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What I've decided to do is to write a "Podcast Reflection" post so I can process what I've heard as well as put a plan in place for how I want to use what I learned (or was reminded). I was also hoping to demonstrate this as a form of professional development for teachers and a strategy for students as well. Shake Up Learning Episode #34Anyone that has read this blog before, or follows me on Twitter, knows I am a Shake Up Learning fan! So, what a perfect place to start! This episode can reach almost all educators in some way. If you are a teacher who doesn't have access to Google Classroom, I am so sorry! I would definitley keep fighting for it! You could still use a lot of the ideas with a Learning Management System (LMS) your district already uses. If you already use Google Classroom, you'll still get a lot of ideas from this episode. The ideas listed below are from Kasey's podcast, I'm just highlighting how I use (or plan to) the idea. To Demonstrate Google Classroom as a Tool for TeachersI have quite a few Google Classrooms, but I have one called "Test Class" that I use to show teachers what different features look like on the teacher's side as well as the student side. It's also a great way to test out new features since I don't have students of my own to try it with. Of coures, my poor children (6th and 10th grade) are often in my test classes as well. Then I can log in as them to see what it looks like. They have learned to ignore those. LOL! Hopefully, Google will eventually give us a "student view" so we don't have to have a class just for that, but it works in the meantime! Keep asking for that feature if you want to see it happen too! To Teach an Online Course Kasey mentions Classy Graphics by Tony Vincent as a great example of Google Classroom as an online course, and she's right! I took the course and learned so much! Funny thing is, I knew how to use Google Classroom very well, but I never thought about a couple of his strategies before. 1. Instead of attaching documents as an assignment , you would click submit, but you would put a link to your materials in the class comments so others could comment on them. This works well because the "teacher" doesn't need to remember to "return" the assisnment, and "students" get to view and comment on each others' work easily. It makes for great collaboration and valuable discussion. I use this strategy now with our school Google Classroom. 2. Sharing your documents so anyone with a link can comment. Then you get lots of feedback without anyone editing your document. Tony was good about making a copy of the original document, making the changes, then sharing the link in the comments so you could see what he was trying to explain. Using this with students would be the perfect example of authentic feedback! Ongoing Support and Coaching I use Google Classroom as a "hub" for the teacher's I work with. I have one class for my Google trainings so the teacher's always have access to resources without searching through their emails. I have other classes for teachers that I work with to support their evaluation process. It's a class for just the two of us! No administrators or other teachers. Again, it keeps us from having to keep track of emails and gives a private space to communicate when we aren't working together in person. You can even do this with students... Maybe you have a student with a lot of accommodations that needs a one-stop-shop for helpful strategies, reminders, and encouragement. Really, you can make your Google Classrooms work for anyone. To Facilitate Online Book Studies
To Share Resources and Templates As I mentioned earlier, I have a Classroom for all of my Google Trainings since it's how I keep my Google Trainer certification up to date. Once you are in the Classroom, you have access to all of my sessions, even if you didn't get to come to all of them. I don't require anyone to join unless they attend a session. It's also the easiest way to get resources out to the teacher's without sharing through Drive or email. If you haven't noticed... I obviously am not a fan of email. 😉 *Assign and Discuss Podcast PD This is a new one for me and I can't wait to try it!  I'm connected with Laura on Twitter, so if it works for her, I want to try it too! Kasey has a Podcast PD Choiceboard on her site and Laura has a blog post that shows how she used this option for professional development. I can't wait to try it! *Support and Track Challenges & Badges for Teachers I've been wanting to use badges for a while, but I don't want it to take a lot of time to create and share. I need to explore the resources Kasey shared in her post on badging so I can find the easiest one to use with teachers. If I use this with teachers, it might also give them ideas on how to use it with their students. Model the model, right?! If you have ideas on how to use Google Classroom to award and track badeges, please share! Streamline Announcements & Communication with Staff This one is pretty self explanitory... skip the email! Use Google Classroom as your one-stop-shop! *Self-Paced Tutorials I want to add this to my current Google training classroom. The teachers I work with have asked for more virtual options, so this would be a perfect place to share them. My goal is to create videos using Screencastify and WeVideo, then add them according to topic (ie. Google Drawings, Google Forms, etc.). I also want to create GIF style tips for the easy shortcuts and quick tips that some of us take for granted. *To Support Absentees Having assignments posted in Google Classroom can really help those students that have to miss school, but this could also be a great place to communicate with them directly. Since you can assign and share resources to the students you want without sharing with the whole class, it's easy to share something with one student at a time with a personal message so they know they were missed. This can also help with "repeat offenders" to hopefully reduce the number of absences. If they know they are missed, they may be less likely to just stay home and get their work done there. If you are working with teachers, it can show that they are appreciated and their opinions and conversation is missed when they can't be there in person. To Organize and Blend Teacher Workshop Assignment
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Updated Post! Summer 2019 Edition!
