO on our list who blogs about helpful education technology tips. Specific technologies he calls out in depth are “Evernote for education”, “Google for education” and “Android for Education.”

Cool Cat Teacher Blog: Vicki Davis is a teacher, IT Director and author of Flattening Classrooms, Engaging Minds. She frequently posts round-up articles of education and technology news for the classroom. For example, “How to free up space in your Gmail account.”

Grab your free copy of Mastering Google for the Classroom below!