Just like any unit I begin, I always lay out the “Big Idea.” Students will be able to know exactly what will be expected of them during the upcoming unit. This allows for a nice flow of the subsequent lessons. The introduction to each unit when becoming a Google Educator does just this. For Unit 2, Google lays out exactly what I will be learning:
In this unit, you’ll learn:
- What online resources are available for you to search for answers
How to participate in online help forums to both find answers AND help others- How to create a network of peers who you can reach out to when you need help
- How to contribute to a network of other Google for Education users
- How to join a Google Educator Group for networking, support, and fun
- How to find local experts when you need that extra bit of support
How to Find Answers
Many times in the classroom we get “stuck” and do not know how to answer a student’s question. I find this happening more in my AP Statistics class more than any of my other classes, for obvious reasons of course. Students are hooked at the concepts we learn and they questions go beyond what is covered in the textbook. During the Google Educator training, a whole section is devoted to finding answers. Some tips offered are using Google Search to find answers. The training explains that, “a 30-second video is worth a page of text.” These videos walk through solutions step by step and can also be played during class. Another suggestion offered is using the Google Help Center to also find answers. Reliable step-by-step guides are available on how to do something. This could be resourceful when student are completing a project using Google and need a little more insight on how to execute the task at hand. The last tip offered is using Google for Education Help Forums to find answers. These forums consist of groups of educators who ask and answer questions related to the question at hand. New threads can also be created, keeping a constant growth and learn atmosphere.
Build Your Own Learning Network
Acronyms are everywhere in the educational world it seems like. A new one I have learned is a PLN - a Personal Learning Network. This is a supportive network of colleagues to learn from. Just as it is important to make connections amongst coworkers, it is even more important to connect with educators across the world to further my knowledge. Another acronym, GEGs (Google Educator Groups), are communities created in which learning professionals can share and inspire each other in the classroom through technology solutions. The four words that represent the essence of GEGs are: Learn. Share. Inspire. Empower. These four words are a great motto to teach and continue learning towards. “How To” steps are offered on joining a PLN along with an embedded video. Again, this covers a written “How To” along with a video “How To.” All learning styles are embodied in these strategies of conveying information.
Questions are posed for the Google Educator to pause and reflect on what was just learned. The posed questions for this section were:
Now that you’ve learned the basic idea of what a PLN is and what it can do for you,
- what is one thing that, if you had a large group of educators to ask, you would want to ask right now; and
- what is one success you have had with your students recently that you would want to share with a group of educators so that more students can benefit from your experience?
After writing my reflections in the space provided, I was able to read what other teachers have said. Again, this continues that connection of feeling like I am a part of an online learning community.
Discover Local Google for Education Experts
Tackling the challenge of learning how to successfully utilize technology in the classroom is a daunting task. However, Google has reassured me that I am not alone! During the training, there were four types of experts who are available to help myself and my school better understand these technological advances. The four to choose from were Google for Education Certified Trainers, Google for Education Certified Innovators, Reference Schools, and Google for Education Partners. After choosing an area of interest, I can filter exactly what I am looking for by:
Services provided- Product specialty
- School subjects
- Languages
- Student age levels
- Certifications
Summary
While taking the unit test, I found it interesting that I actually had to utilize the tools taught in order to answer the question. An example of this was when I had to go to the Google for Education Directory and search for a Google for Education Partner in Miami. The question asked me, “Who is this partner?” I thought this was a great type of assessment.
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