August 2017

Flip for FlipGrid!

EdTechChristina OUESD Tech Adventures Challenge, Web 2.0 ,

FlipGrid is one of the biggest tech tools in education right now and for good reason- it’s amazing!  It’s easy to use, can be used by all grade levels, all subjects, all devices (1:1 or just 1 for the whole classroom) and, most importantly, gives a voice to all students!  Think “video post it notes and conversations”.  Teachers can create a topic or question and students can respond (and then respond to each other) via very short video posts.  Students do not need an account, just the teacher.  There is a free version and a paid version, but the free version works GREAT  (if you really want to check out the paid version, email me for a promo code for one free month). Teachers can (and should) set a password for their grid and moderate videos (step by step directions for all settings can be found on our FlipGrid Adventures Challenge- check them out, even if you decide not to earn the badge).

How can FlipGrid be used in the classroom?

-Start of year introductions/goal setting/favorite thing about summer
-Mystery Grid (Mystery Hangout + FlipGrid)= ASK ME!
-Student reactions/comprehension/questions from selected readings/homework
-Students reteach math lesson (great reference for students who are absent)!
-Gratitude Grids (we have one for OUESD going already!)
-School wide teacher and staff introductions for all students and families
-A fantastic way for ALL students to contribute to classroom discussions
-And more!!

-On a personal note, I recently shared FlipGrid with my brother.  He’s disabled and can’t read, so he’s always felt left out of the “texting and email world”.  However, he LOVES FlipGrid and now he can send short, private video notes to my family and we communicate like never before!  I recommend FlipGrid for everyone, but can be a game changer for non-readers!

Check it all and get started with the new FlipGrid badge in the OUESD Tech Adventures Challenge or explore on your own at FlipGrid.com.  And don’t forget, I’m more than happy to visit your classroom and help you get a FlipGrid up and running with your students- just click here to pick a date/time and I’m there!

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Google Certifications- Go for it!

EdTechChristina Google G Suite, PD/Conferences

Google offers several certifications for teachers and I’d like to encourage everyone to check them out!

Why?  Certifications are a great way to learn about current information, network with others, and share resources (they also looks great on a resume and employers do look for them!).  Badges and certificates show that you are prepared to help others earn their certifications.  Most of all- it helps us give our students the skills they need to be a 21st century learner.

Certified Educator, Levels 1 and 2:  This is the place to start!  These certifications show intermediate and advance skill levels on the Google tools.  The district will reimburse everyone who passes the Level 1 exam ($10.00) and sometimes I can get waivers for those taking the Level 2 exam ($25.00) so ask me before you take it.  I also have study guides and am willing to lead review groups or 1:1 help.   The Level 2 Certification is prerequisite for Trainer or Innovator.

Google Trainer:  This certification is those who train others on Google tools and/or who would like to join the Trainer group.  This is an awesome group of people around the world who help each other with training resources and solutions.  Anyone is welcome to apply!

Google Innovator:  Google Innovator is a year-long program for teachers to develop an idea that could make a change in education.  It could be anything and doesn’t have to be grounded in technology.  There are 4-5 cohorts offered each year.  This year, the only US cohort was held in Washington DC and it took place last week.  37 teachers were selected from Canada and the US (and I’m honored to one of them)!  My project looks at gender bias and equity in elementary classrooms, especially in the STEM subjects (I’ll share more on that later!).  Anyone is welcome to apply to any cohort around the world (but  keep in mind that participants are responsible for paying for their transportation and hotel.  Google will provide all the great food once you get there!).

How do I get started? 

-If you’re new to Google tools, start by dabbling in the OUESD Tech Adventures Challenge

-Once you have some basic knowledge, go the Google Certification Page and explore the Training Center

-When you ready to take the Level 1 Exam, sign up for the exam account (and please enter my Google Trainer ID number- 04741– if I have helped at all in your Google growth).  If you have taking the Level 2 exam, email me to see if I have some fee waivers handy.

-Whenever you pass any exam, please email me so we can all celebrate together (and I’ll make your physical badge!)

If you have any questions at all, please just let me know!  Google isn’t the only one who offers certifications, so keep your eyes open for certifications and badges as you explore all kinds of learning apps.

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