Ready to make the transition from classroom teacher to trainer? This workshop is for you! Have you been wondering how to take your skills as a teacher to the next level? Delivering professional learning for educators and adult learners can help you advance your career, make more money, and find a job you love.

© Shake Up Learning 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kasey Bell and Shake Up Learning with appropriate and specific direction to the original content on ShakeUpLearning.com. See: Copyright Policy.

The post Teacher2Trainer Live Workshop Series appeared first on Shake Up Learning.

Supporting a 1-to-1 environment is a daunting task! Empower your students through student tech teams. In this interview with the Royse City ISD High School and Middle School student tech teams (a.k.a. Chrome Squad) and their leaders, we explore the success of their program. We talk about how the program has evolved, what they are doing next, and how to implement your own program at the high school, middle school, or even elementary!

Cody Holt, Coordinator of Learning Technologies, is a new title for him as he oversees the Chrome Squad and all other integrated technologies. Heather Russell, Innovative Learning Specialist runs the Chrome Crew for Bailey Middle School. Kendal Whisnant, Innovative Learning Specialist leads the charge of the Chrome Co for Summers Middle School. Angela Arledge, Innovative Learning Specialist heads the Royse City high school’s Chrome Squad. 

Listen to this article.

Chrome Squad Origins

Cody first developed the idea for a Chrome Squad during the 2015-2016 school year. The district made plans for the high school to transition to 1:1 Chromebooks. Originally, the plan included two other adults to help Cody make this happen, however, those two positions were not hired. Cody was given permission to incorporate students through an elective course, so he went to work researching how to make this happen. 

His intention was to run a very well-developed and organized system. Similar to corporations like Google, Apple, and Microsoft. After studying how these companies organized their employees he “hired” student (unpaid) interns. Some of the tasks they would complete include: manage Chromebook check-in and out, necessary repairs, student enrollment, teacher professional development, student help desk, and much more. 

Initially, eligible students came from the sophomore, junior and senior classes. Now students in middle and high school are participating. Heather Russell was asked to oversee the integration of 1:1 at Bailey Middle School, and like Cody, she was alone in getting all the tech up and running for students. So out of necessity, she recruited students to help her with repairs and then developed specific teams for other areas. As the group of students grew the teams created cover tasks for training, technical tasks, and even public relations. These teams mirror what’s available and done at the high school. 

Angela shares how their middle school interns have become a feeder program for the high school’s Chrome Squad. This allows for higher quality interns and less time teaching students necessary tasks. The student’s background knowledge allows the program to continue to grow and evolve.

Students shared what their role includes as a member of the different teams. The technicians are of course helping students and teachers with issues of a physical nature. They work through basic troubleshooting tasks to help or make necessary replacements. The public relations team is charged with advertising through posters and television slide presentations. 

The podcast team works to record episodes for students and teachers with tech tips and basic tech knowledge. This team was created out of the need to share from a distance during the pandemic. Students on this team typically record a short 90-second audio training to help teachers and students make a quick transition to remote learning techniques. A number of their episodes are geared specifically for teachers. All episodes of the Connected for Learning podcast can be found on Apple or Spotify. They also share content on their Connected for Learning website. 

Back to the Classroom

Student interns shared that being back in person has been going very well for the staff and students. Teachers are utilizing more Google applications and extensions, as well as, the built-in features of the Chromebook. Teachers are also encouraged to learn new skills through a badge system which is rewarded with prizes. Students on the Chrome Crew and Chrome Co publish a single sheet of tech tips for teachers and students in what they call the “Porcelain Post”  taped to the bathroom stall doors. 

Making Growth

The staff leaders of these student teams consistently evaluate what’s working and what’s not working. When they discover what’s not working they eliminate that practice and move on to support the efforts that are having success. Sometimes it means combining teams to work together in their expertise. 

In order to effectively evaluate, student teams work to set goals for the three-week grading period and reflect on the success of these goals being met. Setting the goals for what to accomplish in the three-week period is a collaborative effort with students and staff leaders. With restrictions of the pandemic in place, many hurdles have needed to be overcome, making the collaborative process necessary. 

Real-World Experiences

One of the charges given to the Chrome Squads is managing a school store. This is a place where students and staff can purchase snacks or basic school supplies. Team members are charged with keeping track of inventory and sales, serving customers, and working a register. The proceeds go toward helping support the Connected for Learning website and other needs for the teams. 

In the Future

Student participants are expanding to younger grades at the middle school in order to keep a healthy feeder program running. Working to help buildings with the online testing has given Chrome teams the challenge of preparing students for being ready. Simple tasks like coming with a fully charged Chromebook have the team collaborating on rewards and consequences for being responsible with their Chromebooks. These types of irresponsible issues are typically a middle school issue and the Chrome Crew helps to incentivize and reinforce responsible Chromebook users. The structure of the Chromebook system allows students to purchase their Chromebook as graduating seniors. This system also helps students to keep their Chromebook in good working order. 

Royse City will be moving its elementary school to 1:1 in the upcoming school year. They plan to start teams of third and fourth graders to initiate an elementary squad. 

Staff leaders and students will attend and present at this year’s TCEA conference. Their presentations will include a poster session with members of each team to explain their roles. 

To wrap up, students shared that they have enjoyed learning new skills. Some highlighted the people skills they have gained through relationships with students as they help serve them. They also expressed how the tech skills they’ve learned have given them career ideas and creative outlets. 

Cody shares that he and his student groups are available to help other school districts start their own program. Whether it be a teacher presentation or student presentation, they are willing to provide any support. 

Related: Check out past episodes with the Chrome Squad

About the Chrome Squad, Chrome Co, and Chrome Crew on this episode:

• Angela Arledge- Innovative Learning Specialist
• Grace G.
• Ally R.

• Kendal Whisnant- Innovative Learning Specialist
• Emily V.
• Hunter S.

• Heather Russell – Innovative Learning Specialist
• Jorge R.
• Lexy G.

© Shake Up Learning 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kasey Bell and Shake Up Learning with appropriate and specific direction to the original content on ShakeUpLearning.com. See: Copyright Policy.

The post Chrome Squad: Student Tech Teams to Support 1-1 Schools – SULS0139 appeared first on Shake Up Learning.

Here are the BEST Blog Posts and Podcasts of 2021!

I have put together a list of the BEST and most popular Shake Up Learning blog posts and podcast episodes from 2021.

These posts are loaded with the BEST teacher tips and lesson ideas of the year.

A special thank you to all the Shake Up Learning readers and listeners. Y’all rock!

And thank you for dawning your superhero capes to carry our students through ANOTHER tumultuous year!

Let’s take some time to reflect on the positive and make 2022 the best year yet!

Reflection is a critical part of the learning process for teachers and students, so I like to take a look back.

I like to take a more in-depth look at what teacher tips, blog posts, and podcast episodes were the most popular and generated the most comments and traffic.

The goal of this blog has always been to provide teachers with digital learning resources, tips, and tricks, and help teachers find ways to integrate technology meaningfully in the classroom.

This list helps me decide what content to create and how to best help teachers in 2022.

What Do YOU Want to See in 2022?