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 enrollment is open until June 4,2019 (Do it now...it only opens twice a year)! Watch below for more information, then click on the Wakelet collection below when you are ready to register!
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I know any of these courses would help you with your goals! Please, 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!
#DitchSummit Inspired!
Okay, so I'm a PD geek! This is nothing new to anyone who knows me...
This is when blogging is really effective! As soon as you get an idea, you can write about it and share it with the world (well, the small part of the world who reads my blog). 😉
That being said, while watching one of the Ditch Summit session with Tony Vincent, it made me think of all the ways we can teach "on-the-fly" with GSuite tools. Yes, planning ahead is the best way to have awesome lessons, but sometimes you get a brilliant idea that only works RIGHT NOW. This is when GSuite tools come in handy!
This is when blogging is really effective! As soon as you get an idea, you can write about it and share it with the world (well, the small part of the world who reads my blog). 😉
That being said, while watching one of the Ditch Summit session with Tony Vincent, it made me think of all the ways we can teach "on-the-fly" with GSuite tools. Yes, planning ahead is the best way to have awesome lessons, but sometimes you get a brilliant idea that only works RIGHT NOW. This is when GSuite tools come in handy!
DitchSummit Notes:
 | Each of the Ditch Summit sessions have notes, but I still need to type notes while I'm listening so I don't forget the ideas that come to mind. In this session, I also made the decision to sign up for Tony's Classy Graphics course. I do pay for these things myself, but if it makes me better at what I do, I believe it's worth it. Should educators get a budget for this type of thing, most definitely, but that's out of my sphere of control, so I digress. This course starts in February, so it's not too late to sign up. It's discounted until January 8th! |
#FOMO
What is #FOMO? Fear of Missing Out!
I have it bad right now since I think everyone I know is in Chicago for #ISTE18!
But that's okay... I have already learned so much just by using the online resources available during the conference. This post is a guide to reducing your #FOMO and look at the positive side of things!
I have it bad right now since I think everyone I know is in Chicago for #ISTE18!
But that's okay... I have already learned so much just by using the online resources available during the conference. This post is a guide to reducing your #FOMO and look at the positive side of things!
 Photo by @reinabej via Twitter |
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2. Save Time & Money
For a minute yesterday, I actually started checking flight prices and single day pass prices since a friend of mine was staying in a hotel all by herself. Really, I wanted to jump on a plane to go for at least one day. Being that it was going to cost about $600+ to go, I decided I would just hang at home with my family and learn from afar. Not to mention the amount of time I'd have to spend traveling from South Carolina to Chicago.
3. Try These Online Resources!
Here's the best part! SO many of the presenters are well aware that many people can't be there, so they share their resources for free!
TweetDeck
This is the best way to keep up with Twitter chats and other things being shared at #ISTE18 and #NotAtISTE. As you can see in the GIF here, it's always moving. If you've never used it before, it can be a little overwhelming, but you'll get used to it! I just scan the feed and click on it when it's something I want to explore further. I do suggest searching as I did with #ISTE18 OR #NotAtISTE18 so you can see both in one column.
On Monday night, Tara Martin @taramartinedu hosted the #TLAP twitter chat from #ISTE18 and this is how I kept up with the conversations. It felt like being there even if just for an hour. If you've never tried it, now's a good time!
