Many private-independent schools continue to increase the use of technology in their programs. For some, this includes encouraging educators to become knowledgeable about the latest tools and helping prepare students for higher education and the workforce.
We’ve heard a few questions about the Google for Education program lately. Google for Education helps educators understand how to use Google’s online tools—such as Docs, Calendars, and Hangouts—to collaborate online inside and outside of the classroom.
Every school has a unique mission and your efforts should always work to support your school’s goals. If embracing and teaching new technology is part of your school’s mission, administrators may consider the Google for Education program for themselves and their direct reports.
Google provides two basic levels of training. Level 1 covers the fundamentals of the Google product suite and how these tools can work within your school. Level 2 is a more advanced course, designed to help practitioners who already understand the basics to develop advanced technology integration skills.
Once an educator has completed the free training of their choice, he or she can choose to take the test to become certified. The certification costs $25 and is valid for 36 months. This certification can help elevate your educators and act as proof that they support the school’s mission.
Google also offers a Digital Citizenship and Safety Course, which is a good place to start for the basics of online safety. For educators who want to lead and train other teachers around the world, there are advanced programs. Any educator interested in this path needs to apply and be accepted. This training is typically suggested for educators who have the additional bandwidth to advise others.
As with any technology initiative, it’s a good idea to think through all aspects of the Google for Education program. Is it a good fit for your school? Does it fit with your mission?
If it does, encouraging your faculty members to participate in the Google for Education program can be a good place to start. Administrators could also benefit from the training to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Are you considering Google for Education for your school? Have you already completed the training? Feel free to share your thoughts below.
Additional ISM Resources:
The Source for Advancement Vol. 12 No. 2 How Development Directors Should Utilize Social Media
The Source for Private School News Vol. 12 No. 6 Digital Citizenship: Netiquette in Education
The Source for Private School News Vol. 16 No. 6 Education Conversations to Follow Online
Additional ISM resources for Gold Consortium members:
I&P Vol. 36 No. 8 21st Century Teaching: Stability and Challenge