I want to serve my audience! Help me better serve you by completing this short, 60-second survey. (The form is also embedded at the bottom of this post.)

This survey is your chance to let me know more about you and what you need in 2022.

The Top 20 Posts of 2021

Drumroll please…Here are the most popular blog posts and podcast episodes of the year!

1. 27 Formative Assessment Tools for Your Classroom

In this post and podcast episode, you will find 27 Formative Assessment Tools for Your Classroom! This list has a wide variety of features and options to help you solidify your formative assessment strategies! Many of the tools below are great for both formative and summative assessments.

2. 85+ Awesome Apps that Integrate with Google Classroom

This is a post that I update every year, and it is always at the top of the list! Learn about 85+ applications that integrate with Google Classroom.

Fill Out the Form Below to Get Your FREE Cheat Sheets!

3. How to Create a Google Classroom Custom Header with Google Drawings

In this post and video tutorial, I will show you how to create a custom header with Google Drawings, give you a FREE template, and show you how to upload it into Google Classroom!

4. Digital Badges in the Classroom (What, When, & How)

Digital badges can help us engage students (even remote learners). Learn what digital badges are, when to use them, and how to implement them in your classroom.

5. 15 Collaborative Tools for Your Classroom That Are NOT Google

This post and podcast episode includes 15 collaborative tools for your classroom that are NOT Google. Collaboration is a critical twenty-first-century skill for our students. Finding ways to facilitate and support collaboration in the classroom is not always easy.

6. 20 Ways to Use Google Drawings in the Classroom

In this post and episode, I will give you 20 Ways to Use Google 20 Ways to Use Google Drawings in the ClassroomDrawings in the Classroom.

Let’s explore ways to tap into the 4 C’s and get students creating with Google Drawings.

7. How to Create Citations and Bibliography in Google Docs

I share this tip often during presentations, and just talking about it doesn’t do it justice. You have to try it! When I demo this feature, it never fails to get some jaw drops with some ooooohs and aaaaahs!

8. Student Portfolios with Google Sites

Student Portfolios are the epitome of Dynamic Blended Learning and going beyond the due date because they are never “done.” As students learn and grow throughout the year, new work is added to their portfolio to showcase their best work or to show growth over time.

9. Must-Have Google Classroom Skills for Teachers

In this episode, I’m sharing the must-have Google skills for teachers who use Google Classroom. Let’s learn how to make the most of Google Classroom–gain must-have skills, and a few tips and tricks to help you and your students thrive.

10. Must-Have Google Chrome Skills for Teachers

In this episode, I’m sharing the must-have Google skills for teachers who use the Google Chrome web browser or Chromebooks. Google Chrome is the learning environment for all things Google and sets the stage for success.

11. The Guide to Google Drive Sharing – FREE eBook

Do you ever get confused by all the options for sharing in Google Drive and Google Workspace for Education? I’ve got the guide for you! In this 15-page guide, I break down the three steps to sharing, as well as the six levels of sharing in Google applications. Also, learn how to restrict sharing, set expiration dates on sharing, and more!

12. 30 Ways to Use Google Forms in the Classroom

There are so many ways to use Google Forms beyond a standard survey or quiz. Learn how you can use Google Forms to engage students in new ways, use powerful add-ons, and save valuable time!

13. 15 Ways to Use Mote in the Classroom

Mote is a fantastic (and FREE) Chrome extension for teachers. Learn how Mote helps support ELLs, STEM, and helps engage ALL students with 15 Ways to Use Mote in the Classroom.

14. How to “Fake” Blogging in the Classroom (FREE Template)

In this guest post and interview with Lisa Johnson (a.k.a. Tech Chef 4 U). Lisa shares a great Google Slides template and lesson idea — The Fake Blog Post!

15. Search Google Drive and Gmail from the Chrome Omnibox!

That’s right! With this one little trick, you can search right from the search box (aka the Omnibox) in Google Chrome.

16. Back to School with Choice Boards (FREE Templates)

In this episode, I’m sharing my best tips and ideas for creating and using digital choice boards in the K-12 classroom. I’m also sharing choice board examples and product ideas.

17. Google Workspace for Education (and other updates you need to know!)

Google made some HUGE announcements about your favorite Google products in 2021, including Google Classroom and officially Google Workspace for Education (and other updates you need to know!)renaming G Suite as Google Workspace for Education. I’m breaking it all down so you understand what’s coming, and how it affects you and your students.

18. FREE Templates for Teachers: Where to Find Them and How to Create Them

Learn all about the free templates that Sarah Kiefer has created and curated, get tips for adapting templates for your classroom, and learn how to create your own templates!

19. Time-Saving Tips and Tools for Teachers (Part 1)

As teachers, your time is precious. You only have so much time with your students, and you want to maximize that time for learning. We don’t want to end up wasting valuable time searching for documents, websites, or setting up our lessons. We need to use technology to help us save instructional time, not add to it.

20. Blended Learning with Google Toolkit for Teachers

In this episode, I share The Blended Learning with Google Toolkit, a free download to help teachers create dynamic, blended learning experiences for students with Google tools. I will walk you through each step, share proven strategies, and recommend the right Google tool for the job. Get access to this FREE PDF download that aligns technology integration strategies with Google tools!

Got one minute? Leave us some feedback below.

© Shake Up Learning 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kasey Bell and Shake Up Learning with appropriate and specific direction to the original content on ShakeUpLearning.com. See: Copyright Policy.

The post The Best Teacher Tips and Lesson Ideas of 2021 appeared first on Shake Up Learning.

All presentations are not created equal, so I’ve put together my best presentation tips for trainers, coaches, and teachers.

In this episode, I’m sharing my best tips and best practices for creating and delivering a rock star presentation.

Whether you are presenting to your peers at school, at a conference, or just want to improve your presentations for your classroom, these tips will help you create a great slide deck!

I’ve learned a lot over the years, and it’s time to share some tips to help you create and deliver a great presentation.

Listen to this article.

Shoutout

Thank you to @uriainthemiddle on Instagram for sharing her choice board made with the Interactive Google Slides Choice Board template.

Quick Tip (How to Change the Font in Slides Themes)

Did you know that you can customize the font in your Google Slides theme, so you don’t have to change the font on every slide?

Watch this quick video to learn how!

BONUS TIP: Get MORE Fonts for Your Google Projects!

Watch this quick video to learn how!

Quick Tip Video Library

Subscribe to Shake Up Learning on YouTube

   OR, watch it on TikTok!

Presentation Tips for Trainers, Coaches, and Teachers

Today, I am talking about how to create good presentations.

These are my best tips to help trainers, coaches, and teachers become better presenters.

I’m sharing my best practices, some Google Slides tips, and my own presentation habits.

I am by no means the perfect example of a presenter, but I have learned so much over the years that I want to share.

I’ve attended many conferences and watched many other presenters. Some are great, and sometimes you can’t even read what is on the screen.

As you get more creative with your slides, sometimes the creativity can distract from your topic and content.

My slides will not win any awards, but I like to keep them CLEAN!