Google+ #NotAtISTE
| I don't use Google+ all the time, but it's really useful for events like this! I'm a member of the group, so every year, I just pop into the group again to see what's going on at the ISTE conference. Hopefully, they will come south again soon so I can drive there easily. You can ask to join here. The #Hyperdoc ladies have been doing special events for the #NotAtISTE group this week. I participated in a Hangout Live on Sunday to kick off the week. You can find them at hyperdocs.co to check out their resources and connect with them online. |  |
Periscope
One way you can enjoy the sessions for free is by using Periscope. I didn't fully appreciate this site until Sunday when I started watching some of my Twitter friends recording presentations for the Twitterverse. Love you guys BTW!
PassTheScopeEDU is a site created to share some of the great periscopes from #ISTE18
You could also just search Periscope for ISTE sessions and watch them live or after they've ended. Just make sure you search #ISTE18 to get the appropriate videos to populate, there are some weird ones out there!
PassTheScopeEDU is a site created to share some of the great periscopes from #ISTE18
You could also just search Periscope for ISTE sessions and watch them live or after they've ended. Just make sure you search #ISTE18 to get the appropriate videos to populate, there are some weird ones out there!
How Can I Get the Most of a Conference without Going?
I started by creating a Google Keep list and titled it #ISTE18 so it would create a category. I use Google Keep because it's easy to add quick links in a checkbox style list. If I want to transfer my list to a Google Doc, I can open a new document and use the Keep Notepad (found under the Tools menu) and add it all in a quick second!
Next, I went to the ISTE website and looked at the Schedule at a Glance so I knew what I wanted to check out. You could also use the program search by clicking the "attend" tab and add to a digital tote (if you are a member) or just save the links to the presentation resources. It may take some time to scan through everything, but it will be worth it!
The most important thing is look for the resources you want to learn more about. You could get into information overload if you save everything just to have it.
Share, Share, Share!
Whatever you get from your #NotAtISTE experience, share what you find! #SharingIsCaring
Enjoy your PD in your PJ's! If you are still really sad about not going to ISTE18 you can start planning now to attend next year in Philadelphia!
I'll get there one day, for now I'll see you on Twitter and Google+ sharing the goodies I find. See you soon!
Enjoy your PD in your PJ's! If you are still really sad about not going to ISTE18 you can start planning now to attend next year in Philadelphia!
I'll get there one day, for now I'll see you on Twitter and Google+ sharing the goodies I find. See you soon!
Relaxation & Rejuvenation
Everyone thinks of relaxation and rejuvenation a little differently. My preference is to turn off my alarm clock and spend as much time at the pool or beach as possible. Netflix binge watching is also at the top of my list, especially after a long day in the sun with friends or family.
Since summer does go quickly, I like to create a "Summer Bucket List" in the beginning of June and add something different to my calendar each day. Since I have kids, my husband and I let them help with our selections too.
If having plans every day is too much for you during the summer, plan just a couple days a week so time doesn't get away from you. Pinterest has lots of ideas to search through if this is something you'd like to add so you start back to school in August relaxed and rejuvenated!
Recommended reading for more ideas:
The Zen Teacher: Creating Focus, Simplicity, and Tranquility in the Classroom by Dan Tricarico
*This was my favorite pool reading last summer!
Since summer does go quickly, I like to create a "Summer Bucket List" in the beginning of June and add something different to my calendar each day. Since I have kids, my husband and I let them help with our selections too.
If having plans every day is too much for you during the summer, plan just a couple days a week so time doesn't get away from you. Pinterest has lots of ideas to search through if this is something you'd like to add so you start back to school in August relaxed and rejuvenated!
Recommended reading for more ideas:
The Zen Teacher: Creating Focus, Simplicity, and Tranquility in the Classroom by Dan Tricarico
*This was my favorite pool reading last summer!
ReflectionReflection is an amazing way to process what went well this year and what you want to change for next year. I use these questions from a Passion Planner I've used in the past. I may not follow it exactly, but it helps me with the reflection process. There are tons of reflection templates online as well. Questions you can start with... 1. What went well? 2. What didn't go well? 3. What are my next steps? 4. What resources will I need to help me accomplish my goal(s). I find it helpful to write answer these in a journal so I can look back at my responses. Look for "Bullet Journal" layouts and ideas if this sound like something you'd be interested in starting. |  |
Relevant Learning
Last summer, I joined Kasey Bell's Teachable course to prepare myself to become a Google Certified Trainer. I figured if I was serious about it, I may as well prepare well the first time so I didn't have to apply more than once. It's not free, but it's worth it! I was able to apply and get accepted on the first try thanks to Kasey and her amazing resources. This summer, she has lots of courses available!
