Google Classroom as Situating Tool

Using Google classroom as situating tool

Goggle classroom has now become an essential tool for teachers around the globe. I always thought that Google classroom will have similar features like that of Zoom and google meet. Turns out, I was wrong because when my tutor introduced the Classroom to us, I was dumbfounded to learn that Google classroom has got very organized and user-friendly features.

As I explored the features in Google classroom, I learned that taking online classes using Google classroom might prove to be beneficial to students because there is a Streaming section for the teachers to post the announcements, we can also upload videos in the streaming section. I personally feel that such kind of features in google classroom makes it more inclusive. we can write the instructions as well as upload a video for those students who prefer watching and learning.
Moreover, I was fascinated with the options provided in google classroom where we can even invite co-tutors, parents, and students in the classroom. This way, parents will be informed about the children and their learning progress, and I as a teacher will also get to invite my colleagues as co-teachers which is actually not possible in real classroom settings.

Having learned about it, I realized that Google classroom plays a very crucial role especially during national emergency (like the current situation, Covid 19) since it can be accessed from any computer via google chrome or from any mobile device regardless of where one is. As a future teacher, it is imperative that we must make use of such tools since it allows the students to access the materials anytime, anywhere. It also exposes students to an online learning system which now becoming a focus in the 21st century. It also enhances communication between teachers, parents and children. There might be some students who are introvert and reluctant to ask their doubts in the real classroom, but use of such tool might encourage the introvert ones to raise their issue unlike the real classroom. On the other hand parents may also take part in their children's learning, enquiring about 

their children's learning. Techers will provide feedback on their work respectively. They can also communicate with parents through emails or through classroom email about the assignments and due date without having to meet literally. This saves time and energy. Google classroom can also be used by school faculties to make important announcement, minutes of meeting. Hence, owing to these advantages, it is very crucial for us as a future teachers to make best use of the google classroom

Situating Tool

Situating Tool

I have learned that 'situating tools' are applications that helps learners to situate learning in an environment to experience the context of happening. it provides an avenue for learners to experience the real-life situation. The example of a situating tool includes simulation (fight, farming, surgery, environment, driving, History City, Sim City, play station), virtual reality, and CD-ROM.

There are many situating tools that we can use in our teaching and learning. out of many firstly I learned how to use Graph Calc application. Graph calc is an application that helps us in plotting graphs and finding a correlation between them. Under this, we did an activity where we plot 4 different types of linear equations and draw the correlation between the graph. After familiarizing myself with this application, I found this application very interesting, engaging, and applicable for the teacher in teaching the graphic concept to the learner. it helps learners think critically to draw the correlation between the graph as well as aid better understanding of the concept as it provides a platform for experiential learning. So as a teacher we can use graph calc to teach the concept of the graph as it will be easier for learners to find the pattern of the graph and provide a platform for active learning.

Another situating tool that I learned is a 'google map'.Google Maps is a web mapping service developed by Google. It offers satellite imagery, aerial photography, street maps, 360° interactive panoramic views of streets, real-time traffic conditions, and route planning for traveling by foot, car, bicycle, and air, or public transportation. As a teacher, we can use google map in subjects such as social studies and math to teach the concepts of the location of any place, time, distance and area instead of reading from the text. Moreover, it provides a 2D and 3D view of a place that we want which builds an exciting curiosity to explore more and provide real-life experience.

The last situating tool that I learned is on simulation. the simulation on different content helps the learner to comprehend the content better as it provides the learner hand on practices learning where the learner can change variable and do an experiment. After going through the PhET simulation, I found out that simulation allows me to feel the real experience of the environment. By using it, I can comprehend the concept easily because I have a choice to manipulate the variables. Also, when we manipulate the variables, it helps to boost the creativity and visualization skills as we need to focus on the simulation. So as a teacher if we integrate simulation in teaching and learning, it will help the learner in decision-making, boosts problem-solving skills, and manipulates the elements of the model.