Database of Innovative Learning Objects

Google Sites

Web-page creation tool

Google

Web Site/Portal

Natural Science, Biology

Medium

17+ years old

No

I started using Google Sites during remote learning as a way in which to allow students to complete groupwork assignments. This is great as a revision tool and can be shared with the whole class afterwards for revision purposes and help them with a difficult topic. When using Google Sites, students create their own website on a particular topic. I used it with nutrition and food studies. Students each created a different page on the website where they discussed the nutritional value, meal planning guidelines and ways of processing different foods. It helped students to understand the similarities and differences between different foods and why each food will be important in the diet in different ways. Images, videos and words can be used on the sites which can help students to break down material. Teachers could also create sites to explain specific parts of their coursework and use videos to explain how to use particular formulas or specific pieces of equipment which students can keep going back to during their study. Students could also use Google Sites as a portfolio of their learning in a particular area of study which is particularly useful when students are doing project work or coursework. I found Google Sites to be a great resource for students especially when remote learning as they could work together on assignments which was sometimes difficult at home. This really motivated and encouraged them and they continue to use the site as a tool when revising these topics today. The teacher can act as a facilitator throughout these lessons and this helps students to learn for themselves. Some information would need to be taught to students in advance but they can also use Google Sites to learn from the teacher.

Google Sites is an excellent learning tool which motivates learners and helps them to develop note taking skills. It helps them to breakdown information and increases their study skills. I do not believe there are any real weaknesses to the use of this resource. It is a great tool that can be used by teachers and students to develop notes and can be used as a revision tool in the future. It is good from a scientific perspective as it could be used to explain maths problems in greater detail and can make use of pictures and videos to help with this. As a pedagogical method in teaching and learning, it is of great benefit to students especially older students to help them bring their work together.