Building Tech Literacy with Google Classroom and Lucidpress by Guest Author Eliza Wright

You heard us right! Now, Learn how Lucidpress+Google Classroom Can Help You Improve Digital Literacy

The latest generation of students may be tech-savvy, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re tech literate. What’s the difference? Tech savviness refers to an individual’s skill level, whereas tech literacy more broadly refers to the ability to use technology responsibly and appropriately.

So how can teachers best prepare a bumper crop of young Tweeters and Snapchatters for a lifetime of meaningful technology use?

We think the answer is simple: focus on key outcomes. That way, students will come to appreciate the productive possibilities of technology even as the tech landscape continues to evolve around them.

Here are three key outcomes to focus on as you guide your students’ use of technology this year, along with tools and tips to help you do so:

Collaboration

Technology makes collaboration easier, and collaboration makes learning easier.

Collaborative tools are a dime a dozen nowadays, but some of the most impressive come included in Google Apps for Education (check out this year’s new features). Lucidpress, an intuitive web-based publishing and design tool, is also worth investigating, especially since it now integrates with Google Classroom. Educators can try Lucidpress for free just by signing up. This integration means that teachers can easily create assignments with Lucidpress, distribute them, and make comments on their students’ drafts before grading.

Presentation

Arguably, the learning process isn’t complete until the learner can explain what he or she knows to others. Giving students the chance to present their work to others gives them extra motivation to prepare thoroughly. It’s also a great opportunity for them to polish their public speaking skills and develop their own voice.

Google Apps for Education comes with Slides, which is a great (albeit simple) presentation tool. The aforementioned Lucidpress is also excellent for creating and presenting documents like digital presentations and printed brochures.

Conversation

Digital conversations can be tricky, and it may seem easier to avoid them altogether if you meet with your students face to face, but helping students to express well-developed opinions and ideas online can be a springboard to intellectual engagement.

With Gmail and Google Translate, students can chat with pen pals in another country. You can also use Google Sites to create custom websites on nearly any topic, from environmentalism to pop culture. With today’s tools at your fingertips, we think tech literacy is more attainable than ever. Let us know which tools and techniques are your favorites!

Article by Guest Author Eliza Wright of Lucidpress

Eliza Wright is a marketing manager at Lucid Software. She's passionate about roller derby, cooking, social justice, and—what else?—content marketing. Contact her at eliza@lucidchart.com or find her on Twitter at @eliza1wright.