Google Apps and Cloud Technologies

In this blog post I am going to discuss the concept of cloud computing and various google apps which provide users with a variety of opportunities, such as sharing materials, chatting, scheduling events, blogging, mailing, etc.

go to link

It was very interesting to find out that there are many google apps that can be used not only for personal but also for educational purposes. 

According to Sara Ring there is a Google for Educators which combines the search engine's useful features. Here I have found many interesting apps which, I think, could be used with Armenian EFL learners as well.

For instance, with the help of Google Maps learners can create thier personalized maps where they can indicate their route, photos and videos. Later they can share the maps with their peers, discuss them or create a story based on the photos. This can turn into a really interactive and personalized activity which can help to connect the traditional in-class learning with their own lives outside.

go to link

Another very useful google app is the Google Docs. I find this app really helpful and it can be used effectively in EFL teaching and learning. For example, the teacher can share a google doc with a specific assignment and the students can work collaboratively to accomplish the task. They can edit each others’ mistakes; reflect on each other’s work. Also, it is a good tool for the teacher to monitor the students and to give them his/her feedback.

In this post I would also like to mention cloud computing. Nowadays, cloud computing provides businesses and educational institutions with an opportunity to store and share a huge amount of data. It is a combination of on-premises software and cloud services. With the help of the Internet it is possible to get access to any type of information which is stored in the cloud.