GEG Communities

Newsletter

Issue No. 81 | February, 2023

Upcoming GEG Events 

Bring your community together to collaborate

Please continue to promote the wonderful work you are doing all over the world by adding your events to the events page.  

Please submit your future events via this Form

Local Success Stories from GEGs

We would really love to show off all of your hard work putting on GEG Events around the world.  If you want to be included in upcoming editions of this newsletter please fill out the 

GEG SUPERTABi Portugal 

Educational robotics, a practice to work computational thinking with “Learning While Playing” 

As technology evolves, so does the way we teach our children. One of the most innovative and exciting changes in recent years has been the introduction of educational robots into the classroom. These robots are designed to capture the imagination of young students and help them learn in a fun and interactive way. They are also an excellent way to get kids interested in STEAM subjects(science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics). There is a range of different educational robots available on the market, suitable for kids of all ages. These friendly little robots are perfect for younger children. They can be programmed to perform simple tasks and movements, and they also come with a range of apps that can be used for learning games and activities. Sphero: Spheros are highly advanced robotic balls that can be controlled via a smartphone or tablet. They can be used for a variety of purposes, including racing games, programming challenges, and even art projects. Educational robots are a fantastic way to engage kids in learning, and they're sure to be a hit in any classroom! Educational robotics for kids is an emerging trend that has revolutionized the way children learn and engage in hands-on activities. On the surface, it might appear to be a plaything for children; however, educational robots have far more profound effects when it comes to teaching, learning, and even parenting. In recent years, robotic technology has brought us a wealth of possibilities in terms of new educational opportunities and experiences for our little ones. 

Robotic toys are designed to help children learn new skills while boosting their creativity and curiosity. By engaging with these robots they can come up with ideas and build objects that are controlled by code – all while having fun! Robotic kits usually come packaged with step-by-step guides or app tutorials to ensure youngsters understand how to properly use them, or how students could use the activities and tasks that teachers distribute to them. There also exist robots specifically designed to introduce programming principles such as loops, variables, if statements, and sensors so they can become better at coding as they grow older. Furthermore, robots offer parents added peace of mind as more advanced models can even assist their child in house chores such as feeding pets or cleaning rooms. The most advanced models have AI functions built into the framework that provides personalized feedback for the user by responding to voice commands or facial recognition. When used correctly educational robotics benefits both parents and children alike; allowing young minds to explore and develop complex problem-solving abilities from a tender age. In conclusion, educational robotics for kids unlocks many doors from providing enriching experiences to enabling more efficient methods of teaching. This exciting new technology offers a fantastic array of resources that when used wisely will undoubtedly prepare today’s youth for the future ahead of them. With their combined potential in teaching valuable life lessons alongside alleviating practical day-to-day tasks, it comes as no surprise that robotic toys are becoming increasingly commonplace in schools.

Google Crowdsource for Languages

In association with the Department of Linguistics, Central University of Kerala, in collaboration with Tamil Unlimited (USA) conducted a one-day Training program on Language Computing.

As per the schedule mentioned event started with a Prayer Song by Students, a Welcome Address by Prof. L.Ramamoorthy, Head, Department of Linguistics, and an Inaugural Address by the University, Registrar, Dr.M.Muralidharan Nambiar.

The Event was felicitated by Mrs. Suganthi Nadar, Founder & President, Tamil Unlimited (USA), Dr.A.Kamatchi, Emeritus Professor, Secretary, Tamil Unlimited and Dr.R.Rajesh, Professor, Department of Computer Science.

In the morning session a brief lecture “Language Computation and its Issues” by Dr.L.Shoba, AUKBC-Research Center, Anna University and Dr.Shanmugam Rajabhathar, Operation Manager, JIO in the topic “Natural Language Understanding Trends and Development”

Afternoon session Mr.Nikhil Raichur, Program Manager, Crowdsource by Google, and Mr.Bharath Gangatharan, Strategic Partner Manager, YouTube India gave a brief talk via Google Meet about Google Crowdsource, Career opportunities for students, Google Courses, Learning Community and Language Community and Introduce Influencer Mr. R.Vinothkumar. Explained about

1. Google’s mission on how to provide search results in Regional Language Content.

2. Google Communities: Developer Student Club, GDG, GDG Cloud, Tensorflow, Startups, Crowdsource community, applications, uses and contributions, and future updates.