Choose a Great Title for Your Presentation

Whether you are presenting at a conference or delivering a lesson to your students, your title matters. Choose a title that is short, yet descriptive, and engaging. (Writing skills come in handy in every content area!)

When you attend a conference, the title is EVERYTHING! We’ve all chosen a session just because it has a cute title. Sometimes that title drives inquiry and curiosity. Sometimes it just sounds fun. Be careful not to bait your audience! It’s also very disappointing when a presenter doesn’t deliver what the title promises.

Themes can be fun. I have done a presentation titled “Stranger Google: Crazy Tools from the Upside Down,” with an obvious theme for fans of the Stranger Things Netflix series. Of course, the description helps clarify, but this title has packed rooms with hundreds of people. (Note: PLEASE don’t steal titles from others. BE ORIGINAL!)

“Google 101” is not going to excite anyone, and it’s too broad. Maybe “Google Docs 101” is better but still not enticing. Instead, try “Must-Have Google Docs Skills.” Numbers are good eye-catchers, too. “20 Must-Have Google Docs Skills” is even better. If you aren’t good with titles, collaborate with a creative colleague or friend.

Rework your title to keep it as short as possible. For instance, “Engaging Students Through Nearpod, Pear Deck, and Google in a Pandemic” is too long. Maybe a better title would be Engagement Tools for the Pandemic Classroom. Word choice can help you rework a long title into something more succinct.

Your Presenter Bio

Your presenter bio is required for most conferences. This needs to be written in the THIRD PERSON. It’s tempting to feel like you are introducing yourself, but it looks much more professional to have it written in the third person. Again, keep it short and to the point. Most conferences will limit the number of characters, so every word counts.

Presentation Design

Keep in mind; the number one design goal is to communicate effectively. That means your slides have to be easily read by everyone in the room.

Color

Choose a very dark text with a light background (my favorite) or a light text with a dark background. By the way, this is also the rule of thumb with web design. Many color combinations often don’t have enough contrast, especially when faded out with a projector. And don’t forget that many participants and students are color-blind.

I love color! You see many colors on Shake Up Learning and in my slides, but I try to use ample WHITE SPACE to make sure it’s readable.

Choose complementary colors. Use Canva’s color wheel to help choose the right colors for your theme and stick to the same set of colors throughout your presentation.

How bad does the example below hurt your eyes? OMGoodness!

Credit: 24slides.com

I typically use the default light theme in Google Slides. Then I use the master slide to customize the fonts and accent colors.

Fonts

As a rule, you want to choose a font that is easy to read–font, font size, and font color all contribute to readability. Choose wisely. The more creative fonts may look cute, but can someone read them from the back of the room? Can someone with dyslexia read it?

Stick with two or three fonts for the whole presentation. Consistency will give your presentation a more professional look. I’ve seen so many presentations that change fonts on every single slide. Stop! Don’t do that! It makes your slides look immature, and it’s unpredictable for the eyes of your audience.

Yes, I hate comic sans (and Arial) for many reasons. But when it comes to presentations, it’s not the cleanest font for everyone to ready, especially those who already have a hard time processing letters and words.

Credit: The University of Manchester

Choose a clean serif or sans serif that is heavy enough to stand out on the slide. Script fonts should be used sparingly. Research shows that serif fonts, like Times New Roman, are the easiest to read. It looks a little dated, so I try to use a clean sans serif font like Open Sans for the body of text that appears on slides.

By the way, this font choice idea applies to emails too! Please stop sending emails in a script font!

Avoid Too Many Bells & Whistles

Some presenters spend days perfecting their slides with the perfect colors, fonts, images, gifs, and more.

All of these things are great in moderation as long as they don’t distract from the content and your learning goal.

I love gifs, but combining it with too many other bell and whistles can distract from what you are trying to communicate. Even though gifs are super fun, make sure it aligns with your goals. If you can keep it clean, to the point, and the gif adds to the communication, you’ve got a winner. But adding a meme to every slide because you think it’s funny is more distracting, and it will get old.

Templates

FREE presentation templates are great! I’m a HUGE fan of slidesmanina.com for many types of templates.

Many of the Google Slides templates for education are not for traditional presentations like we are talking about today, but for interactive lessons, choice boards, and more. One of the many reasons that I call Slides the Swiss Army Knife of Google is that it can be used for so many other purposes besides a traditional presentations.

Be sure your template fits your purpose, and customize it to help you stand out as a presenter. Also, make sure that it doesn’t have too many bells and whistles that will distract from your presentation.

Related: 25 Things You Didn’t Know Google Slides Could Do

Bitmoji

A side note about Bitmoji: while cute and customizable, Bitmoji are EVERYWHERE and losing their originality–at least in my opinion. If you want to look original and professional, skip the Bitmoji and set yourself apart in an original way.

The Title Slide

The title slide is the first thing that your audience will see. Often I have a designed a title slide that is large and eye-catching, so there is no mistake that your audience is in the right session. This slide often includes a shortened link to the presentation. If you can’t fit the shortened link with your title, create a slide just for the link, so it’s displayed as large as possible. (More about the link below.)

About Me/Contact Info

I also include a slide with my picture and basic information about me. I share my social media links and other ways to contact me after the presentation. Try to include your contact information, in the beginning, to help your audience get to know you and how to contact you with questions later.

One Link to Rule Them All

Please, I beg of you, share the link to your slides at the beginning of your session. Nothing irritates me more than someone who treats the audience like a child and holds the link hostage until the end.

I call this the “One link to rule them all” because I always try to just give one link to the slides or webpage that includes EVERYTHING. This way, participants can focus on the content and not have to write down every link as they go.

When I have several breakout sessions for a conference, I only have one link that has the slides embedded on my website for every session I am delivering. And yes, even when you share your slides ahead of time, people still attend your sessions.

When I am delivering an all-day workshop, I create a Google Site, so everything is found easily on one place.

I always share the link before starting the presentation to give participants time to open it and follow along. This link also appears at the bottom of every slide if someone loses it or walks in late.

This is especially handy at a conference where you can choose to attend (or leave) sessions. I want to know what you are presenting to make sure this is something I want to learn.

Never hold your content hostage!

Related: How to Design Google PD That Works

Credit Your Sources

It drives me crazy when I see content that I have created on other people’s slides with credit. I spend pain-staking hours creating content, images, videos, free templates, and more. The proper thing to do is to credit your source and link back.

Of course, this goes for ANYTHING you have used that you didn’t create. Please give credit where credit is due!

Present with Captions

Google Slides has a great little feature that will add captions to your slides as you speak. This is one thing I am trying to remember to use more because it is a great way to support for ALL LEARNERS, especially those with impairments.

Speak with Authority & Confidence

Personally, my brain checks out as soon as I hear someone soft-spoken or lacking confidence at the mic. You need to command attention as a speaker, even if you have to fake it. This doesn’t just mean to be loud, although that teacher voice comes in handy. This means that the way you speak is clear, confident, and shows the audience that you know what you are talking about. This takes practice. Record and listen to yourself, and send it to a friend who will give you honest feedback.

