Google Applications Research Articles

Curriculum and Technology Design: A Course to Explore Technology Applications in EFL Curriculum Design

Teaching and technology pedagogy should be mastered by a teacher in this digital era. It is an inevitable fact that teachers should realize. To be in line with technology development, teachers are expected to bring any technology-based applications to the classroom. Many education institutions from Kindergarten to Higher Education around the world equip their teachers with technology-based training. In particular, Technology Enhanced Language Learning (TELL) has been mushrooming in English Language Teaching trends. To comply with this demand, Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework has been developed by Koehler & Mishra (2006) to equip student teachers in English Department. Therefore, Technology and Curriculum Design course is designed to tailor Pre-Service English Teachers how to integrate technology in EFL curriculum design. By having blended learning activities, teaching and learning activities are conducted to explore technology applications to design an EFL curriculum. Any class projects are technology-based assignments such as infographic, poster, mind map, questionnaire, presentation, etc. using CANVA, Google applications, presentation applications, lesson plan application (LessonWRITER), quiz application (Quizlet), and interactive book applications (AnyFlip, Flipping Book, FlipSnack), etc. 
 Keywords: curriculum, EFL, technology

تصميم بيئة افتراضية قائمة على تطبيقات جوجل التفاعلية لتنمية مهارات التعامل مع أنظمة إدارة التعلم الإلکتروني لدى الطلاب المعلمين بجامعة البحرين.

هدف هذا البحث إلى التعرف على أثر تصميم بيئة افتراضية قائمة على تطبيقات جوجل التفاعلية في تنمية مهارات التعامل مع أنظمة إدارة التعلم الإلکتروني لدى طلاب کلية المعلمين بجامعة البحرين، ولتحقيق هدف البحث تم استخدام المنهج شبه التجريبي في تنفيذ إجراءات تجربة البحث. وتکونت عينة البحث من (30) طالبا وطالبة تم اختيارهم بشکل عشوائي من کلية المعلمين، کما تکونت أدوات البحث من اختبار تحصيلي وبطاقة ملاحظة لقياس الجوانب المعرفية والأدائية لمهارات التعامل مع أنظمة إدارة التعلم الإلکتروني. وتوصلت الدراسة إلى وجود فرق دال إحصائيا بين متوسطي درجات المجموعة التجريبية في التطبيقين القبلي والبعدي للاختبار التحصيلي المرتبط بمهارات التعامل مع أنظمة إدارة التعلم الإلکتروني لدى طلاب کلية المعلمين لصالح التطبيق البعدي، ووجود فرق دال إحصائيا بين متوسطي درجات المجموعة التجريبية في التطبيقين القبلي والبعدي لبطاقة الملاحظة المرتبطة بمهارات التعامل مع أنظمة إدارة التعلم الإلکتروني لدى طلاب کلية المعلمين لصالح التطبيق البعدي، وأوصت الدراسة بعدة توصيات أهمها العمل علي توظيف تطبيقات جوجل التفاعلية في البيئات الافتراضية، وضرورة العمل على تنمية مهارات التعامل مع أنظمة إدارة التعلم الإلکتروني لدى الفئات المختلفة من القائمين على العملية التعليمية نظرا لأهميتها في ظل تطورات العصر ومستحدثاته. الکلمات المفتاحية: البيئة الافتراضية، تطبيقات جوجل التفاعلية، أنظمة إدارة التعلم الإلکتروني، کلية المعلمين. Abstract The purpose of this research is to identify the effectiveness of designing a virtual environment based on interactive Google applications in developing the skills of dealing with e-learning management systems for the students of the Teachers College at the University of Bahrain. The research sample consisted of (30) students randomly selected from the teachers' college. The research tools consisted of an achievement test and a note card to measure the cognitive and performance aspects of the skills of dealing with e-learning management systems. The study found that there was a statistically significant difference between the mean scores of the experimental group in the pre and post applications of the achievement test related to the skills of dealing with e-learning management systems in the students of the teachers college for the post application. Also, there is a statistically significant difference between the average scores of the experimental group in the pre- and post- Related to the skills of dealing with e-learning management systems for students of the Teachers College for the benefit of post-application. The study recommended several recommendations, the most important of which is to work on the application of Google interactive applications in the virtual reality environments, and the need to work on developing the skills of dealing with e-learning management systems among the different groups of the administrators of the educational process because of its importance in modern developments and innovations. Keywords: Virtual Environment, Google Interactive Applications, E-Learning Management Systems, Bahrain Teachers College.