3. Lens, Google Translator, Google Maps using voice recognition in Multi-languages introduction in Google, Explained about contribution to crowdsource app, web, features, benefits, levels.

4. Google Announcement about 1000 Language Communities, Learning Communities, Explore ML and Influencer Academy

5. Google Crowdsource how to helped to improve AI/ML system for Natural Languages in Multi Languages in India (Tamil, English, Malayalam, Telugu, Oriya etc)

6. Natural Languages Research by Google, about Google APIs., etc

7. Google for India, Google Crowdsource campaign, swags and global summit etc.,

The participant’s 100+ students from the Tamil Department and the Computer Science department’s students also participated. 100+ crowdsource app installed. In this event, 7+ Languages  were spoken. People joined in this Session from Different states of India. Conducted online Quiz and the winner was announced. The event was highly appreciated by all the members, with high ratings.


GEG Egypt

مبادرة جوجل للتحول الرقمي في التعليم 

Google's Digital Transformation Initiative in Education


يتشرف (مجتمع جوجل لتكنولوجيا التعليم - مصر) بالتعاون مع شركة (جوجل للتعليم - الشرق الأوسط وشمال إفريقيا) بالإعلان عن منحة دراسية مجانية مقدمة من شركة جوجل للمشتغلين في مجال التعليم على مستوى الشرق الأوسط وإفريقيا.

مبادرة جوجل للتحول الرقمي تحتوي على تدريب الفئات المستفيدة على تكنولوجيا التحول الرقمي المقدمة من جوجل من أجل منحهم شهادات خبرة في مجال (التحول الرقمي في التعليم والعمل) معتمدة من شركة جوجل، وذلك من أجل دعم المتدربين في الحصول على وظائف في كافة المجالات.

يدرس المتدرب منهج (جوجل للتعليم - المستوى الأول)، ثم يتأهل للامتحان النهائي، ويحصل على شهادة معتمدة من جوجل في تكنولوجيا التعليم.

كما أن المبادرة (جوجل للتحول الرقمي) تستهدف تعليم المتدرب اللغة الإنجليزية أثناء دراسة البرنامج من أجل فتح مجالات وفرص عمل أوسع لدى المتدربين في شتى المجالات التعليم والعمل.

الجمهور المستهدف/المستفيد:

الجمهور المستفيد هو كافة العرب من الفئات الآتية:

١- طلاب الجامعات والكليات والمعاهد (التعليم العالي)

٢- حديثي التخرج (الموظفين وغير الموظفين).

٣- معلمي المدارس الحكومية (كافة التخصصات).

٤- معلمي المدارس الخاصة (كافة التخصصات).

٥- أساتذة ودكاترة الجامعة والمعيدين.

٦- كل من ينطبق عليه وصف: معلم - مدرس - مربي - ...إلخ.

يسعدنا انضمامكم إلينا والتسجيل في المنحة من خلال هذا الرابط: https://bit.ly/3uG75e3

مع تحيات

أحمد علي - رئيس مجتمع جوجل لتكنولوجيا التعليم - مصر وفريق العمل المساعد



The (Google Community for Education Technology - Egypt) in cooperation with (Google Education - Middle East and North Africa) is honored to announce a free scholarship provided by Google for education professionals in the Middle East and Africa.

  Google's digital transformation initiative includes training beneficiary groups on digital transformation technology provided by Google in order to grant them experience certificates in the field of (digital transformation in education and work) approved by Google, in order to support trainees in obtaining jobs in all fields.

The trainee studies the (Google Education - Level 1) curriculum, then qualifies for the final exam, and obtains a certificate approved by Google in educational technology.

