Google+Apps+Challenges

Certain challenges to using Google Apps could arise and vary from school to school. These challenges include the following:
 * 1) Filtering and blocking of certain sites can be an issue in regards to creativity. Blocking YouTube prevents students from being able to embed videos into their sites or presentations. Some schools have also been reported to block Google Docs due to student safety concerns (Alpert, 2010).
 * 2) Digital ethics is also a concern as students conduct research using Google. Students should properly site resources that they use when creating a document, presentation, or site. Students also need to be able to judge the credibility and validity of sources when they are performing searches using Google.
 * 3) Google Apps are online tools, so if there was ever an issue with a school's network during school hours, students and teachers would not be able to access their files in Docs, update their sites, or use any of the Google Apps mentioned in this chapter. Students who may not have Internet access at home could also be at a disadvantage.


 * Solutions**


 * 1) To address filtering and blocking issues, teachers could develop a presentation that supports the use of Google Apps in schools and share this presentation with administrators and technical staff. Teachers could show how Google Apps could be effectively used in schools to enhance student learning and develop student skills.
 * 2) Digital ethics is a concern that goes beyond Google. It is essential for students to understand proper use of technology. Ribble, Bailey, and Ross (2004) define digital citizenship as "the norms of behavior with regard to technology use." They suggest using case studies, having open discussions with students about fair technology use, modeling appropriate online practices, and reviewing the school's acceptable use policy to help students become smarter and safer Internet users.
 * 3) Sometimes, issues arise that are beyond our control. It might be beneficial to have a backup plan related to the topic if the network is down. On a positive note, all Google Docs and sites will remain unchanged and are available once Internet access returns. For those students who do not have Internet at home, Ribble et al. (2004) suggest giving students time in class or provide other opportunities for students to use computers during school hours. In addition, teachers could pair and/or group students without Internet access at home with those who do.

Because of the possible challenges that might arise, it is important, as educators, to be aware of these challenges and find ways to overcome them in order to provide students with the opportunity learn with Google Apps.


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