Exploring the Influence of Using Collaborative Tools on the Community of Inquiry in an Interdisciplinary Project-Based Learning Context

This study aims to explore the relationships among three presences, namely cognitive presence, social presence and teaching presence in a Community of Inquiry (CoI) framework in the context of interdisciplinary project-based learning (IPBL) through the collaborative technology Google Applications. The survey data was collected from 138 students with mixed subject specialism participated in a cultural creativity project. All participants were randomly assigned into one of two groups. The control group used online discussion boards, while the treatment group used the Google Applications as a collaborative technology to support the project learning. The results of the study showed that the students’ cognitive presence was positively influenced by the teaching and social presence, which supported the theoretical CoI framework. Moreover, in an IPBL context with the support of the Google Applications, social presence had more predictive power in explaining students’ cognitive presence than the support provided by the online discussion boards.

Mobile Assisted Vocabulary Acquisition and Wikis to Enhance Writing Skills

This project examined how a group of advanced-level EFL students read articles on their smartphone to acquire new vocabulary which they later inserted in their essays on wikis. The aim of the study was (a) to explore the students' perceptions regarding learning vocabulary from their smartphone followed by the use of wikis to improve their writing skills; (b) to analyse how peer editing and feedback can help students towards grammar and vocabulary accuracy with a view to enhancing their writing skills. The twenty-one participants used a Google application on their smartphone to perform reading and vocabulary exercises before writing essays on the wikis, followed by peer editing and feedback. Data were gathered from two questionnaires, interviews and 168 essays. The findings suggested that positive learning took place throughout the development of the study. The smartphone was considered a convenient tool for reading and performing vocabulary exercises. Peer editing and feedback were deemed crucial towards grammar and vocabulary accuracy to enhance writing skills.

ICT for resource management and telematics in construction sites

Abstract In the paper we present solutions that can be applied by management staff for online collaboration works and management of resources in construction sites. Such software can be based on a framework of Google applications that offer almost versatile and ubiquitous features for data processing, communication, workflow processing and resource management. They can be used to build an Integrated Collaboration Environment that can run using a cloud computing. Moreover such a solution can be integrated with Internet of Thinks platform to foster monitoring and controlling tasks led by civil engineers to govern quality of construction works.

Evaluating a blended degree program through the use of the NSSE framework

AbstractThe purpose of this student‐faculty partnership research study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a blended four‐year Bachelor of Education Elementary Program at a Canadian university using the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) framework. Data was collected from the first graduating cohort of students from the B.Ed. program in partnership with four Undergraduate Student Research Assistants (USRA). The students in this study completed online surveys and participated in focus groups at the end of their first and fourth years in the program. The study participants provided recommendations for improving the quality of the program based on the five NSSE benchmarks and the use of digital technologies. The main recommendations that emerged from this study were that student and faculty interactions, outside of the classroom, could be enhanced through the use of web‐based conferencing tools to support “virtual” office hours. Course assignments that incorporate peer mentoring activities through the use of social media applications could provide richer opportunities for active and collaborative learning. Creating more intentional connections between academic coursework and field placements through the use of Google applications could help to strengthen the relationship between theory and practice in the program. Enriching educational experiences could be expanded through the use of social media applications to promote and communicate student led academic and social events. A supportive campus environment could be improved by the development of a digital “road map” and co‐curricular record for the program.