Screen Sharing

Many of us demonstrate on our computers during presentations, especially a how-to style training. Learn how to zoom in on your device so that everyone can see what you are doing on the screen. (“Control +” to zoom in, “Control -” to zoom out in your web browser.)

Learn how to use the accessibility features on your device. I use a Mac, and it has many accessibility features that allow you to zoom in on different areas of your screen.

I also create screencast gifs to add to my slides that can often be more effective because it is sized perfectly and loops for the audience to see the steps.

Virtual Presentations

With virtual becoming so necessary over the last year, many of us have been delivering presentations in a virtual setting. Here are some tips to make you look and sound more professional.

Lighting

If your face will be visible at all, take the time to set up some good lighting. You don’t have to buy anything fancy. Grab a couple of lamps and remove the shades and fill the room with light.

Camera

I also use an external HD camera that gives me extra light and more control over camera placement, so everyone isn’t staring at my chin.

If you are using your phone, just play with the settings to get the best light and picture.

Microphone

Similarly, a good microphone can make a big difference in how you sound. Most built-in microphones on your computer are just not that great, and make you sound like you are in a hallway. I use a Blue Yeti, but you can get quality USB mics on Amazon for even less.

Choose Your Background Wisely

Please, take the time to look at what’s behind you when you present/record. Nobody needs to see your sock hanging out that drawer! There are so many virtual backgrounds to cover that up. Just make sure whatever is behind you looks clean and professional.

Related: How to Share Google Slides in a Google Meet

Gather Feedback

If you want to improve your craft, you should add a link at the end of your slide deck and ask for feedback. People do not always tell you when they are lost, confused, or can’t read a slide. Gather both quantitative and qualitative feedback to improve your presentation skills.

Preparation

The day before your presentation, do a quick run-through to check your slides and links. Make sure you aren’t killing your audience with a separate transition for twenty bullets. Double-check your links because links break all the time.

Check for updates, especially Google!

Final Thoughts

Whew! That was a lot for one episode/blog post. I think I could have made this a series because there is so much more to share.

What would you add to this list of presenter tips?

FREE Webinar for School Leaders: Blended Learning with Google

Education has forever been changed by COVID-19 and subsequent school closures.

Google for Education helped your teachers survive home learning, but what’s next?

Let’s explore ways to move forward into the “new normal” of school.

Digital learning is now more important than ever.

In this webinar, I will share tips for survival now, what’s next, and a framework for meaningful digital learning that will take us to the next level.

AUDIENCE: principals, superintendents, directors, technology coaches, and other school leaders.

REGISTER HERE (Available on-demand)

© Shake Up Learning 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kasey Bell and Shake Up Learning with appropriate and specific direction to the original content on ShakeUpLearning.com. See: Copyright Policy.

The post Presentation Tips for Trainers, Coaches, and Teachers – SULS0102 appeared first on Shake Up Learning.

Let’s talk about how to get Google Certified!

Today, I’ll dig into what certifications there are, how to get them (and how hard it is), and what resources can help.

If you’re interested in becoming a Google Certified Educator (level 1, level 2, trainer, innovator, or coach), this is the episode for you!

And if you’re wondering why you should care or be interested, here’s a fun fact: this entire blog wouldn’t exist if I hadn’t become Google Certified.

Neither would my books or podcasts. I wouldn’t be talking to you today if I hadn’t taken those steps!

Let’s dive in! First, I’ll explore what Level 1 certification means and what you can expect from the test. I’ll then talk about some ways to prepare for the exam. I’ll then do the same for Level 2.

From there, I’ll talk about becoming a Google Certified Trainer. I’ll cover the various requirements (one of which I didn’t meet the first time I applied!) as well as the six steps to becoming a Certified Trainer.

I will also talk about Certified Coach, and the Innovator Academy and what it takes to reach the most coveted level of Google Certification!

I’ve helped thousands of people become Google Certified, and I can help you, too! I hope this episode has answered a lot of your questions and explained why the programs are so great, and I look forward to taking the next steps with you.

This episode is sponsored by WriQ.

Texthelp is challenging you and your students to write a little more each day! With the WriQ Word Challenge, classes around the world are working together to smash the record for the most words written in the school year. You can join them too. Download WriQ to measure your students’ writing and watch them soar to the top of the global leaderboard! There are lots of hints, tips, and writing prompts available too.

Visit: text.help/shakeupwriq

Listen to this article.

Shoutout

Shoutout to Kellie Lahey on Twitter for sharing some awesome student engagement with Pear Deck!

Quick Tip (Grant access to Drive files from Gmail)

Have you noticed how easy it is to give access to Google files directly from Gmail? You don’t need to open Drive or any other app–do it right from Gmail!

Here’s a quick video to show you how it works!

Subscribe to Shake Up Learning on YouTube

How to Get Google Certified (Level 1, Level 2, Trainer, Innovator, and Coach!)

There are now FIVE different certification options for educators: Level 1 and Level 2 Google Certified Educator, Google Certified Trainer, Google Certified Innovator, and Google Certified Coach.

(Note: There are many other Google certifications outside of education.)

Why Get Google Certified?

There are many benefits to the various certifications that can help you improve as a teacher and even take your career to the next level.

Related: 10 Ways Google Certification Can Support Remote Learning

Here’s a quick overview of just a few of the benefits:

• Support Remote and Blended Learning
• Gain Confidence with Digital Learning Strategies and Google Tools
• Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning & Creativity
• Create a Paperless Classroom
• Collect Data & Improve Feedback
• Learn How to Find Answers & Support
• Increase Digital Citizenship Skills in the Classroom
• Increase Efficiency & Save Time
• Engage in Professional Growth & Leadership
• Prove Your Skills
• Get the Badge &  Join the Google Certified Family!

Related: The Benefits of Google Certification

Google Certified Educator Level 1 and Level 2

Let’s break this down!

Google Certified Educator Level 1

Level 1: can “successfully implement Google for Education into their teaching practice to enhance
teaching and learning.”

Preparation:

• Enroll in the Level 1 Academy for hands-on training
• On your own, using the Google Teacher Center and free resources

Level 1 Exam:

• Multiple choice
• Drag and drop
• & Performance-based scenarios
• 180 minutes
• $10 fee
• Pass with 80% or above
• Good for 3 years

Google Certified Educator Level 2

Level 2: can “successfully integrate a wider range of Google for Education tools and other
technologies to transform their teaching practice.”

Preparation:

• Enroll in the Level 2 Academy for hands-on training
• On your own, using the Google Teacher Center and free resources

Level 2 Exam:

• Multiple choice
• Drag and drop
• & Performance-based scenarios
• 180 minutes
• $25 fee
• Pass with 80% or above
• Good for 3 years

Google Certified Trainer

The Google for Education Certified Trainer program is designed for educators with a strong history of providing Google training in schools, including creating informative learning materials, and enthusiasm for digital learning and technology.

6 Steps to Google Certified Trainer

1. Trainer Course Curriculum
2. Trainer Skills Assessment ($15, 25 questions, 90 minutes)
3. Level 1 Certificate
4. Level 2 Certificate
5. Record Trainer Video (3 minutes)
6. Apply

For details on each of these six steps, see this related post: 6 Steps to Google Certified Trainer.

