My WHY

Why did I find out more about Google products for my classroom?

For me, it was a combination of reasons.  

My district switched to Gmail several years ago but no other applications were introduced.  I had no idea what was hiding in the 9 Little Boxes (sometimes called "The Waffle") up in the top right corner.  I found myself, and my students, needing more.  We had Microsoft (now being phased out due to expenses).  I taught my students how to type and word process and format reports and such.  We used PowerPoint, dabbled in desktop publishing and table creation but something was missing.  

I found that missing piece in the Google for Education Teacher Center.

The lessons are laid out systemically.  You work at your own pace, on your own time, stop and start as many times as needed with your own schedule.  Read, watch the videos, reflect, take the quiz, move on.  Move back.  Take their estimated times for each lesson and then move at your own pace.  I read fast, I type fast, I slow down only when needed.  This freedom to complete the units as I was ready proved invaluable.  Explore the applications that interest you, get exposure to those you might be interested in later.  Two years later, I'm using features I never dreamed I'd get into (like my YouTube Channel) and I learned about them in training first.  The beginning of each unit describes what you'll learn, what applications you'll use and what you can expect.  If you're looking for more about Google Classroom, for example, and the next unit is mostly Google Expeditions, you might decide to come back to that one and go on in search of what you're interested in at the moment.  It's up to you.  

Ultimately, I was trying to stay awake.

I got into Google when my oldest son was a freshman in high school.  He got connected with several teams as an 8th grader and was recruited to be a manager once he got to high school.  That meant he was gone to practice and games and away games and far far away games.  As the youngest freshman in the class, he was not driving.  At. All.  That meant I had to stay up until the team returned and he needed a ride home.  In order for that to happen, I absolutely had to have something to actively DO to keep myself awake and ready to answer the phone.  Google Training did that and more during those three freshman year seasons that he managed Cross Country, Girls Basketball & Track.  

I was not expecting to like it.  

I was certainly not expecting to make it such a part of my life and conversation.  

Because of that first course (13 Lessons in all), I moved into the second course.  I investigated becoming a Trainer and then did it.  I started looking at our district website and mocked up a new version that administration liked and gave me control of.  I've worked with other schools to re-vamp their sites and I'm looking to the future for other opportunities (like travelling to Arkansas to present at a conference this summer).  

The cost to get your badge (if you decide to) is nominal ($10 for level 1, $25 for level 2) but the training up to that point is absolutely free.  All you need is a Google account (also free) and the desire to take what you know and grow it.   

Google Training opened my eyes and helped me develop skills to use immediately - the very next day - to improve my classes, stay current, and remember what it's like to enjoy learning for the sake of learning.