Google Apps and Language Teaching 

I’m very much speaking about how to integrate technologies in teaching foreign languages and how to make teaching process more effective and meaningful. Having experience in both learning foreign languages and teaching foreign languages, I believe that nowadays it is much easier to be the learner than the teacher. Nowadays learners best friend is Google and 21^st century learners are lucky enough to have Google search and thus to have answers to all the questions that they may have. It is not only easy but also very interesting and informative. I myself love to search for some information in Google; this has already become my hobby searching for books, pictures, useful websites etc. Perhaps Google is great for self-directed learners who like to find more and deeper information about different topics and subjects. 

However Google is very kind not only for self-learners but also for teacher. Different Google applications may be used in classes for educational purposes. First of all the most applicable one is Google Docs. This application gives users opportunity to simultaneously have access to a document and edit it, add or delete some information. This application is great for collaborative group work activities in an on-line environment. Learners may write summaries, make discussions or exchange ideas with the help of this application having Gmail account. 

Google Earth is another application which may be used in teaching for practicing the Country names, Ocean names or cities. The teacher may also organize information gap activities having learners give each other directions and find places in Google Earth. 

There are also different applications which are available only for those institution members, who use Google apps. I had an opportunity to use some of these applications. First of all I would like to introduce Google Sketchup. This application allows teachers and students to create three-dimensional designs and models. It may be used in teaching for describing these models or again for giving directions or different commands. 

Another Google App that may be used by teachers is Google Notebook. With the help of this Notebook teachers may take notes, save online content they’d like to organize and revisit later. The most exciting thing is that they may easily share this information with their students or colleagues.

It is very difficult to explore all Google apps in only one post, so I recommend you to Google for more information about the use of these applications for education. 

P.S. Thank you Google to give me opportunity to have this blog page.