Preparation:

• Enroll in the Trainer Academy for hands-on training
• On your own, using the Google Teacher Center and free resources

Google Certified Innovator

The Google for Education Certified Innovator Program supports educators in developing new projects for their classrooms and school districts. Members participate in a year-long mentorship program that begins with workshops called Innovator Academies, where teachers, coaches, and Google experts learn from each other.

Innovator candidates must go through a lengthy application process, including project and video, Level 2 certificate, and be accepted to attend a 3-day academy on a Google campus.

Google Certified Coach

The Google Certified Coach program empowers instructional coaches to work 1:1 with educators and drive impactful technology use in their schools. Coaches get access to research-backed strategies and tools so that new and veteran educators alike can transform instruction across every classroom.

• Coach curriculum
• Coach skills assessment
• Create coaching portfolio and submit application
• Create a short video, provide three coaching artifacts, and submit an administrator letter of reference that illustrate successful use of the 5-step coaching model in action.
• Then, apply!

FREE Webinar: How to Get Google Certified

Do you want to learn more about the certifications and what it takes to achieve each one?

Getting Google Certified can be daunting and confusing, so I put together this free webinar on How to Get Google Certified!

In this webinar, I will give you an overview of Google Certification, Google Certified Educator Level 1, Google Certified Educator Level 2, and Google Certified Trainer.

REGISTER for the Webinar

Google Certification Academies

I also teach online boot camps to walk you through all the skills and help you prepare for the exams. I have helped thousands of educators through these online, self-paced courses!

What’s Included in the Google Certification Courses?

Google Certified Educator Level 1 Academy

Everything you need to know to pass the exam and become a Google Certified Educator Level 1!

• 50 Video Lessons (hands-on learning with Kasey Bell)
• 20+ PDF Downloadable Study Material
• Lesson Checks
• Testing Tips
• 12 hours of Professional Learning Credit
• BONUS 1: Includes the ENTIRE Google Classroom Master Class!
• BONUS 2: Level 1 Challenges (performance tasks designed to mimic the exam)
• and much more!
• Payment plans and scholarships available
• Bulk discounts! Get your whole school Google certified!
• Learn more and see the course curriculum

Google Certified Educator Level 2 Academy

Everything you need to know to pass the exam and become a Google Certified Educator Level 2!

• 40+ Video Lessons (hands-on learning with Kasey Bell)
• 20+ PDF Downloadable Study Material
• Lesson Checks
• Testing Tips
• 12 hours of Professional Learning Credit
• BONUS: Level 2 Challenges (testing scenarios)
• and much more!
• Payment plans and scholarships available
• Learn more and see the course curriculum

Google Certified Trainer Academy

All You Need to Know to Prepare for the Trainer Skills Assessment and Application!

Becoming a Google Certified Trainer was one of the best decisions I ever made, and it transformed my learning and my career! This self-paced, online course includes EVERYTHING you need to know to pass the Trainer Skills Assessment AND complete the application requirements, including:

• 18 Video Lesson
• Lesson Checks
• Exam Tips
• Application and Video Tips
• 12 Hours of Professional Learning Credit
• BONUS 1: How to Design Google PD That Works
• BONUS 2: How to Market Yourself as a Trainer
• BONUS 3: The Ultimate Google Certified Trainer Planner and Check List (27-page, downloadable ebook!)
• and much more!
• Payment plans and scholarships available
• Learn more and see the course curriculum

Don’t Pay Out of Pocket!

Teachers shouldn’t have to pay out of their own pockets to get the professional learning and training they need.

On each of the course pages listed above you will find information about scholarships, as well as editable documents to “Make the Case” with your administrator to pay for your training.

SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESSES: Purchasing these courses helps support the HUNDREDS of free resources that Shake Up Learning provides–free ebooks, cheat sheets, podcasts, blog posts, lesson plans, templates, tips, tutorials, and more. Thank you for supporting Shake Up Learning. We are a small, woman-owned business whose mission is to serve teachers.

Google Training for Schools

We have many programs to help your teachers learn how to meaningfully integrate Google tools and the entire Google suite in the classroom. From online courses to books, to face-to-face training, we got you covered!

COVID-19 forced many teachers and schools to scramble to find tools to deliver online assignments, design digital learning experiences, and Google was the number one suite of tools to help make this a reality.

Just in time resources and learning will help teachers, students, and parents survive the crisis. When we return to the new normal, Google skills will help set the foundation for more dynamic and meaningful learning in the classroom.

Get your entire campus or district on board with Google! Help your teachers learn more about Google tools, Google Classroom, and meaningful technology integration strategies. You can even help all your teachers become Google Certified Educators!

GoogleTrainingforSchools.com

Check out all of the FREE Google Certification Resources from Shake Up Learning!

© Shake Up Learning 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kasey Bell and Shake Up Learning with appropriate and specific direction to the original content on ShakeUpLearning.com. See: Copyright Policy.

The post How to Get Google Certified (Level 1, Level 2, Trainer, Innovator, and Coach!) appeared first on Shake Up Learning.

Here are the BEST Blog Posts and Podcasts of 2020!

I have put together a list of the BEST and most popular Shake Up Learning blog posts and podcast episodes from 2020.

These posts are loaded with the BEST teacher tips and lesson ideas of the year.

To all of my readers and listeners, thank you for helping me learn and grow as an educator! I learn so much from all of you!

And thank you for dawning your superhero capes to carry our students through this tumultuous year!

After a year that we will not soon forget, let’s take some time to reflect on the positive. Let’s make 2021 the best year yet!

Reflection is a critical part of the learning process for teachers and students, so I like to take a look back.

I like to take a more in-depth look at what teacher tips, blog posts, and podcast episodes were the most popular and generated the most comments and traffic.

The goal of this blog has always been to provide teachers with digital learning resources, tips, and tricks, and help teachers find ways to integrate technology meaningfully in the classroom.

This list helps me decide what content to create and how to best help teachers in 2021.

What Do YOU Want to See in 2021?

I want to serve my audience! Help me better serve you by completing this short, 60-second survey. (The form is also embedded at the bottom of this post.)

This survey is your chance to let me know more about you and what you need in 2021.

The Top 20 Posts of 2020

Drumroll please…Here are the most popular blog posts and podcast episodes of the year!

1. 25 Things You Didn’t Know Google Slides Could Do

This is an updated post with an added 2-part podcast series. Take your Google skills to the next level and learn why I call Google Slides the Swiss Army Knife of Google!

Listen to Part 1 of this article.

Listen to Part 2 of this article.

2. The Google Classroom Cheat Sheets for Teachers and Students

In this free download, you will get two PDF cheat sheets: (1) The Google Classroom Cheat Sheet for Teachers, a 40-page guide to help teachers make the most of this robust online learning tool. (2) The Google Classroom Cheat Sheet for Students, a 14-page reference guide to help students understand the platform.

Fill Out the Form Below to Get Your FREE Cheat Sheets!

3. 70+ Apps That Integrate with Google Classroom

This is a post that I update every year, and it is always at the top of the list! Learn about 70+ applications that integrate with Google Classroom.

