Reflection on teaching and learning with google drive

    
       As English arts 4^th grade teachers in a Bogota’s Bilingual School, we can say that the integration of Google Drive tools into the English classroom might grant all 25 students with average 10 years old to be active learners and critical thinkers by using technology and having the opportunity to be worldwide connected. Being this school committed with English language, having international exchanges not only in terms of students but also in technology, its curriculum contains ICT tools like those provided by Google Drive.  We would like to share some thoughts about this challenge.

    Technology’s usage in English classroom depicts advantages like keeping all files online to be accessed quickly, sharing lesson plans with colleagues or school-wide collaboration. According to Vygostky, ”the most significant moment in the course of intellectual development, occurs when speech and practical activity, converge” (1980). Therefore, our students will find the perfect way to get synchronized the classroom intellectual assignments (Google Drive) with the interactive and collaborative part (Google Plus) which includes Google Hangouts, the tool that allows to establish video conferences, debates and discussions online. Students might contact different cultures improving their listening and speaking skills, moreover enhancing their writing and reading skills by searching on Google Chrome. The Google Classroom which is the learning management tool aimed to increase teachers’ efficiency and effective communication with parents and students anytime, also it will let teachers to provide students feedback, and automatically grade forms. According to Hardison, Blended Learning specialist, Google Drive “helps create an engaging and effective class of proficient learners through reliable and efficient technology.” (2012).

     However, there are some disadvantages since not all services can be accessed directly from Gmail but using Apps that are converted in barriers for the teaching-learning process. Teachers need to update their technology knowledge, to be prepared which could be frustrating and to do an effective time management since Google can extend teacher’s time, sometimes Google presents editing problems when teacher creates an assignment and distribute it to learners, as owners, they can delete part of the assignment causing problems to other classmates.

       We would like to mention some threats such as lack of control that could represent a risk for kids if they may make inconvenient contacts through the social network (Google Plus); moreover, the students can be exposed to different brands handled by Google Business to hook them very soon. Nevertheless, there are huge opportunities for teachers and students since they can obtain a worldwide place in their future professional life, the improvement of four skills in foreign language is exponential and the access to new cultures is limitless.

       Summarizing, Google Drive is one of the best tools to engage students duly motivated, taking care of the possible threats but converting them in opportunities. Taking advantage of the tools’ strengths, and minimizing their weaknesses.  Parents and teachers would be able to communicate in a more effective way by helping students and children to increase their understanding of communication with this amazing web-based technology package.