When I registered for the Google Summit, I was certainly excited to learn about how to implement Google Apps for Education in my classroom and support my colleagues with additional technology integration. What I didn't know was that I would get all that and much, MUCH more.
For two days I was part of a network, a team, of educators with a common goal. For two days, I was immersed in a stimulating learning environment centered around how to use Google's seamlessly integrated applications to support student learning.
On the first day I was inspired and totally pumped up by Jennifer Scheffer's key note speech where she encouraged us to not take baby steps [with technology], but to take a plunge and try BIG things! I haven't quite decided what my big thing will be this year, but I know it'll involve Google Apps for sure!
I then attended sessions led by the experts, such as Allison Mollica, an extremely knowledgable and energetic GAFE Leader who introduced me to her Treasure Trove of Greatest Hits with add-ons such as Tab Cloud, a list app called Google Keep, Gmail Labs, which allow the user to customize Gmail, and Google Docs research feature, to name a few. The quick tips and tricks that she interjected throughout the presentation were just as helpful as the planned presentation!
My brain was full after learning about the add-on Flubaroo, an automated system that can be used with Google Sheets to grade quizzes and tests created with Google Forms, and learning different ways to use Google Sites and Google Play to tailor instruction for all levels of student learning.
We ended the day with a "Demo Slam" where each presenter got 2 minutes to share a cool site, tip, or trick that we could use. We learned some cool Google omnibox tips and tricks such as how to create two letter shortcuts for frequently used sites and the site http://www.makeuseof.com/ for more quick tips. Products like Air Parrot and Reflector were also introduced, that allow devices to be mirrored. (I even WON a free license for Reflector and can't wait to test it out once the school year starts.)
The second day was launched with the same energy and enthusiasm as the first. Ben Rouse opened his keynote presentation by posing the question, "Is Change the Only Constant?" With technology ever-evolving, this seems to be the truth of our classroom experience. Teachers need to keep up with the changes to support students; teachers need to understand how to use technology to enrich and enhance student learning. However, this does not mean simply replacing teachers with technology, because, as Arthur C. Clark said, "any teacher that can be replaced by a machine should be." Teachers need to remain facilitators of meaningful and authentic learning experiences.
The rest of the day was spent learning about "A Day in the Life of a Google Classroom" with Allison Mollica and then learning about Google Tour Builder, which, though still in Beta, is one of my absolute favorite new apps! It allows the user to build virtual tours that include images, videos, and written descriptions. This program has many great educational uses. For example, the second grade class in my school district used to go on a walking tour to learn about community helpers. They visited the police station, library, and the fire station to name a few. Though this trip was discontinued, the students now still have the opportunity to virtually visit all of these places! Furthermore, students can create their own virtual tours based on places they are studying, explore places in literature, and more!
Overall, this was the best two days of hands-on learning and collaboration that I have ever experienced. All teachers and leaders present had a common goal and I left the conference with new ideas, tools, and most importantly, an expanded network of colleagues!
#giesummit @jlscheffer @amollica +BenRouse
