Google:Gmail

As a substitute, I've seen how many teachers use gmail to contact and inform their students.  It is a great tool.  Once in a while, I'm in a classroom where the student has a question that I can't answer for them, like proper procedure for turning in an assignment, or asking for an extension.  I love that I can tell the student to shoot the teacher an email about whatever the question is, and know that I'm not giving them an instruction that would be different from the classroom teacher.

I have seen where teachers send out forms using google docs. I also love that the school gives the students all a gmail account so they do have the ability to communicate with their teachers. Also, many teachers use their gmail to communicate with students and parents as to what their assignment is and when it is due!

Using gmail is a great way to schedule events and a way to keep students, parents, and administration informed as to what is going on in your classroom.