Google Docs Project

Rachel Ewing and I started working on a project in class where we discussed some of the benefits of google docs.  We started listing out our ideas in a new document we could share and came up with this: Click to take a look.  It was a very handy way for Rachel and I to work together considering we live three hours apart.  I was wondering how it would be best to work on group project when I lived in Coos Bay and the rest of the class was at least a three hour drive away, and Google Docs seems to be the answer.  With the comment bar on the side we can share ideas as we work together, in the future I could Skype with the people in my group while working on a document and it would feel almost like we are in the same room.

Having never used google docs before, it was a very interesting experience.  Being familiar with word processing I knew the basics, but I had to play around with all the other function that were new to me and I learned a ton, and I am sure there is still a lot more I haven't discovered.

Rachel started the document for us, and then I read what she contributed, made some changes, then added my own ideas to the document.  Rachel then went over what I had read, commented and added some links and picture. and finally I went in and added my own link and picture.

Uses of Blogging

I can see many uses of blogging in the classroom.  First and for most it could be a useful tool in helping your students get to know you.  In the short amount of time I've spent looking at different blogs, it seems like you can get a feel for someone by looking at pictures, their writing style, and even from the layouts they choose.

Also it appears to be a great way to keep students up to date on goings on in the class.  You can update assignments, have a class discussion online, or provide useful links and materials from a blog.  You can also just introduce the students to the applications and let them use their imaginations to find how it might be useful to them.  According to Teaching Today Blog is an opportunity to motivate student who wouldn't otherwise be participants in class.

I can see many uses of blogging, and I am sure as I continue to do it and play with the different options, More will come.

About Me

I am Arthur Thomas Cavanaugh IV, aka Tom, aka Episode IV: A New Hope (but nobody calls me that...yet).  I am currently in the MAT program at Willamette University with aspirations of being a high school theatre/math teacher.  I grew up in the Beaverton/Hillsboro/Portland area, spending my youth riding bikes and drinking slurpees.  I went to college as a theatre major, and after ten on again, off again years I got my B.S. in Theatre with an emphasis in performance.  From there I worked as a professional actor throughout the Willamette Valley, having a ton of great experiences before I realized my heart was not in it all the way.  Which is when I discovered teaching and here I am.  I still enjoy doing a show from time to time, as well and spending time with my wonderful wife, Jessica.  I also recently adopted a Lab/Shar Pei mix puppy named Luna (yes, after Luna Lovegood from Harry Potter).  I enjoy the occasional video game with my friends online and well as playing cribbage, when I actually have someone around who knows how to play.