When schools first began the move to all things Google, I challenged myself to try new tools from the suite through the lens of leadership. I tried to model the use of different apps and was even able to find a way to use Google Classroom in my work as a Principal. I also used (and continue to use) Blogger frequently to publish my reflections and observations as a leader.
As part of our combined efforts to increase communication and transparency around work we were tackling, my Superintendent and I thought about launching a blog that could capture and share more voice and concrete messages. As we began to build that blog, it became long and felt unorganized. We reached out to our Director of Educational Technology and shared our dilemma. She suggested we look into Google Sites.
I remember using Google Sites when it first launched and I was not a fan. So her suggestion met my face of skepticism. She assured me that Google Sites had been updated. I logged in prepared to disregard her suggestion but realized, within moments, what using that app could do for our project. Her advice was golden!
In one evening, we were able to convert all the content from that never ending blog post to a new Google Site. Our Google Site now had sections for each project that needed increased communication:
These aren't the only committees within the district. However, they are the ones whose work was not as easily or frequently communicated as others. We wanted to change that and increase transparency on these topics. The final page (District Spotlight) was included to allow us a space to highlight work in our buildings that may or may not be related to tabbed pages in the header.
The home page has the Superintendent's welcome message. At the top of the header, there are tabs for every district level committee that has met so far this year. Any #HFTigerPride member simply needs to click on the tab of interest and a new page loads.
When each page loads, relative information that applies to that committee can be found there. You can embed Google Slides presentations that were shared, links, and other google documents and files. You can also easily embed YouTube videos.
We were able to gather guest author content for each of the tabs listed on our site. Our plan is to add to each "page" as committees meet and work is tackled. The site will contain all of the information and evidence from completed work. Any member of our school community with a school email will be able to access it. That's another nice feature we didn't realize Google Sites had. When you decide to publish your site, you can control if it is public or stays accessible only within your organization.
We are excited to provide this resource to our faculty and staff and look forward to seeing what impact it can have on communication within our district. It will certainly never replace face to face interactions and important conversations. Yet, perhaps it can be used to supplement each of those as they happen.
Our hope is to use this tool to as one more way to connect with our incredible team of educators throughout the district.
As part of our combined efforts to increase communication and transparency around work we were tackling, my Superintendent and I thought about launching a blog that could capture and share more voice and concrete messages. As we began to build that blog, it became long and felt unorganized. We reached out to our Director of Educational Technology and shared our dilemma. She suggested we look into Google Sites.
I remember using Google Sites when it first launched and I was not a fan. So her suggestion met my face of skepticism. She assured me that Google Sites had been updated. I logged in prepared to disregard her suggestion but realized, within moments, what using that app could do for our project. Her advice was golden!
In one evening, we were able to convert all the content from that never ending blog post to a new Google Site. Our Google Site now had sections for each project that needed increased communication:
- District Learning Team
- District Shared Decision Making Team
- District Safety Team
- Math Audit Committee
- SEED/NT3 Grant
- Elementary Science
- and a District Spotlight on Practices
These aren't the only committees within the district. However, they are the ones whose work was not as easily or frequently communicated as others. We wanted to change that and increase transparency on these topics. The final page (District Spotlight) was included to allow us a space to highlight work in our buildings that may or may not be related to tabbed pages in the header.
The home page has the Superintendent's welcome message. At the top of the header, there are tabs for every district level committee that has met so far this year. Any #HFTigerPride member simply needs to click on the tab of interest and a new page loads.
When each page loads, relative information that applies to that committee can be found there. You can embed Google Slides presentations that were shared, links, and other google documents and files. You can also easily embed YouTube videos.
We were able to gather guest author content for each of the tabs listed on our site. Our plan is to add to each "page" as committees meet and work is tackled. The site will contain all of the information and evidence from completed work. Any member of our school community with a school email will be able to access it. That's another nice feature we didn't realize Google Sites had. When you decide to publish your site, you can control if it is public or stays accessible only within your organization.
We are excited to provide this resource to our faculty and staff and look forward to seeing what impact it can have on communication within our district. It will certainly never replace face to face interactions and important conversations. Yet, perhaps it can be used to supplement each of those as they happen.
Our hope is to use this tool to as one more way to connect with our incredible team of educators throughout the district.
How to Use the New Google Sites
Video Tutorial
by Teacher's Tech
Comments
Post a Comment