In Praise of Email

EDITOR'S SUMMARYWhile some aspire to minimize traditional email and prefer other communication platforms, email systems have presented strong advantages over alternative messaging channels. The systems offer simple organization and search features and let users personalize categorization based on folders. But a move to Google Apps prompted the author to appreciate the value of tags for managing email content by facets such as date, project and name, singly or in combination. The accuracy of search in email extends to related Google applications. Information architects would do well to rethink features in existing systems and redesign them to meet users' evolving and increasing needs.

Using Online Survey with 'Google Apps' to Improve Patient's Relationships on KMC

Introduction – The development of information technology nowadays makes computer-assisted surveys increasingly popular. Current methods of computer assisted survey category are the internet survey or online survey. The superiority of the online survey compared to offline survey is the ability to collect and monitor the progress of the survey in much faster way than the offline or manual survey. The use of online survey in the hospital quality research has been done a lot of times. I suggest that the use of the online survey will improve the response rate compared to the manual survey. I draw a hypothesis that online survey response rate is higher than the manual survey response rate in the context of hospital services.Methodology – I made an online survey using Google applications. The design was made in case-control by using a comparison before and after switched to the online version. Data collection was done four times in four months. April and May 2015 were the data collection of manual survey, while the online survey was done in June and July 2015. Analyses were performed by descriptive analytic and mean different test. Samples targets were determined by the procedure of onesample z-test as many as 1,051 people to get a difference of 0.05 and a power of 0.90.Results – It appears that manual survey is only in the range of 61-69%. Meanwhile, the rate of online questionnaires filling rate reached between 83-92%. These results show that the efficiency of filling in the questionnaire is much higher when distributed online to Kemang Medical Care (KMC) patients, rather than the offline one. On the average, the mean of online filling in was 88%, while the manual one was only 65%. These results reflect that online questionnaire bring more respondents than manually filling in the questionnaire.Discussion – Research in the context of health care using online survey with Google-based apps is expected to increase patient relationship because it has higher response rate than the manual survey. Our study that was conducted in Kemang Medical Care (KMC), suggests that online survey gives higher response rate than manual surveys. This can replace the manual survey that is not environmentally friendly, long completed, error-prone, low accuracy, and little involvement.

The Future of Work: What Google Shows Us About the Present and Future of Online Collaboration

Because students enroll in higher education to become competitive in the job market, university courses emphasize transferrable skills such as strong communication and critical thinking. How do these skills transfer in the knowledge work environment that characterizes most careers? In this paper the author reviews the literature of the current and future workplace environment most college graduates will enter and from this review poses online collaboration as one of the most important skills to future employees. Using Google work culture and applications as a model for effective online collaboration, the author offers frameworks, activities, and examples for strengthening students’ online collaboration skills. This author demonstrates how Google Applications such as Slides, Drive, and Docs can be used in higher education classes to facilitate the online collaboration skills valued in the literature review.

A Dynamic Raspberry Pi Sense HAT Multimodality Alerting System by using AWS IoT

Objectives: The main intention of this research is to develop a multimodality system that can monitor the temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, magnetometer, gyroscope, accelerometer values in any applications. Methods: This proposed system uses a wireless Raspberry Pi sense HAT sensor. With this system all the sensor values are obtained and apart from that to design an alerting/notification is being shown by considering temperature parameter. To perform that, the temperature is above predefined limit, which will be notifies by sending out an alert email notification via text messages to user web account by using Amazon Web Services Internet of Thing (AWS IoT) console, and reading the monitor data as visualized in the form of charts using thing speak and also uploads the monitoring data logged into a Google spreadsheet using Wi-Fi adaptor/ LAN to internet access. Simultaneously, all the monitoring data logs are stored in a google spreadsheet to access related google Application Program Interface (APIs) by using OAuth 2.0 protocol. Finding: Obtaining sense Hat sensor data is working on python programming language. Which is a default language is provided by Raspberry Pi. Improvements: This system is used in different applications like cold storage, power plant stations, weather station, homes and chemical laboratories. And also focus on research direction in many fields, such as industry, agriculture by using a wireless sensor node.Keywords: AWS (Amazon Web Services) IoT, OAuth 2.0 Protocol, Python, Raspberry Pi, Raspberry Pi Sense HAT, Thing Speak

Development of Active Learning Methods of English in Japanese High Schools to Support Student Activities in Group Discussions

This study examined English classroom environments with active learning methods in Japanese high schools. Students learned English using a paper-based quiz during group discussions. We administered a questionnaire to the students, and the results indicated that 45% of the students would like to use information and communication technology (ICT) tools such as computers and tablets to study English in a classroom. Therefore, we propose active learning methods with ICT tools to enhance creativity, problem solving ability, and knowledge during student activities in group discussions using Google Applications.

