Shop It To Me Post 4/5

In scanning the options we were asked to work on for our class, I wanted to try to find something:

a) great for students

b) new and interesting

c) something I had some experience in

d) all of the above

So it seemed that using Google Offers was it.  I love shopping, but love a good deal even more.  When Groupon, Living Social and Travel Zoo started emailing daily deals, I gave out my email address faster than you can blink.  While buying deals for things I want truly need, I have enjoyed many new adventures, tried new foods, and gone to places I may not have checked out in the first place.  Why not turn that into a learning experience for students?  Have them discover new things in their communities and learn about saving money while doing it.

When beginning with Google Offers, it asked you some questions like where you hang out (Google Offers isn't available in the Rockland area yet) and what your interests are (everything from spa services to grocery deals to kids and family deals).  To try and think in terms of what I would do with students I chose NYC as my hangout and interests such as Kids and Family Fun, Classes and Learning, Local Attractions, Retail, and Pet Services.

You'll then get a page like this:

You'll then get a customized list of daily deals for purchase.

I think there are some really cool things you could do with students using this-

* When an area close to home is available, challenge students over a course of a week or two, to see who can plan a weekends worth of activities for the lowest price.  Allow students to vote on the best plans.

*Have students create a community brochure with exciting things to do for a good price.

* Have students break into groups and "visit" another city.  Plan a weekend on a budget using the offers.

*Give students a "budget" and see what educational activities they could find.  Have them write a persuasive essay/letter about the deal (to you or their parents).

*Have students pretend to be a business owner.  What would make a good deal?  Have students create their own.

Now like I said, I am all too familiar with these daily deals (my advice to you is simple: Don't get your groupon before you've had a cup of coffee). I see some pros and cons about Google Offers so far.

PROS

• LOVE how you can customize your interests.  Maybe our students do not need to see deals for unlimited alcoholic beverages or hair removal.
• They have an app for android and iPhones where you can purchase and redeem right on your phone (no printing out coupons- go green!).
• It looks very easy to create deals (from a business perspective).
• You can share the deals on google+, facebook, or social media sites with a click of the mouse.

CONS

• Only major cities have deals.  On Groupon and Living Social there are already availabilities for Rockland, Westchester and North Jersey

Overall, I like the concept and i think it could be a fresh way to discuss communities and economics in the classroom.