Google Applications have already proven themselves as extremely valuable tools for educators of all types, and the launch of Google Wave for general use in 2010 continued the internet juggernaut’s dominance in shaping the future of how people communicate. Unsurprisingly, their dynamic, interactive Wave communities provide a glut of opportunities for savvy teachers eager to embrace the latest technological developments.

At its core, Google Wave seeks to provide a means of organizing and streamlining projects involving a group of people. Anyone approved to participate in a particular community wields the power to edit and change information to keep others updated on any changes, challenges, and progress involving the goal at hand. This interface certainly improves upon the old system of group e-mails, phone calls, notes, and other scattered bits of information that could easily overwhelm all group members. Google Wave’s all-inclusive environment definitely allows newcomers to the specified projects a quicker means of soaking up all the data may have missed had they been forced to scan a plethora of e-mails, instant messages, and voice mails. Best of all, users have the option of making their collaborations either public or private, so anyone concerned about confidential research need not worry about sneaky leaks.

Beyond the sheer convenience factor, the Wave communities also supply members with a lovely selection of multimedia tools - including maps, images, videos and text - to create something interesting, creative and unique. Any and all changes to the various media are archived so that participants and newcomers have a frame of reference for how any issues or evolutions came about. Suffice to say, teachers and students of all levels can benefit from this sleek and flexible product. Google Wave itself spotlights at least 2 projects, using them as examples of how educators have creatively applied the available tools to creating a nurturing environment that opens people up to new ideas and information. More stimulating than a lecture, participants now have a far more interactive means of learning everything they can about the world they inhabit.

For example, Shelley Blake-Plock was specifically highlighted for her use of Google Wave in asking her Latin students to write their own epic poetry. What resulted was a valuable collaboration that allowed the community members to edit any translation mistakes and look back on what areas need improvement. It also created a tighter-knit classroom where kids bonded over a shared creative experience and offered hands in correcting any problems that their peers may have missed. Other potential applications span much broader than just one course. Due to its internet habitat, any instructor assigned to teach online courses can set up a virtual classroom of their very own and bring together curious learners from around the world. Dealing with any potential language barriers becomes far easier to contend with when one flips on the translate tool - making this a potentially valuable tool for connecting ESL teachers with one another as well as their students in order to establish more effective lessons. Ajaan Rob Hatfield, who reviews technology of interest to ESL instructors, was definitely excited when Wave’s May 18, 2010 release rolled in. The internet already abounds with educators finding new and innovative ways to apply all the exciting features of this program to their classes. When inspiration begins running dry, run a search and explore how other teachers are applying the available technology to providing students the most interactive and innovative education possible.

Educators shy about incorporating computers into their classrooms may want to at least consider Google Wave as a viable start. With its plethora of features, this collaborative resource fosters creativity, practicality and organization in teachers and students alike. Even those unsure about value to a course would do well to explore everything it has to offer before rejecting it as an option.