3_2 Reflection

In September 20^th’s class, I learned how to create a Google site. Google site is one feature of Google I have never known existed. I have used Gmail for over a year now, and I have never explored beyond the email and calendar features of my Gmail account. I live and die by my Google calendar and I have it synced to my smart phone so that I can carry my calendar wherever I go and put in my appointments. I like that my email and calendar can all be in one place, and now my Google site can be as well. I really like having this project for class as well as the course syllabus easily and electronically accessible with the same login information as my Gmail account. It simplifies my already complicated life.

            Not only did I learn how to create a Google site in class on Tuesday, but I also learned the different functions of a Google site. Functions of a Google site can include an interactive tool for course work and ePortfolios for employers to look at to consider an applicant’s employability. I considered using my Google site for this purpose. But in the field of higher education for academic staff, they prefer that you send a hard copy of your application materials, and that they only be 3-5 pages long with a cover letter, resume, and sometimes a philosophy. I also already have a LinkedIn account that is like my electronic portfolio/application for employers to view. So I think a Google site will best serve me with a more innovative purpose.

            My innovative idea for my Google site is to create an “Advising Toolbox” which will house everything any student will need for academic advising purposes. It will include videos showing students how to find certain resources on campus with interviews of staff in these offices talking about the benefits of using their resources. It will also have advising planning sheets, a section for helping undecided students, materials for career advising and more. I imagine that students will really be using this site when they can’t find the time to make an appointment with their Academic Advisor and need assistance right away. I also developed an evaluation portion for my Google site.

            One final thing I learned in class was embedding Google docs and Google survey forms into my Google site. Using these two features on my “Advising Toolbox” I have created a Q&A section for students in case they need to ask questions the site might not provide the answers for, and a survey that evaluates the effectiveness of the information on the site. Both of these pages on my Google site will help me continue to improve the site once I start directing users to it. This way I can provide information on the “Advising Toolbox” that the users feel they could use the most.

            With last week’s course activities, I have developed an idea for a new innovative tool that is better than an ePortfolio as far as giving myself an edge for employability. Generally when you interview for an Academic Advisor position in a university, you have to present an idea or information relative to that position. I think this Google site would be a good topic for a presentation for a job interview. Overall, lesson 3_2 was really useful for my purposes and career.