 What Does It Mean to Be a Google Certified Educator?Even though you don't need a certificate to use Google tools, it's nice to be recognized for your expertise. Becoming a Google certified educator gives you that "proof" that you know your stuff when it comes to GSuite tools in education! Why would I recommend taking the time to do this? My Top 3 Reasons for Becoming A Google Certified Educator?There are lots of reasons to become a Google certified educator. I personally am a "life-long learning geek" when it comes to implementing new tech tools with teachers and students. A bonus, is the certificate and badge you get upon completion of each level of certification. I'm not sure why a badge is so exciting, but I love them (especially as a part of my email signature)! That being said, here are my main reasons for encouraging others to become certified. ⓵ Learn the most up-to-date information about GSuite tools for educators. ⓶ Professional development at your own pace in your own place. ⓷ Find a network of like minded educators to connect with, and learn from across the globe. What Types of Certifications Are Available?
I'm Convinced! Where Do I Start?This is where Kasey Bell from Shake Up Learning, comes in! She has the most amazing courses created to help educators prepare for each level of certification. I truly believe, she's the reason why I made it as a Certified Trainer the first time I applied. The courses just opened and are open until December 4th and only opens twice a year. Watch below for more information, then click on the course images below when you are ready to register!
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 Sign up for Level 1 here! |  Sign up for Level 2 here! |  Sign up for Certified Trainer here! |
I know any of these courses would help you with your goals! I hope you'll connect with me today if you have any questions or concerns about Google Certifications. I'd be happy to help!
~Pam @specialtechie
~Pam @specialtechie
Disclaimer: I am an affiliate for Shake Up Learning courses. This means if you sign up for a course through the links above, I will get a small commission for referring you. That’s Kasey’s way of thanking me for letting you know about the courses! She's awesome like that. 💫
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Blended Learning
Have you ever understood one of our educational "buzz words" to mean something completely different than one of your coworkers? This happens all the time, especially when we mention Blended or Personalized Learning. Some people think of them as the same thing.
They can be used together, but they are not the same. So, how are they different? How can they be used together to enhance our classrooms today?
If someone asks me about Blended Learning, I always share the Blended Learning Universe site.
They describe 7 models "in action" as well as some videos and visuals to help you understand what they look like. Below are the definitions of each of the models from the Blended Learning Universe site, make sure to check it our for more details!
They can be used together, but they are not the same. So, how are they different? How can they be used together to enhance our classrooms today?
If someone asks me about Blended Learning, I always share the Blended Learning Universe site.
They describe 7 models "in action" as well as some videos and visuals to help you understand what they look like. Below are the definitions of each of the models from the Blended Learning Universe site, make sure to check it our for more details!
7 Models of Blended Learning
Blended Learning Universe 1. Station Rotation: allows students to rotate through stations on a fixed schedule, where at least one of the stations is an online learning station. This model is most common in elementary schools because teachers are already familiar rotating in “centers” or stations.
2. Lab Rotation: like a Station Rotation, allows students to rotate through stations on a fixed schedule. However, in this case, online learning occurs in a dedicated computer lab. This model allows for flexible scheduling arrangements with teachers and other paraprofessionals, and enables schools to make use of existing computer labs.
3: Individual Rotation: allows students to rotate through stations, but on individual schedules set by a teacher or software algorithm. Unlike other rotation models, students do not necessarily rotate to every station; they rotate only to the activities scheduled on their playlists.
4: Flipped Classroom: flips the traditional relationship between class time and homework. Students learn at home via online coursework and lectures, and teachers use class time for teacher-guided practice or projects. This model enables teachers to use class time for more than delivering traditional lectures.
5: Flex: lets students move on fluid schedules among learning activities according to their needs. Online learning is the backbone of student learning in a Flex model. Teachers provide support and instruction on a flexible, as-needed basis while students work through course curriculum and content. This model can give students a high degree of control over their learning.
6: A la Carte: enables students to take an online course with an online teacher of record _in addition_ to other face-to-face courses, which often provides students with more flexibility over their schedules. A La Carte courses can be a great option when schools can’t provide particular learning opportunities, such as an Advanced Placement or elective course, making it one of the more popular models in blended high schools.