The initiative (Google for Digital Transformation) aims to teach the trainee the English language while studying the program in order to open wider fields and job opportunities for the trainees in various fields of education and work.

Target audience/beneficiary:

The beneficiary audience is all Arabs from the following categories:

1- Students of universities, colleges and institutes (higher education)

2- Fresh graduates (employees and non-employees).

3- Government school teachers (all disciplines).

4- Private school teachers (all disciplines).

5- University professors and doctors and teaching assistants.

6- Everyone who fits the description: teacher - teacher - educator -...etc.

We are pleased to have you join us and register for the grant through this link: https://bit.ly/3uG75e3

With regards

Ahmed Ali - Head of the Google Education Technology Community - Egypt and the Assistant Team"


Help us to help you promote your events and amazing work by tagging @GEGProgram on all tweets you make about events or feedback you get from members. We love to join in your celebrations. 

GEG Leader Spotlight

Spotlight on GEG Leader

Ailisa Azmi

How did you initially get involved in your local GEG?

I was appointed by one of the GEG leader in the same community 


What is your favourite thing about being a GEG leader? 

I get to know many others who enjoy the same passion and get to share/learn so much more! 


What do you feel you have personally gained from your involvement? 

I must say that ever since being involved with GEG, my passion ever fades and it keeps growing every single day, which is one of the reason I chose to do my master's degree, so that I can fully understand the technology updates and how to help other teachers, school administrators or officers. 


What is one skill/site/resource that you have learned about recently that teachers might be interested in? 

Apart from being a Google Certified Educator Level 1 and 2 and a Google Certified Trainer, I am also a Google Certified Innovator (#VIA21) and APAC Coach for Google Certified Innovators (#VIA22). I know that so many teachers out there who improvise their lessons or innovate their teaching. I would like to encourage these teachers to become a Google Certified Innovator as well! 


Tell us about an event that you have coming up that excites you. 

I am planning to have lots of meet-ups in my GEG so that other teachers around me can benefit from meet up sessions. 


What is your most memorable GEG moment online or in person? 

I love all of my GEG meet-ups! We share stories, we celebrate our festivals together, we share our interests and passions together, and we spread the joy of being in a community that inspires each other. 


Do you have any advice for anyone thinking of becoming a GEG leader? 

"Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life." – Amy Poehler 


What quote would like to include in this article to inspire NEW/Existing GEG leaders or members? 

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." – Helen Keller 

GEG Learn

Individual professional development opportunities

Subscribe to Google for Education for EDU in 90 

LEARN MORE:

We’re back with more news! Join Morgan on the latest episode of EDU in 90 to hear about Black History Month, Google Meet, and more. Don’t miss an episode! See the full EDU in 90 series playlist at https://g.co/EDUin90


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LINKS:

Google Meet: https://bit.ly/40ssTbu

Black History Month: https://bit.ly/3jz6loR

Lunar New Year: https://bit.ly/3jwPKlx

Latest Google Updates

If you’re using captions in Google Meet, you now have the option to include those captions in a meeting recording. Including captions in your meeting recordings can help make them more useful and accessible for meeting participants. 


Note that to record a meeting, the feature must be enabled by your admin and you have to be:


In-line replies for email notifications in Google Classroom  

We’re making Classroom email notifications more functional and easier to use. With in-line replies for comments, teachers and students will be able to easily stay up to date and respond to communication within Classroom. Public and private comment notifications will have the freshest information, like the latest comment threads, and you can now easily respond to comments within the email itself. This will enable teachers to quickly reply to their students without having to switch back and forth between their email and Classroom.

Expanding color options in Google Slides, Docs, Sheets and Drawings 

In Google Slides, Docs, Sheets and Drawings, you can now select colors in the color palette tool by using RGBA values. In addition, you can also customize colors by using an eyedropper tool and selecting any color on your screen within the color palette. | Rolling out to Rapid Release domains now; launch to Scheduled Release domains planned for February 15, 2023. | Learn more.