Instructional Software Tools

Materials Generator

v  A Google add-on that can be used in the classroom is g(math) for Sheets. 

v  Another materials generator is a Free Puzzlemaker-Discovery Education. 

The Google add-on g(Math) for Sheets is used in Google Sheets. This add-on makes it easy to generate equations and even math quizzes on Google Sheets, which can be then inserted into Google Docs. The Free Puzzlemaker from Discovery Education makes it simple for teachers to create crossword puzzles, word searches, and even math puzzles to utilize in the classroom. According to Roblyer (2016) worksheet and puzzle, generators are commonly used to “practice lower level skills, such as math facts, cloze exercises” (p. 147), and “exercises to review words and definitions” (p.147). Both of these add-ons fall match these three uses.

Testing and Grading Tools

v  Two testing and grading Google add-ons are Orange Slice: Teacher Rubric and TP Gradebook.

The Orange Slice: Teacher Rubric is used to generate rubrics that meets the teacher’s needs. TP Gradebook, on the other hand, is used for recording grades. Both of these add-ons make it easier for the teacher to access the grading criteria and the students’ grades from anywhere. According to Roblyer (2016) one of the most time-consuming task that a teacher does is producing test and other assessments (p. 155) Both of the Add-ons make grading and making rubrics less time consuming so that teachers can know spend their time where it is better needed elsewhere such as in the classroom.

Graphics Tools

v  Two Google add-ons that can be used to create graphics for a lesson are Pictograph and Lucidchart. 

Roblyer (2016) states that “the skills involved in reading, interpreting, and producing graphs and charts are useful both to the students in school and adults in the workplace” (p.158). Both of these add-ons make it easier for the teacher to harness that skill in students. The Pictograph add-on allows teachers, or students, to create a diagram without having to worry about the copyright of the image used. The Lucidchart makes it easy to insert diagrams such as a flowchart or mind map into a Google Docs. Both of these tools are a great resource for teachers to utilize because of the easy display of content that they provide. Also, students can utilize them to organize their thoughts and even create their own diagrams to study for an upcoming test.

Planning and Organizing Tools

v  Two planning and organizing Google add-ons are Lesson Plan Submit and Highlight Tool

According to Roblyer (2016), planning and organizing tools include “outlining and concept mapping software, lesson planning software, and scheduling/time management tools” (p.160). The Lesson Plan Submit add-on helps with lesson planning because it makes it easier to submit, or share, lesson plans with one’s peers for review. The Highlight Tool allows one to highlight information and then sort it by either color of the highlighter used or by order in which it appeared in the document.

Research and Reference Tools

v  Two research and reference Google add-ons are Thesaurus and Verity Spell

According to Roblyer (2016), research and reference tools include “online encyclopedias, atlases and mapping tools, and dictionaries and thesauruses” (p.162). The Thesaurus add-on is exactly what its name claims it to be, a thesaurus. This add-on provides alternative words for those that are used too often in a document. The Verity Spell add-on not only checks the spelling and grammar of a document but also comes with a dictionary that can be used to search the meaning of unfamiliar words.

Roblyer, M.D. (2016). Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching (Seventh ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Educational Inc