7: Enriched Virtual: is an alternative to full-time online school that allows students to complete the majority of coursework online at home or outside of school, but attend school for required face-to-face learning sessions with a teacher. Unlike the Flipped Classroom, Enriched Virtual programs usually don’t require daily school attendance; some programs may only require twice-weekly attendance, for example.
2. Lab Rotation: like a Station Rotation, allows students to rotate through stations on a fixed schedule. However, in this case, online learning occurs in a dedicated computer lab. This model allows for flexible scheduling arrangements with teachers and other paraprofessionals, and enables schools to make use of existing computer labs.
3: Individual Rotation: allows students to rotate through stations, but on individual schedules set by a teacher or software algorithm. Unlike other rotation models, students do not necessarily rotate to every station; they rotate only to the activities scheduled on their playlists.
4: Flipped Classroom: flips the traditional relationship between class time and homework. Students learn at home via online coursework and lectures, and teachers use class time for teacher-guided practice or projects. This model enables teachers to use class time for more than delivering traditional lectures.
5: Flex: lets students move on fluid schedules among learning activities according to their needs. Online learning is the backbone of student learning in a Flex model. Teachers provide support and instruction on a flexible, as-needed basis while students work through course curriculum and content. This model can give students a high degree of control over their learning.
6: A la Carte: enables students to take an online course with an online teacher of record _in addition_ to other face-to-face courses, which often provides students with more flexibility over their schedules. A La Carte courses can be a great option when schools can’t provide particular learning opportunities, such as an Advanced Placement or elective course, making it one of the more popular models in blended high schools.
7: Enriched Virtual: is an alternative to full-time online school that allows students to complete the majority of coursework online at home or outside of school, but attend school for required face-to-face learning sessions with a teacher. Unlike the Flipped Classroom, Enriched Virtual programs usually don’t require daily school attendance; some programs may only require twice-weekly attendance, for example.
Update: 11/25/18 |
Read my follow up post to sign up for one of Kasey Bell's courses!
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Click the image for Kasey's post!
I was so excited to have the opportunity to talk to Kasey Bell for this interview! She's been my go-to resource for years now!
I started listening to the Google Teacher Tribe as soon as it began over 2 years ago, so I feel like I talk to her every week. Last summer, I participated in the Shake Up Learning Google Certified Trainer course through Teachable, so I watched Kasey's videos and learned from her all summer long. Really, by the time we spoke for this interview, I felt like I was catching up with an old friend!
So, I got to geek out for a little bit with this #edurockstar and share my love of all things Google. We also got to chat about our first in-person meeting at FETC in January! I'm #superexcited!
There's still time to join us at FETC (I'm presenting too), click here to register with a discount using promo code HUBLER19.
I started listening to the Google Teacher Tribe as soon as it began over 2 years ago, so I feel like I talk to her every week. Last summer, I participated in the Shake Up Learning Google Certified Trainer course through Teachable, so I watched Kasey's videos and learned from her all summer long. Really, by the time we spoke for this interview, I felt like I was catching up with an old friend!
So, I got to geek out for a little bit with this #edurockstar and share my love of all things Google. We also got to chat about our first in-person meeting at FETC in January! I'm #superexcited!
There's still time to join us at FETC (I'm presenting too), click here to register with a discount using promo code HUBLER19.
Want to become a Google Certified Trainer too?
If becoming Google Certified Trainer is one of your professional goals for the future, I highly recommend taking Kasey's course! It will give you everything you need to know and more!
Click here to join the wait list, it opens November 20th! If you have any questions, feel free to contact me on Twitter @specialtechie (for the fastest response) or leave a comment.
As always, thanks for reading! ~Pam
Click here to join the wait list, it opens November 20th! If you have any questions, feel free to contact me on Twitter @specialtechie (for the fastest response) or leave a comment.
As always, thanks for reading! ~Pam
Author
I'm an Instructional Coach at Daniel Island School in Berkeley County South Carolina.
I have experience teaching K-8 special ed. and General Ed. as well as instructional & technology coaching. Since I enjoy technology more than some, I started this blog for educators who love it too. Thanks for visiting!
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