Our latest exploration in class was looking further at the opportunities that Glow has to offer for teachers and online environments. These include Glow Wikis, OneDrive and of course Yammer – and that’s just to name a few.
OneDrive is used more for sharing and co-collaborating work with other educators, but it also gives you access to software such as Word and PowerPoint online. This is useful if working off of a tablet or any other mobile device. My favourite thing about OneDrive it that it allows you to store files online, so you don’t need to stress about finding your pen drive if you lose it.
Glow Wikis is really useful as a VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) where you can securely set assignments for your class, let them work on a project, post for help and all whilst you’re able to monitor their engagement in the Wiki with the click of a mouse! Also, it is a safe and monitored environment that you control who does and doesn’t have access to it. It also includes a calendar so your class would know what events are happening and when – so no more excuses!
My favourite app that I have found Glow to host is Yammer. It is very, very similar to the likes of Facebook, but it is a secure environment within Education where the children and parents can interact safely. Within your class group, you can announce things that are upcoming or important as well as the ability to praise pupils in what looks similar to a status update. As well as being able to chat with one another. I really like Yammer because of the layout and the easy-to-use functionality of the app. I think it is fair to say I will definitely use Yammer with my classes in the future. When we look at CfE, it reads like this:
“I am developing my knowledge and use of safe and acceptable conduct as I use different technologies to interact and share experiences, ideas and information with others” –
TCH 1-08a/TCH 2-08a
This shows that there is a place for Yammer in the classroom as it helps cover this particular outcome.
I would say that I am confident using Glow and exploring the different apps it has to offer. Through Glow. I can become a huge leap towards a digital classroom and one step closer to helping my learners become more digitally literate. Through exploring this strength and wealth of apps at my disposal, I can create and maintain a virtual classroom environment – readily available to assist my learners.
Talk soon,
Sean
