Introduction to the NEW Google Sites

I have used Google Sites to create, not only my class web site, but also our school and district websites since 2009. For the first time since I started using this service, Google has decided to drastically update and redesign the service for modern web design.

Before Google Sites, I was using GeoCities create websites. Some of the revolutionary features of GeoCities, such as a web-based page editor, were successfully emulated in Google Sites.

How a GeoCities Website Typically looked (circa 1999)

What's New in Google Sites

So, is the new Google Sites an improvement. I would say yes. Take a look at some of the improvements I highlighted below.

Redesigned editor that is easy to understand and use a layout matches other G Suite Apps
Sites now automatically create a Desktop Version as well as a Mobile and Tablet version of your site, all from the same template you create.

This is a huge improvement over how Google Sites used to format itself for mobile devices. This change had to be made as mobile devices are increasingly used to look up web content.

Better integration of other G Suite apps, such as embedding Google Docs, Slides, and Calendar.

This feature used to be buried under the Insert tab in the old Google Sites. Now, every page your edit has the ability to embed other G Suite tools visible on every page.

and more...

Any Drawbacks in the New Google Sites?

There are some parts of the new Google Sites that are not all there yet. I suspect as Google continually updates the product, these features will be added. Here are some of the features I noticed were missing.

You cannot change the font.
Page anchors are missing
Search your site bar is missing.
Page Level Permissions (essential in a School environment)
Is there an ability to create sub-pages? (I couldn't find this or information on this)

For those that are creating a website for the first time, this could be a great tool to use. However, when I look at the features I currently have in the old Google Sites, I believe I'll have to wait to convert.

Google is still supporting the old version of Google Sites. You can still create a Google Site in either platform at least until the end of 2017. Google announced that sometime in 2018, the goal is to end support for the old Google Sites. So there is time left for those that need time to either re-create or re-design their websites.

Tutorial of the New Google Sites

Comments

8 Google Sheets Add-ons Teachers Need!

Google sheets is a very powerful, although a bit basic when compared with the industry standard Microsoft Excel. Google Sheets Add-ons add some of the advanced features of other spreadsheet programs into Sheets. These add-ons have allowed me to completely move away from Excel for all data entry. We ...selected for you the 8 most popular applications there. Using these add-ons will enable you to: Create graphs and forms and write complex math in your sheets Create and modify a planning schedule for project management in a spreadsheet; easily scaffold, manage and assess students projects in Google Drive ...see the article below for more http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2017/07/8-google-sheets-add-ons-every-teacher.html

3 Tips for Classroom Discussion Backchannels: Class Tech Tips

A backchannel is a space where students can post questions, respond to prompts and participate in a discussion without raising their hand. You might set up a backchannel for students using the free tool Today’s Meet or have older students set up a Twitter account and tweet using a shared hashtag for a virtual class discussion. If you haven’t used backchannels before you may want to check out this post for a quick overview. So what does this have to do with BrainPOP? BrainPOP is a favorite resource for helping students dive into a range of topics. Read more on the link below. http://www.techlearning.com/blogentry/12230

What Comes First, Education or Technology?

http://www.ictineducation.org/home-page/2016/2/24/what-comes-first-education-or-technology This is a good article about putting education technology in perspective. "What has happened is that the existence of the technology has enabled you to reconsider some of your teaching methods." Technology has sparked a critical change in education. When integrating technology in education, for the most part of the 20th century, the focus was on adding technology to already existing teaching practices. “I want to get people to start from the notion that there are educational things that they want to do, or educational processes that they would like to engage with, and then - and only then - talk about the technology.”— The death of the digital native... Technology is inspiring us to change what we are doing in our classrooms and how students are learning. Here is an example of how technology can inspire a change in teaching practice: 1990s Tech Example: VCR usa

Mr. B EdTech Blog

Search This Blog