4. How to Organize Assignments in Google Classroom

Wondering how to organize Google Classroom? This post will give you the most common organizational strategies for the Classwork page and topics.

5. Blended Learning with Google Podcast Series

In this 3-part podcast series (based on Kasey’s book of the same name), we will show you how you can use Google tools to create dynamic, blended learning experiences for your students!

Blended Learning with Google (Part 1: Do This, Not That!)

Blended Learning with Google (Part 2: Storytelling)

8 Reasons to Love Blended Learning with Google (Part 3)

6. 10 Google Classroom Tips for Remote Learning

Remote learning has sent teachers and schools into high gear! We are all trying to figure out what works. In this episode and post, I’m going to show you 10 Google Tips for Remote Learning.

7. How to Integrate Google Classroom with Google Meet

As teachers across the U.S. prepare for online and blended learning, more and more schools are relying on Google Classroom and Google Meet to deliver online lessons and assignments. In this post, I will share how you how to integrate Google Classroom with Google Meet.

8. Google Classroom Comments–All You Need to Know!

With Google tools and Google Classroom, giving feedback on digital assignments has never been easier. The only question is, where? We have several options for leaving comments and feedback, and each can serve its own purpose. Let’s explore all the ways you can use comments to enhance the learning in your classroom!

9. 10 Google Docs Tips Every Teacher Should Know

Over the years, I have cultivated a laundry list of tips and ideas for using Google Docs in the classroom. In this post and episode, I will share with you 10 Google Docs Tips Every Teacher Should Know. We will cover basic skills, as well as, some tips to help you become a power user.

10. Grace is Greater Than Grades

In the midst of the coronavirus chaos, the anxiety, the fears, and the extra time at home, I would like to come back to an idea that Jennifer Pearson shared on a special BONUS episode of the Shake Up Learning Show–grace.

11.Back to School with G Suite (6 Online Activities)

Ready for Back to School? Google tools can help you kick off the school year, get organized, and have some fun–even when school is online! Here are six online activities for going Back to School with G Suite.

12. Fake Instagram Template with Google Slides (FREE)

In this guest post by Carly Black, learn how you can engage students with Instagram Stories and get a FREE Google Slides Template!

13. How to Create Google Classroom Blended Learning Lessons

In this post, Kasey shares how to create Google Classroom blended learning lessons, including best practices and Google Classroom tips.

14. Google Classroom Clean Up Tips for the End of the Year

I’ve put together some Google Classroom cleanup tips for the end of the year! Google Classroom can get quite messy throughout the school year, and you want to get everything cleaned up and set up for success in the next school year. Let’s go all Marie Kondo and tidy up this mess!

15. Coronavirus Closures? Online Learning Tips for Teachers and Schools [interview with an American Teacher in China]

This interview defined my views on remote learning! In this candid interview, I chat with Jennifer Pearson, a tech coach who recently evacuated from China due to the coronavirus. Jennifer’s school has been relying on home learning and online learning with their students in China. Jennifer shares tips, tools, and best practices for this special situation.

16. How to Package Your Digital Assignments

Don’t miss out on one of the BEST things about blended learning and managing assignments online! Save yourself valuable instructional time and that oh so elusive teacher sanity by packaging your assignments so that students have EVERYTHING they need in one place.

17. Home Learning with Choice Boards During School Closures

In this episode, Laura Steinbrink shares her choice board strategy for student home learning with both offline and online options. Learn how she is approaching this unprecedented time with grace and understanding, supporting all her students!

18. Google Classroom FAQ – Your Most Common Questions ANSWERED!

Many teachers are searching for help and tips, so I decided to put together a Google Classroom FAQ – your most common questions answered, based on the questions I receive from teachers. I see the same questions asked over and over again, so I hope this page is helpful to educators looking for help with Google Classroom.

19. How to Use Google Templates and Assign in Google Classroom

When you find a free or paid template that is in Google Docs, Google Slides, Google Sheets, or Google Drawings, do you know how to save that to your Google Drive and assign it in Google Classroom? This video will show you how! There are many different ways that files are shared. I will show you how to make your own copy and assign it in Google Classroom.

20. Online Teaching Best Practices, Tips, and Tools

In this episode, Kasey shares her best tips for teaching students online. COVID-19 has changed education forever, and now it’s time to regroup and redefine teaching and learning. Remote teaching and learning is different. As we begin to plan for the new normal, let’s take a closer look at some best practices to help teachers and students in the post COVID world.

Got a minute? Leave us some feedback below.

© Shake Up Learning 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kasey Bell and Shake Up Learning with appropriate and specific direction to the original content on ShakeUpLearning.com. See: Copyright Policy.

The post The Best Teacher Tips and Lesson Ideas of 2020 appeared first on Shake Up Learning.

Blended Learning with Google for School Leaders (FREE Webinar)

Education has forever been changed by COVID-19 and subsequent school closures.

Google for Education helped your teachers survive home learning, but what’s next?

Let’s explore ways to move forward into the “new normal” of school.

Digital learning is now more important than ever.

In this webinar, I will share tips for survival now, what’s next, and a framework for meaningful digital learning that will take us to the next level.

AUDIENCE: principals, superintendents, directors, technology coaches, and other school leaders.

© Shake Up Learning 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kasey Bell and Shake Up Learning with appropriate and specific direction to the original content on ShakeUpLearning.com. See: Copyright Policy.

The post Blended Learning with Google for School Leaders (FREE Webinar) appeared first on Shake Up Learning.

The journey to becoming a Google Certified Trainer can be quite daunting!

There are so many things to do–exams to pass, application requirements, case study, and application video–and that’s just the tip of the iceberg!

I put together this planner and checklist to help you plan for success!

In this 27-page ebook, you will find an outline of steps, links to free resources, space to write and brainstorm ideas, and more!

© Shake Up Learning 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kasey Bell and Shake Up Learning with appropriate and specific direction to the original content on ShakeUpLearning.com. See: Copyright Policy.

The post The Google Certified Trainer Ultimate Planner and Checklist appeared first on Shake Up Learning.

So you want to be a Google Certified Trainer? But you aren’t sure what it means or where to start. I got you covered!

This blog wouldn’t exist if I hadn’t pushed myself to become a Google Certified Trainer.

Becoming a Google Certified Trainer not only increased my skills but gave me the confidence to share my voice and create resources for educators across the globe.

It’s important to understand that this certification isn’t for everyone.

In this post, I will offer some clarifications specifically about the Google for Education Certified Trainer program that you should know before pursuing this path.

So You Want to Be a Google Certified Trainer?

Here’s what you need to know!

What is Google Certification

The Google Certified Trainer Application Process is NOT Easy!

It’s important to understand and respect the Google Certified Trainer program. Everyone doesn’t make the cut.

In fact. I wasn’t accepted the first time I applied.

The requirements for the tests and application can be quite a time consuming depending on how much experience you have.

To learn more about the requirements, be sure to check out this post and video: 6 Steps to Google Certified Trainer, and grab a copy of the FREE ebook using the form below.

