We are absolutely delighted that GAFE has inspired many teachers to become leaders, Stephen at Lochaber has whole heartedly embraced this role. He has developed training that is a really lovely stepping stone to the Google provided online training. Posted on behalf of Stephen Stewart:

Google Apps at Lochaber High School

At Lochaber I set up an ICT in learning working group to develop and increase the use of ICT in learning across the school. Thirty five teaching staff signed up The first focus of the working group was to get the school moving forward with Google Apps for Education. I set out a training plan (below) that staff signed up to using a form that I made in Google Forms.

Training 1 - Overview of Google Apps (3:45pm - 5:00pm)

· Why Chromebooks?

· Get setup with your Google Account

· Add all the school contacts

· Start using Google Drive

· Collaborate in a document in real time

· Voice recognition

· SnagIt video recording

Training 2 - Google Classroom (3:45pm - 5:00pm)

· What is Google Classroom?

· Demo of how it works

· Setup your classes

Training 3 - Google Forms & Assessments (3:45pm - 5:00pm)

· How to use Google Forms (great for assessments or surveys)

· How to reset pupil passwords

· Socrative

· Kahoot

The training is nearly complete at Lochaber and the feedback from staff has been very positive. I have been supporting staff in getting various Google Classrooms set up and encouraging pupils to download the Google Classroom app for instant notifications.

GAFE Stats

Pupils: Active pupils before training: 60 Active pupils after training: 229 (and increasing daily)

Staff: Active staff accounts before training: 1 Active staff accounts after training: 36

Pupil & Staff Guide

Staff and pupils all have various abilities when it comes to using a PC. I created the guides to support the introduction of Google Apps for Education in schools. Colleagues were very happy to receive a simple reference guide for common questions/problems.

I have attached these for you to use in your school. Pupil Guide and Staff Guide

Advice for schools starting training on GAFE

• Be prepared!

• Have staff logins ready

• Have all pupil logins ready

• Demo the support features such as voice typing, text to speech and SnagIt

• Make all teaching staff admins so they can reset pupil passwords

• Promote the use of the Google Classroom App