Google Drawings

One of the most overlooked Google apps could possibly be Google Drawings. Google Drawings is a versatile tool that allows users to create, collaborate, and share images. This jewel is one of those apps that can be accessed by selecting the "More" option from your Google Drive, typing drawings.google.com, or by selecting "Insert>Drawing from your Google Docs menu. Google recently added the option to add a drawing from your Google Drive instead of manually creating while in the Doc. 

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​Perhaps you have heard of Google Drawings but can't quite figure out why you would want to use this particular app. If you begin by thinking of it as a digital canvas with the ability to add virtually any shape, line, text, background, images, and even hyperlinks, the reasons may become apparent. Still need some convincing?​ Google Drawings allows for educators, students, and others to demonstrate learning in a creative way. 

​Why investigate Google Drawings?
At first glance, Drawings seems like the perfect app to create flowcharts, mind-maps, and graphic organizers. If you need to label images, maps, or scientific illustrations, Drawings is the perfect app from the Google Suite.   If you dive a bit deeper into the tools, you will soon discover that Drawings is an incredibly powerful creative tool for those users with an artistic flair. 

How do students use Drawings in the Classroom?

• Create interactive timelines
• Build diagrams
• Design newspaper or magazine layouts
• Sort/Count/ Label
• Label the structure and function of things

Drawings meets all of the 4 Cs of Digital Learning!
Create -  limitless!   
Collaborate - perfect design tool to use with a partner, team, or small group.
Critical Thinking - plan, create, and re-design from any device
Communication  - add text, photos, videos, hyperlinks, and audio to build interaction and engagement

Tech it Up a Notch in Drawings with SAMR as your Guide. 
Substitution - use Google Drawing as digital poster board.
Augmentation - receive/provide timely feedback with digital comments
Modification - add multi media - other photos, videos, even record and playback
Redefinition - collaborate with a friend in another class, school, country

Resources:
Keyboarding Color Code - (aka - Angie's First Google Drawing Activity)
SAMR Model - A Practical Guide for ED Tech Integration