You'll have to act fast for the best deal, enrollment closes at midnight CST on June 10th.
Click the button below to join today!
You'll have to act fast for the best deal, enrollment closes at midnight CST on June 10th.
Click the button below to join today!
Here are some of the other online learning options I've looked into:
If I wasn't already signed up for 3 of Kasey's courses, one virtual course through College of Charleston, and one week of being a counselor for Engaging Creative Minds... then I'd sign up for one of these for sure!
- Cult of Pedagogy's Jennifer Gonzalez has an amazing blog, podcast and has courses available.
- Kasey Bell and Matt Miller have a podcast together called Google Teacher Tribe. If you haven't listened yet, go ahead and catch up this summer! It will be worth your time! They have kept me company every Monday morning on the way to work for a while now. #gttribe @gteachertribe
- Matt Miller has Teachable course called Tech to Learn. You can sign up here.
If I wasn't already signed up for 3 of Kasey's courses, one virtual course through College of Charleston, and one week of being a counselor for Engaging Creative Minds... then I'd sign up for one of these for sure!
Reading | Reading is one of my favorite ways to relax, rejuvenate, and stay relevant all at once. My stack is a little out of control, but there are so many good books out there for educators! This stack is missing some my newest additions... The Zen Teacher (mentioned above) Shake Up Learning by Kasey Bell - Obviously, she's one of my favorite #edurockstars! Ditch That Homework by Matt Miller and Alice Keeler Onward by Elena Aguilar Culturize by Jimmy Casas * This one is literally on the way thanks to my Amazon Prime addiction. |
Looking for other reading ideas? Just search Amazon for Dave Burgess Publishing and you'll have plenty of amazing books to choose from!
What's on your Summer Agenda?
I'd love to hear what your summer plans are! Connect with me on Twitter or leave a comment here. What ever you do to get ready for the next school year, I hope you have a wonderful summer.
I'll be working on some new resources including planning tools, Google PD, Hyperdocs for classroom use and more! Check back soon.
As always, thanks for reading!
~Pam @specialtechie
I'll be working on some new resources including planning tools, Google PD, Hyperdocs for classroom use and more! Check back soon.
As always, thanks for reading!
~Pam @specialtechie
Google for Education Certified Trainer
I did it! I just got accepted as a
Google for Education Certified Trainer!
This journey started in April of 2016 when I decided to start the process to become a Level 1 Google Certified Teacher. I began the online tutorials through the Google Training Center thinking it would be really easy to get through those. I was wrong! Going through those training modules taught me so much more than I thought they would. Apparently, I wasn't nearly as good as I thought I was. 😉
Keep in mind... When Google gives you 3 hours to take a test, make sure you give yourself 3 hours of uninterrupted time to get it done. I actually had to take the Level 1 test twice because I tried to take it the first time on my couch with 2 kids and my husband watching TV... I didn't even get through all the content! Well, I learned my lesson and locked my family out of my office for 3 hours to take it a second time. It still took me 2.5 hours to get it done. I learned so much through that process, I jumped into the Level 2 Google Certified Teacher training. This time, I knew better and locked my family out of my office again for the test and passed it the first time.
Google for Education Certified Trainer!
This journey started in April of 2016 when I decided to start the process to become a Level 1 Google Certified Teacher. I began the online tutorials through the Google Training Center thinking it would be really easy to get through those. I was wrong! Going through those training modules taught me so much more than I thought they would. Apparently, I wasn't nearly as good as I thought I was. 😉
Keep in mind... When Google gives you 3 hours to take a test, make sure you give yourself 3 hours of uninterrupted time to get it done. I actually had to take the Level 1 test twice because I tried to take it the first time on my couch with 2 kids and my husband watching TV... I didn't even get through all the content! Well, I learned my lesson and locked my family out of my office for 3 hours to take it a second time. It still took me 2.5 hours to get it done. I learned so much through that process, I jumped into the Level 2 Google Certified Teacher training. This time, I knew better and locked my family out of my office again for the test and passed it the first time.
Google Teacher Tribe Inspiration!
