17 Google Apps in D2L with John Martin — 09.29.2015

In the Active Teaching Lab on September 29, 2015, John Martin from DoIT Academic Technology shared how to embed various Google Apps in Learn@UW. We learned how to use this simple trick both to make the course easier for instructors to administer, and to encourage student peer learning.

Key Takeaways

• Here are some ideas on how to use Google Apps in D2L for your class:
  • sign-up sheets
  • wiki-like collaboration (for notes or observations in labs)
  • students use it themselves
  • collaborative slides
  • discussion
  • color-coded responses — to see who has contributed what
  • journaling

• KnowledgeBase documents on Google Apps: kb.wisc.edu/googleapps
• You can now embed Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides into D2L content windows. This allows students to work (view, edit, comment) on the google docs without leaving D2L content page.
• With Google Docs embedded in D2L courses, it is easier for faculty/instructors to manage / edit LIVING course documents (e.g., syllabus, schedule, assignments).
• You can link through D2L to a folder in Google Drive to provide a set of readings — much easier than managing straight in D2L.

If you’re interested in learning more to get up and running with Google Apps, watch the videos below and try stepping through the Google Apps in D2L worksheet we created for the session!

The Active Teaching Lab, a Faculty Engagement program, provides a safe space for structured explorations of cool teaching tools and techniques that your colleagues are using to engage students and teach more effectively. During the academic year, labs are held weekly and will be listed on the Active Teaching Lab page.

John’s Google Apps in D2L Story