Google drawing

Since I cannot get the Google drawing application to work, I am writing a blog post about my difficulty with it. Initially, I was very confused about the instructions. I searched all over to figure out where to locate the drawing tool. I saw classmates examples, and was aware of what it should look like. I understood the concept, and now think it is similar to the Jing image tool, except the drawing is your own creation. My husband had to help me run updates on my computer for me to access it. I saw the tools and began to save images I wanted to include. When I tried to insert the images nothing happened. I tried the arrow and other drawing tools, to no avail as well. At this point I was so frustrated that I was ready to give up. I had said in a discussion thread that I do much better with items that I struggle with with fresh eyes and a clear head, so I resolved to try again the next day. Subsequent tries to get the drawing tool to work failed due to two factors:
1) a message saying the browser was too busy
2) when I finally did get it to open, the new page would sit and load for quite some time which caused me to give up again.
Aside from the technical difficulties I am having, I was also troubled about where to begin. I like to talk about learning styles and I know my self very well. I was unsure how to start or where to begin. I find I learn best with very linear, structural diagrams like things being put into chronological, hierarchical or alphabetical orders. The random radial structure of this diagram was troubling to me. I would have figured it out, but it was not a design that I would have liked learning from as a student.
I will continue to try to make a diagram, but just wanted to post what happened with mine. I enjoyed creating my Jing image, which I think it fairly comparable to Google drawing.

The ISTE-NETS goals I associate with the Google drawing activity are these:

1) Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity
a. promote, support, and model creative and innovative thinking and inventiveness.
c. promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students' conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes.

With the Google drawing tool, students can create their own designs and diagrams to help clarify problem areas or make a study guide. This tool is also very conceptual, which targets big-picture learners and will strengthen this needed area in those where it is not their learning preference. Students can make any kind of drawing they want, including whatever information they want. This allows them to flex their creativity and take charge of the learning process. If a student finds a way to study that really works for their learning type, the more they will use it and the more successful they will be.

Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments
a. design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity.

b. develop technology-enriched learning environments that enable all students to pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their own educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress.
c. customize and personalize learning activities to address students' diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources.

Again when students take charge of the learning process and become active learners, they become better learners. (see above)

Model Digital-Age Work and Learning

a. demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations.
b. collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community members using digital tools and resources to support student success and innovation.

c. communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital-age media and formats.
d. model and facilitate effective use of current and emerging digital tools to locate, analyze, evaluate, and use information resources to support research and learning.

I have said before, with this push into the digital age, the more students are comfortable with using new technologies, they more adaptable they will be in high educational and work environments. Using tools like Google drawings, students can format information in ways that is successful digestible to them.