Google for Education Certification Program

So THIS happened yesterday!

I was pretty excited to receive this email after years of learning and implementing G-Suite (formerly Google Apps for Education). I began my journey as a classroom teacher wanting to incorporate the Google tools with my students to maximize its collaborative features. Are you interested in pursuing Google Certification? There are many benefits, even for those who have no plans to enter the EdTech field. Google for Education has four certification programs:

1. Google Certified Educator, Level 1 

Google for Education offers this course "designed for educators and classroom teachers who wish to demonstrate proficiency in using Google for Education tools" (Google for Education). The Level 1 certification indicates that an educator is able to successfully implement G Suite for Education into their teaching practice in order to enhance teaching and learning. You'll learn the basics of Docs, Slides, Sheets, Forms, Calendar, Sites, Blogger, and more. Exam length: 180 minutes, no pauses. Exam fee: $10. Exam is proctored. It is pass/fail (80%) and you get your results right away. Here are a couple of sample exam questions from the training site:

Multiple Choice Sample Question 1

Objective: Use technology to move beyond textbook-based instruction

Students in your history class are having difficulty understanding the significance of World War II. What activities could help students get more engaged? (Choose 2 answers)

• Students create YouTube videos describing key battles in World War II

• Teacher creates a final exam in Forms to give students a grade on what they know 

• Students use the Research Tool to search for more information in Docs

• Students answer questions at the end of the chapter on World War II 

Performance Based Scenarios Sample Question 4

Objective: Annotate and share videos

You want to be sure that students are able to view your “Award Winners” broadcast at a later date.
You decide to share the video again via your YouTube channel to maximize views. Complete the following tasks.

• Find the “Award Winners” video on your YouTube channel.
• Use annotations to add the title “We won!” for the first 5 seconds of the video. 
• Share the video with your student group nfschool@myeducert.org. 

2. Google Certified Educator, Level 2 

The Level 2 status indicates that an educator is able to successfully integrate a "wider range of Google for Education tools and other technologies in order to transform their teaching practice" (Google for Education). Exam length: 180 minutes, no pauses. Exam fee: $25. Exam is proctored. It is pass/fail (80%) and you get your results right away.

3. Google Certified Trainer

"Google for Education Certified Trainers are passionate and driven education professionals with a desire to help others transform classrooms with technology" (Google for Education). Attaining this status certainly does not mean I know everything there is to know about G Suite, but I do know where to go for answers! I will have access to a network of other educators, trainers, and innovators. I am looking forward to tapping this powerful network. To be certified, educators must be attain Google Certified Educator Level 2, take the trainer course, pass the Trainer Skill Assessment Exam (80%), and submit a two minute video that demonstrates one's personality and training style. Trainers are added to the Google for Education Directory.

4. Google Certified Innovator

"Candidates for the Google for Education Certified Innovator program are selected based on their professional experience, their passion for teaching and learning, their innovative use of technology in school settings and their potential impact on other educators. They are ambassadors for change who empower other educators and students through a thriving innovation culture within their own classrooms, schools and organizations." Since innovation happens in many different roles, applicants are encouraged from all backgrounds--from classroom teachers to district administrators. Prerequisite: Google Certified Educator, Level 2. Applicants must present a vision presentation and video along with application. Innovators are added to the Google for Education Directory.

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Seesaw Ambassador

I'm now an official Seesaw ambassador! What does this mean? I'll be paying attention to updates about new features and hold PD sessions with my colleagues and sharing my PLN. I have two very small Seesaw tidbits to share today. First, it's spelled Seesaw, not SeeSaw, See Saw, or seesaw. Second, in the new(ish) labeling feature, students can edit the look of their labels (size, shape, color, etc.). They can also drag and rotate the labels. Here's an example:

Best use practice: If you want your students to label a photo, diagram, etc. you post, have them click the 3 dots and choose copy and edit. Here's how it works:

Swivl as a Reflection Tool

Thanks to Carolina Seiden, who introduced this transformative tool in our upper school a while ago, we now have a Swivl in our middle school that teachers can check out from the media center at any time. A Swivl records you as you teach so you can learn from reflecting on your teaching practices. It "follows" you as you move around the room. It is a self-reflective tool; all of the videos go to your own cloud account. You choose what do do with them: keep them, download them, store them in your Google Drive, share them, or delete them. Click on the pictures below to enlarge the photos of the Swivl.

      

Silicon Valley

In January, I had the incredible opportunity to accompany a group of high school students on a week-long field trip to Silicon Valley. The purpose of the trip was for students thinking about majoring in a tech field to see and explore a number of major companies, as well as some small startups. We toured Google, Apple, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. We met with young entrepreneurs at Seesaw, Amplitude Analytics, and Kamkord.

We also visited Stanford University, Alcatraz, Giants Stadium, Fisherman's Wharf, and more. It was an unforgettable trip. Two of our students said they made decisions about their future based on this incredible experience!