Google Voice

Last year I was lucky enough to attend a Google summit conference in Wisconsin Dells, WI. At this conference I attended a session that discussed the topic of Google Voice. Following this session I was filled with many ideas on how this could be used in the classroom. After a discussion with my administrator a co-worker and I were able to pilot the use of Google Voice in our first grade and third grade classrooms (the app had previously been blocked). 

To create a Google App account all you need to do it log in using your gmail address. It will then prompt you to create a phone number or use your own number. Create a new local phone number by typing in your zip code. You can also try to customize your number by typing in a word into the box on the right. For example you could get a phone number could be (555) 555-READ. Once you have a new number you will need to enter a phone number to link to your account. You will receive a phone call at this number to confirm your account. All you will have to do is type a couple number when you answer the call. Once your account is set up you are ready to go.

We used the Google app to create a classroom literacy hotline. In the settings menu you can create a custom message for callers to hear when they call. They can then leave a message for homework after the beep. The messages can be 3 minutes long total. The messages will also be transcribed for you. I have not found these useful as kids voices are hard to understand. These messages can then be played back for kids or embedded on a website or blog.

In the settings menu you can also decide to have calls forwarded to your own phone so you can answer or set it to receive messages when you get a message. I did not use either of these options.

Some of the things I use Google voice for are:

- Read to me for 3 min

- Tell me your favorite book

- Tell me the character, setting, and plot of your book

- Practice your spelling words

- Read words to know

The kids loved these assignments and it made their nightly reading HW more fun. :)