Quantifying Gold Nanoparticle Concentration in a Dietary Supplement Using Smartphone Colorimetry and Google Applications

Spectrophotometry and colorimetry experiments are common in high school and college chemistry courses, and nanotechnology is increasingly common in every day products and new devices. Previous work has demonstrated that handheld camera devices can be used to quantify the concentration of a colored analyte in solution in place of traditional spectrophotometric or colorimetric equipment. This paper extends this approach to quantifying the concentration of gold nanoparticles in a colloidal gold “dietary supplement”. With the addition of free Google applications, the investigation provides a feasible, sophisticated lab experience and introduction to nanotechnology.

PADLET AND OTHER INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY TOOLS IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING

The paper considers the necessity of the computerization of the education sphere. Information Communication Technology (ICT) tools and services of Google, blended learning techniques help to enhance autonomous education and answer the training needs of future specia-lists. The paper describes the Padlet (Google application) and provides with its practical usage in language classroom. The authors come to the following conclusions: improving Internet and computer technology competence through mastering various Internet tools and applications can be traced. Besides, the introduction of IT into traditional classroom intensifies the process of cognitive development and mental activities, forming the high level of students’ motivation and interest. For students the usage of IT proves the positive dynamics of their accomplishments in the field of selecting, organizing and dealing with information provided in various forms. It enhances students’ opportunities in creating, designing and performing their works and achievements.

Students’ Familiarity With Google Applications for Education at a Thai University

Many students already use various types of technologies on a daily basis. Educators though may have preconceived ideas of what technologies they should be using in the learning environment. These ideas may be outdated and not compatible with what the students are using or what is currently in the market place. Emerging technologies therefore require educators to constantly rethink their strategies both inside and outside of the classroom. In addition, an organized and well prepared educator is at the centre of learning and key to achieving effective course management. Therefore, collaborative technologies such as those provided through Google Apps for Education may be an aid to learning at many levels. In a higher education context, these technologies can allow coursework collaboration and submission in an online environment. The use such technologies can be facilitated by the instructor but are ultimately driven by the students. The successful integration of emerging technologies though depends on how the students perceive them and whether they are familiar with them. This study uses an original survey instrument to gauge students’ familiarity with Google Applications for Education. The results show mixed levels of familiarity with the individual applications that make up the suite. This study provides data for practitioners considering Google Applications for Education within their courses.

Geocoding Health Events Using Google Maps

INTRODUCTION: Geocoding health events is the assignment of geographic coordinates to their location, allowing its use in Geographic Information Systems. It is of great importance in epidemiology, although it is still a challenge in front of the number of events, the quality of data, lack of digital cartographic databases and urban features, especially in developing countries. The goal was to develop a geocoding procedure of health events by accessing functions of Google Application Programming Interface (API). METHODOLOGY: Scripts were programmed in R to access the Google API, a set of available functions, one of which the geocoding Google Maps addresses. The routine took place in four stages: the standardization of input addresses which involves, for example, the repair of common errors in filling the field; geocoding; the evaluation of results; and manual intervention in order to repair, locate and capture the coordinates. The location of deaths from ischemic heart and cerebrovascular diseases, notified between 2010 and 2012, in a large city of a developing country were geocoded. RESULTS: 26081 addresses underwent the procedure. 22209 were found with the desired accuracy, which 18646 were correct, representing 71.5% of the total. The rest, 7435, was submitted to manual intervention. In the case of adresses were not found exactly, but the street or the numbering range that includes the residence were contained in a census tract, was captured a point in the area. 5250 (70.6%) addresses were recovered by manual intervention. At the end of the process there was 8.4% loss. CONCLUSION: The procedure is simple, low cost and showed efficiency in geocoding health events due to the high proportion of automatic findings. Despite the complexity, manual intervention avoided data loss, improving data usage.