How to Become a Google Certified Trainer eBook

Download this FREE PDF eBook: How to Become a Google Certified Trainer. 26 pages of step-by-step information to walk you through all of the requirements, exams, and application process.

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription and download How to Become a Google Certified Trainer eBook.

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Google Certified Trainers ARE Already Trainers

Google Certified Trainers Must Renew Their Certification

Sorry, this is not a lifetime certification. You must renew your certification. So no slackers allowed!

You gotta know your stuff, and you gotta keep up with Google.

The program will continue to grow and evolve over the years, but knowing the ins and outs of G Suite for Education will always be a requirement.

Below are the requirements for renewing your certification:

1. Conduct and report at least 12 training/coaching sessions per year,
2. Share ideas and resources with our community of trainers,
3. and resubmit your interest with an annual product update assessment.

Google Certified Trainers Keep Up with Google Updates

Google Certified Trainers Design Original and Creative Training Materials

Google Certified Trainer Best Practices

FREE Webinar: How to Get Google Certified

Do you want to learn more about the certifications and what it takes to achieve each one?

Getting Google Certified can be daunting and confusing, so I put together this free webinar on How to Get Google Certified!

In this webinar, I will give you an overview of Google Certification, Google Certified Educator Level 1, Google Certified Educator Level 2, and Google Certified Trainer.

REGISTER for the Webinar

Google Certification Academies

I also teach online boot camps to walk you through all the skills and help you prepare for the exams. I have helped thousands of educators through these online, self-paced courses!

Learn more about each course using the links below:

• Level 1 Academy
• Level 2 Academy
• Trainer Academy

Google Training for Schools

We have many programs to help your teachers learn how to meaningfully integrate Google tools and the entire suite in the classroom. From online courses to books, to face-to-face training, we got you covered!

COVID-19 forced many teachers and schools to scramble to find tools to deliver online assignments, design digital learning experiences, and G Suite was the number one suite of tools to help make this a reality.

Just in time resources and learning will help teachers, students, and parents survive the crisis. When we return to the new normal, Google skills will help set the foundation for more dynamic and meaningful learning in the classroom.

Get your entire campus or district on board with Google! Help your teachers learn more about Google tools, Google Classroom, and meaningful technology integration strategies. You can even help all your teachers become Google Certified Educators!

GoogleTrainingforSchools.com

Check out all of the FREE Google Certification Resources from Shake Up Learning!

© Shake Up Learning 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kasey Bell and Shake Up Learning with appropriate and specific direction to the original content on ShakeUpLearning.com. See: Copyright Policy.

The post So You Want to Be a Google Certified Trainer? appeared first on Shake Up Learning.

Delivering virtual or blended professional learning can be challenging.

Today, I’m sharing Part 3 of my series on Blended PD.

In Part 3 of this series on Blended Professional Development (PD), I’m sharing PD activity ideas, facilitation tips, and sample schedules.

As we prepare for the new normal of remote and hybrid learning, let’s work together to deliver the best PD for our teachers and schools.

Did you miss Part 1 and 2? Be sure to listen to Part 1 (e71) and Part 2 (e72). The entire series is accessible on this page.

Shoutout

I want to give a shoutout to @teaching.library.tech (Kayla McNaughton) on Instagram for sharing her love of the Google Slides Master Course.

The Google Slides Master Class is currently 50% off. ENROLL HERE!

Listen to this article.

Quick Tip – Interactive Google Slides

The key to making Google Slides interactive and more than a presentation tool is internal linking–linking objects and words to different slides, not just outside links. This one little tip can change how you view the tool and use Slides with students.

Here’s a short video learn how!

Want an in-depth lesson? Enroll in the Google Slides Master Class (50% off).

You can access all the quick tips on this page.

A Framework for Blended PD

In this podcast series, I will share ideas for planning, scheduling, strategies, modeling, facilitating, and everything else that I can think of to help schools make the most of the situation. This is our chance to revolutionize professional development, which needs a shakeup!

Did you miss Part 1 and 2? Be sure to listen to Part 1 (e71) and Part 2 (e72). The entire series is accessible on this page.

We’ve covered a lot of ground in Part 1 and Part 2–needs assessment, planning, creative scheduling, and adult learning strategies.

In part 3, I share activities for engaging adult learners in blended PD, facilitation tips, and some sample schedules to pull it all together.

Designing Meaningful PD Activities for Teachers

Evidence of Learning

Don’t forget your goals! Begin with the end in mind and create an assessment that aligns with your learning goals first.

This assessment can be informal, formal, or even observational. How will you know when they get it? Decide how you will collect evidence of learning. Participants should be required to create or develop something as evidence of learning, no more seat time certificates.

This doesn’t have to be complicated. The evidence may be observed through online discussions, submitting a reflection in Google Classroom, or creating an activity for students.

In this guest blog post, Pam Hubler shared a great idea for using Google Challenges as an activity and way to gather evidence of learning from participants. She even shared her template so you can modify these to fit the needs of your teachers and align with your learning goals.

Aim for Dynamic PD

Get rid of static PD activities! As you think about designing your learning experience and gathering evidence of learning, I want you to think about moving away from static, one-and-done activities, and transition to more Dynamic Learning, or dynamic PD.

Sit and get PD has to go! Whether you are face-to-face or staring at a screen, we should aim for more active learning experiences in professional development.

Incorporate Multiple Types of Media to Reach All Learners

Context gets lost in the online environment. In a face-to-face setting, you can usually see and read the faces of your participants. Those physical cues are much harder to receive and interpret in an online environment, so we much reinforce the content with additional multimedia resources such as text, audio, images, video, infographics, etc.

Blended Book Studies

Blended book studies are a great idea for blended PD. I’ve facilitated many online book studies, and it’s a great way to discuss and dive into the content, but it’s also a great model for teachers to see the implementation of an LMS like Google Classroom.

We offer several FREE Shake Up Learning online book studies throughout the year. You can learn more and access the schedule on this page.

The Shake Up Learning book was designed for book studies, as are many other educational publications. You will find chapter resources and discussion questions that make facilitating your own study a breeze!

Also, check out this post on How to Plan an Awesome Book Study.

Model the Strategies and Tools You Want in the Blended Classroom

If your school is implementing new classroom initiatives, these should be modeled in the PD experience. This could be as simple as the tools or LMS system, like Canvas, Schoology, or Google Classroom. Or, it could be Project Based Learning. If you are delivering PD on Project Based Learning, the participants should learn by doing Project Based Learning. If you want teachers to use Google Meet for live lessons, virtual office hours, or meet with their teams, incorporate these as authentic experiences during blended PD.

See also 15 Ways to Use Google Classroom in Professional Learning.

If you want teachers to learn how to design Hyperdocs for blended learning, use a Hyperdoc to teach Hyperdocs. (Here’s a folder of some Hyperdoc PD!)

Choice boards are also a favorite activity of mine. These can be used at any grade level, and with adults during blended PD (like Pam’s Google Challenges mentioned above). You will need to model the use of choice boards and the facilitation, pacing, and be transparent as you answer questions so every participant can read/see how you facilitate and address any issues.

