Well, folks, it's been a couple of weeks since I introduced my students to Gaggle, and it's been surprisingly successful. Sure there are a few kinks we have to work out, but the benefits far outweigh the stress of learning something new and having to reteach it to a group of students.
For one, we've already cut down on so much paper in the classroom. My students can now upload almost all assignments to Gaggle, and teachers have the ability to mark and grade the papers before sending the assignment back to the student. Students can then edit their papers and resend them.
Secondly, it makes it easier for me to note who has not turned in an assignment even before I grade them. I can casually remark to a student that I'm still waiting for their work.
Finally, it eliminates the need for me to carry papers home. I can whip up a frothy cup of hot chocolate, get into my jams and slippers, open my computer and grade away.
On the downside, it is a bit overwhelming seeing an influx of around 40 essays arriving in your inbox over two days. And that's why I'm paying my babysitter to watch the girls the whole day tomorrow. In addition to having to clean my very disorganized and cluttered classroom, I have to grade these essays and get materials ready for Monday. But it's not so bad spending my day in the classroom--it's my home away from home. Think about it, where do we teachers spend the majority of our time besides home? I turn on Netflix and project it to my board and watch movies or shows while I clean and organize the room. And when it's time to grade the essays, I'll turn on Pandora and listen to a variety of music. It's almost like a daycation!
Until next time,
Jenn
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