Google Drawing in the Classroom

The Google Drawing app is a great tool for the classroom that can be used for creative projects, math assignments as well as in the pre-writing process.  I found the software easy to use and pretty self explanatory.  In addition to the basic shapes, the app offers caption bubbles, callouts, equation symbols and several line styles.   I particularly liked the helpful tools in the arrange tab, allowing you to align items horizontally or vertically, group items together to be edited and arrange from front to back.  Some of Google Drawing's features are normally found in higher priced software such as Illustrator, and make it a great alternative for teachers on a budget.  Several of the links posted led to great tutorials and ideas on how to use Google Drawing to meet Common Core State Standards in the classroom.  For research and writing projects, the students can create idea webs to organize thoughts as well as visuals such as flow charts and Venn diagrams for comparison/contrasting elements of literature.  Math assignments are easy with the ability to create arrays, algebraic equations and geometric shapes with the opportunity to rotate 90 degrees and flip objects on a horizontal/vertical axis.  Again, as with all Google applications, the opportunity for collaboration is quick and easy with options to share and publish on the Web.

The "Exploring Shapes" assignment for elementary students was a great use of Google Drawing to meet Common Core math standards.  I can definitely see how the children would respond well to the lesson in a fun, creative  format through the software.  Not only will the student gain key vocabulary and mathematical terminology, but can begin to distinguish defining attributes of shapes and learn to sort based on those identifiers.  The ability for the student to use creativity as opposed to simply performing automated steps for the assignment is a key motivator.  As I worked through the assignment I particularly liked the alignment feature that automatically "snapped" any object in line with handy guidelines that popped up.  It was very easy to add text to my drawing as labels for my shapes and in defining their attributes.  I will definitely use Google Drawing for my own classroom.