OneNote Reflection/Review

       As I started getting familiar with OneNote, I definitely started noticing some similarities between OneNote and what I use on my Google Chromebook.  The ability to conveniently share, view, and edit documents between students and teachers is very useful and can be found in both OneNote and Google docs.  I also noticed that within those documents there is probably more flexibility with OneNote in terms of being able to include other forms of media (videos, links to sites, etc.).  Sometimes when I insert some type of media in a Google doc and share it, that link or video may not always open.  It is no longer an issue now when I do it but OneNote can include pretty much any type of media in its documents or worksheets, allowing for easier access of information for students.

       Google drive is what I used to share assignments, videos, recordings, etc. with my students.  When I was exploring OneNote, I saw that Microsoft also uses this drive concept, as displayed below:




       Taking things a step further with OneNote, students can compile all of their documents and files into a digital notebook.  With software programs like this, students of the future may not even have to carry paper-based notebooks anymore!  They will have access to all the notes that they take in this type of digital format.  And just like Google docs and drive, all the files and documents in OneNote can be accessed from any computer or tablet with an internet connection.

       I can see how OneNote can be an excellent teaching tool but I highly doubt that my school district will adopt this program.  We are a Google-based district and just last year, all teachers and students have been working with Chromebooks and learning how to use that software.  But if I'm being completely honest, I think OneNote does have some very valuable features in its program.  Even if it is a bit similar with Google software, both students and teachers would benefit from using both programs.  Unfortunately, all schools within a district must operate using the same programs.  We cannot have one school using Google software and the other using Microsoft software.  Therefore, I don't think OneNote will be utilized in my Google-based school district any time soon.  In the meantime, I hope to continue familiarizing myself with OneNote and perhaps one day I can put my knowledge of that program to good use.  I do enjoy using Google drive and docs with my students and they find it fairly easy to use as well.  Thank you for the opportunity to explore OneNote.