About this time, I started listening to the Google Teacher Tribe Podcast since I had been a long time follower of Kasey Bell through her Shake Up Learning Blog and Pinterest. I apparently met her at FETC and didn't even remember it because it was so long ago. You know, this was before we had selfies to prove we've met some of our #edurockstars in person!
Kasey mentioned having a Google Certified Trainer Course during one of the episodes. I've always loved attending and providing PD, so I figured it was worth the time, money and effort to jump into the course and see what I could do. I joined at the end of the school year so I could work on it during the summer. I found it really helpful to create a Bullet Journal spread to keep me on track during the journey!
Kasey mentioned having a Google Certified Trainer Course during one of the episodes. I've always loved attending and providing PD, so I figured it was worth the time, money and effort to jump into the course and see what I could do. I joined at the end of the school year so I could work on it during the summer. I found it really helpful to create a Bullet Journal spread to keep me on track during the journey!
I started in June 2017 and took the test before school started again. Luckily I passed that test and was ready for the hard part, the application process! This is where I would highly recommend taking Kasey's course! The videos, the Google + group, the support network... all of it was super helpful in the process. I'm not sure I would have been accepted if I didn't go through this process first. If you are interested, enrollment in her course starts again in May 2018. You'll be able to join here.
Do What You Love!
After going through this process, I had to sit back and reflect. My husband will often ask me what I'm working on late at night. I feel a little guilty when it's something I made myself do, not something I have to do for work. Then, I realize that I have to find a balance between what I have to do and what I love to do. I'm glad I went through this process, because it's really easy to get stuck in a rut and live a "Ground Hog Day" type of existence. I don't want to do the same thing everyday and never have something new to look forward to. I'm #superexcited to start a new adventure as a Google Certified Trainer and I can't wait to see what lies ahead. I hope this will inspire some of you to do the same. At least check out the resources and see if it will motivate you to do more. If you need help, don't hesitate to contact me. I love to connect with like minded educators!
Thanks for reading!
~Pam @specialtechie
Social Media... A Love Hate Relationship
| Social Media can be a time sucker, but it can also be the best way to reach an audience in a positive way. It's out there, we can't fight it, so we may as well use it to benefit our school communities. I've been reading Lead Like A Pirate by Shelley Burgess @burgess_shelley and Beth Houf @bethhouf. Really, If it has PIRATE in the title, I'm going to read it. I'm not an administrator, but all educational stakeholders can play a leadership role if they are passionate about making their schools amazing, right?! |  |
PLN = Personal Learning Network
I'm not a fan of acronyms, but this is one that all educators should know! PLN means your Personal Learning Network. I've heard it called your Professional Learning Network as well, but it really is up to you personally who you follow.
Personal Learning Network for Educators: 10 Tips
Personal Learning Network for Educators: 10 Tips
Take charge of your own professional development!
Motivation? Everyone is motivated by something...
It finally feels like summer! This is the time of year that reminds me how awesome it is to have a job I love with some fabulous perks.
Summer isn't all fun and games though... now it's time to think about what worked and didn't work in 2013-2014.
What worked... the addition of Edmodo in my classroom! Between using the communities to get ideas and using the apps to help my classroom work more efficiently, it is a wonderful resource that I will continue to use!
Vocabulary practice with cram.com also worked very well, so I will continue with that next year. I will be using this summer to update some of my vocab lists (if I can get my hands on our new unit plans).
What I want to change: More Close Reading and making my kids accountable for their own progress on weekly assessments.
That being said, the 2014-2015 school year will include more Close Reading strategies and Self Monitoring strategies for our weekly assessments. If you would like to do the same, read more and click on the links below for ideas!
Summer isn't all fun and games though... now it's time to think about what worked and didn't work in 2013-2014.
What worked... the addition of Edmodo in my classroom! Between using the communities to get ideas and using the apps to help my classroom work more efficiently, it is a wonderful resource that I will continue to use!
Vocabulary practice with cram.com also worked very well, so I will continue with that next year. I will be using this summer to update some of my vocab lists (if I can get my hands on our new unit plans).
What I want to change: More Close Reading and making my kids accountable for their own progress on weekly assessments.
That being said, the 2014-2015 school year will include more Close Reading strategies and Self Monitoring strategies for our weekly assessments. If you would like to do the same, read more and click on the links below for ideas!
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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