Don’t forget to model things like engagement strategies, inclusion, online behaviors, and accommodations. Teachers need to see examples of what these things look like in the most authentic way possible.

Model Everything in Blended PD:

• Digital tools
• Engagement strategies
• Discussion strategies (synchronous and asynchronous)
• Differentiation
• Inclusion
• Behaviors and norms
• Accommodations
• Live lessons
• Recorded lessons
• Virtual office hours
• Hyperdocs
• Choice/Choice Boards and pacing

Include the Uncomfortable Topics: Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism

In this BONUS episode, I interviewed Keisha Rembert about how to be an anti-racist educator. She shared a lot of ideas to help teachers have uncomfortable discussions with each other and with students.

We cannot forget the importance of these issues during blended PD. Use this as an opportunity to share school policies, facilitate online discussions, and share supporting resources.

Reflection Activities

Reflection is a critical part of the learning process for adults and children. We must remember to include meaningful reflective activities for teachers during blended PD.

Post reflections in Google Classroom, as an assignment, as comments, or even private comments. Flipgrid is perfect for sharing video reflections while also modeling the tool. Be sure to give some reflective questions to guide the activity.

Coaching Activities

One idea is to have teachers record and analyze their own blended learning lessons or watch their own videos. This would be similar to recording a live lesson in the face-to-face classroom but with a blended learning twist. (I discussed this in episode 50 with Jim Knight, The Instructional Coaching Playbook.) Of course, be mindful of what can and cannot be recorded when minor students are in the videos. You can also have teachers observe the blended learning lessons of their peer teachers. We can all learn a lot from each other.

Coaches can follow-up and continue the coaching cycle in the blended environment.

Active Learning (Learn by DOING)

We all learn best by doing–by creating, playing, and experimenting. This is especially true with technology. You need to get your hands on it.

One strategy that I use in The Google Classroom Master Class is called “How To/Now Do.” I record the “How To,” video and then the activity that follows is the “Now Do,” where they get hands-on and try it.

If we need teachers to practice facilitating an online discussion, we need to provide this as an authentic activity during blended PD.

Time to Create Lessons and Activities

One of the biggest complaints about PD is that there isn’t enough time to create something with what you have learned. Always plan for additional time for creating lessons and activities. This is a great way to collect evidence of learning, address questions as they arise, and get teachers to share their ideas with their peers.

Facilitation Tips

Presentation Materials

Yes, we want beautiful presentations and training materials, but pretty doesn’t always give them context, extension, or the opportunity to review content. Be sure to include more information in your training materials to make up for the fact that you are not there to explain every detail.

My presentations, with the exception of a keynote speech, usually have a lot of text and links, as well as images and screenshots. I realize that text is not always as engaging as a pretty picture, but you need it all for blended learning. When participants go back to review the material, they have your words and resources. If a teacher comes back to this resource next semester, will they still understand it?

Virtual Office Hours/Coaching Calls

I highly recommend that virtual office hours and coaching calls be a part of your blended PD plan.

No matter how you support teachers, give them an opportunity to get the 1-on-1 support, or group support they need through weekly or daily online office hours. If you are an instructional or tech coach, make regular coaching video calls part of your coaching cycle.

Empower Your Teacher Leaders to Facilitate PD

Your rockstar teachers often have a lot to share. If you haven’t already, empower them to be a part of your blended PD sessions to share how they do it. This can level the playing field and be less intimidating for teachers.

You could also share weekly shootouts to highlight these teachers and share their ideas. These little sparks can inspire and help you celebrate your teachers.

Sample Schedules

Let’s put it all together! I’ve covered a lot of ground in this 3-part series. Let’s take a look at some sample schedules. As I discussed in Part 1, cramming everything into one-day is not ideal. As we rethink the school schedule, let’s rethink our PD schedule.

The sample schedules below are based on my Dynamic Learning Workshop, but you can use it to guide your own content, incorporating breaks, reflection, and creation time.

Please note, these do not have to be delivered on back-to-back days. Depending on the content, this could be spread over a month or semester.

Half-Day Staff Development – Day 1

8:30-9:20: Go BEYOND with Dynamic Learning (Live and recording made available in Google Classroom or other LMS)
9:20-9:30: Break
9:30-10:00: Reflective task (Flipgrid assignment posted in Google Classroom or other LMS)
10:00-11:45: Lesson Development task/work time (Facilitated with evidence of learning submitted by noon)
11:45-12:00: share progress with an assigned group (3 to 5 group members)

Half-Day Staff Development – Day 2

8:30-9:20: Dynamic Learning – Continued (Live and recording made available in Google Classroom or other LMS)
9:20-9:30: Break
9:30-10:00: Reflective task (Screencastify assignment posted in Google Classroom or other LMS)
10:00-11:45: Lesson Development task/work time (Facilitated with evidence of learning submitted by noon)
11:45-12:00: share progress with an assigned group (3 to 5 group members)

Half-Day Staff Development – Day 3

Within groups, each teacher will share/teach the lesson they developed (guided feedback forms and assign a timer)
8:00-8:20: teacher 1
8:20-8:30: group feedback
8:30-8:50: teacher 2
8:50-9:00: break
9:00-9:10: group feedback
9:10-9:30: teacher 3
9:30-9:40: group feedback
9:40-10:00: teacher 4
10:00-10:10: break
10:10-10:20: group feedback
10:20-10:40: teacher 5
10:40-10:50: group feedback
10:50-11:00: break
11:00-12:00: revisions and reflection

2-hour Staff Development – Day 1

8:30-9:20: Go BEYOND with Dynamic Learning (Live and recording made available in Google Classroom or other LMS)
9:20-9:30: Break
9:30-10:30: Reflective task (Flipgrid assignment posted in Google Classroom or other LMS)

2-hour Staff Development – Day 2

10:00-11:45: Lesson Development task/work time (Facilitated with evidence of learning submitted by noon)
11:45-12:00: share progress an assigned group (3 to 5 group members)

2-hour Staff Development – Day 3

8:30-9:20: Go BEYOND with Dynamic Learning (Live and recording made available in Google Classroom or other LMS)
9:20-9:30: Break
9:30-10:30: Reflective task (Flipgrid assignment posted in Google Classroom or other LMS)

2-hour Staff Development – Day 4

10:00-11:45: Lesson Development task/work time (Facilitated with evidence of learning submitted by noon)
11:45-12:00: share progress with a tablemate

G Suite Training for Schools

We have many programs to help your teachers learn how to meaningfully integrate Google tools and the entire G Suite in the classroom. From online courses to books, to face-to-face training, we got you covered!

COVID-19 forced many teachers and schools to scramble to find tools to deliver online assignments, design digital learning experiences, and G Suite was the number one suite of tools to help make this a reality.

Just in time resources and learning will help teachers, students, and parents survive the crisis. When we return to the new normal, G Suite skills will help set the foundation for more dynamic and meaningful learning in the classroom.

Get your entire campus or district on board with G Suite! Help your teachers learn more about G Suite tools, Google Classroom, and meaningful technology integration strategies. You can even help all your teachers become Google Certified Educators!

GSuiteTrainingforSchools.com

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