Moving from Flipcharts to the Flipped Classroom: Using Technology Driven Teaching Methods to Promote Active Learning in Foundation and Advanced Masters Social Work Courses

As part of a larger initiative to promote active learning at Case Western Reserve University, three faculty members (one field and two academic) participated in a year-long fellowship focusing on active instruction and academic technologies. The use of interactive technology and technology-based peer-to-peer active learning was considered a natural fit to the teaching of social work clinical practice skills; these techniques were designed to recognize students’ diverse learning styles and to promote hands-on application of practice skills in classroom and field settings. The following innovations were implemented. First, a foundation methods practice course was “flipped”—students viewed online lectures and instructional videos at their own pace prior to class, allowing classroom time to be reserved for collaborative work and case study exercises designed to engage students and deepen their understanding. Second, the Google Application Suite was used in both foundation and advanced masters courses to (a) help bridge the gap between field and classroom through case study dialogues with community practitioners using Google Hangouts video conferencing capability, (b) create an online and in-class learning community using Google+, and (c) promote student collaboration using Google Drive, Documents and Presentation. Third, the integration of newly designed interactive classroom learning spaces and collaborative technology was used to promote a pedagogical shift toward active learning. Implementation and evaluation of these approaches to teaching social work practice are presented.

English

Rapidly advancing computer based technologies offer many possibilities for innovation in educational and administrative assessment tasks which allow for a reliable real time reporting and feedback process. This paper considers the requirements for teacher assessments to become an accurate and reliable process. As a case study, the challenges of implementing such a system at Koya University have been considered. This paper examines how a paperless online system can support faculties' efforts for improving sustainable quality in learning and up-to-date assessment techniques. The proposed sustainable paperless online system (SPOS) uses Google Applications for Education that have been adopted at Koya university as a communications and collaboration medium to enhance its teaching quality. Such a system may enhance security, transparency and ease of use while consuming less time and resources and promoting green practice. The work throughout this paper explains how the initiative is engineered for achieving and monitoring a better quality in teaching.

Data Security Challenges and Its Solutions in Cloud Computing

Abstract Cloud Computing trend is rapidly increasing that has an technology connection with Grid Computing, Utility Computing, Distributed Computing. Cloud service providers such as Amazon IBM, Google's Application, Microsoft Azure etc., provide the users in developing applications in cloud environment and to access them from anywhere. Cloud data are stored and accessed in a remote server with the help of services provided by cloud service providers. Providing security is a major concern as the data is transmitted to the remote server over a channel (internet). Before implementing Cloud Computing in an organization, security challenges needs to be addressed first. In this paper, we highlight data related security challenges in cloud based environment and solutions to overcome.

Building virtual teams: experiential learning using emerging technologies

Currently, virtual teams are being used exponentially in higher education and business because of the development of technologies and globalization. These teams have become an essential approach for collaborative learning as well as task completion. Team learning, especially in an online format, can be challenging due to lack of effective training, communication and assessment measures. This article will introduce strategies, including adding a module on team processes, using Google applications for communication, and evaluating collaborative learning processes in addition to the products. These strategies were found instrumental in cultivating virtual teams through this case study of an online graduate course, and they can be valuable to online learning instructional designers or instructors who are interested in applying virtual teams in experiential instructional process.

Graduate students in a service learning design case: the development of a parenting program

The following design case illustrates the approach a group of advanced graduate online-design students, two design coaches, and an instructor used to design an online instructional intervention as a service-learning project for parents interested in improving their parenting skills with their pre-teens. This design case is distinctive in that it explores the online collaboration for this service-learning project using email, instant messaging, Google Hangout, Google Documents within Google applications and Skype.