Getting Googly
Last month I had the great fortune to spend two days at the "mothership" called Google Headquarters in Mountain View as part of the Google Teacher Academy. This experience was amazing in more ways than I could describe especially since Google provides many amenities to its employees which we thoroughly enjoyed like kids loose in a candy store. The experience was a reminder of the many reasons we all love to be educators and strive to be better everyday. Honestly, the teachers at this academy are thoughtful, reflective and more innovative than any teachers I have ever encountered. But, they still were eager to learn more, even from me. Their approach is how to make instruction effective and engaging with all the amazing tools we have available now. We learned from each other, made connections, and bounced ideas off each other. We learned a great deal from the "Googlers" (our Lead Teachers from Google and CUE staff) which made me realize how quickly everything changes and evolves as far as apps go. I was feeling a bit like I didn't belong there for a few minutes until the Chief Financial Officer, Patrick Pichette, came to speak to us. He told us about the latest news with Google and the company's way of looking at things. Their motto, so to speak, is to "disrespect the impossible" and never give up. His parting words to us were: "welcome to the tribe, now go out and change the world."
After getting back to school and letting all these new things settle into my brain, I realized how much our students come to us with this Google attitude. As their teachers we need to show them this attitude by trying new things, being okay with being wrong or being calm when the technology is glitchy. We need to put ourselves in their shoes and realize that they have the capability of changing the world for the good. All of this can begin now if we try. "Technology" in whatever form you define it is here to stay and is changing as you read this. How are we as educators preparing our students to capably make the best use of all the tools available? It's really all in an attitude: try, try, try and never give up. Learn something everyday and share what you learn. Your teaching colleagues not only at NCS but other teachers on social media (Twitter, Google +) can be your Professional Learning Network. It's easier than you think--you just have to try.
After getting back to school and letting all these new things settle into my brain, I realized how much our students come to us with this Google attitude. As their teachers we need to show them this attitude by trying new things, being okay with being wrong or being calm when the technology is glitchy. We need to put ourselves in their shoes and realize that they have the capability of changing the world for the good. All of this can begin now if we try. "Technology" in whatever form you define it is here to stay and is changing as you read this. How are we as educators preparing our students to capably make the best use of all the tools available? It's really all in an attitude: try, try, try and never give up. Learn something everyday and share what you learn. Your teaching colleagues not only at NCS but other teachers on social media (Twitter, Google +) can be your Professional Learning Network. It's easier than you think--you just have to try.
Love it! That's should be our new school motto: "Get Googly."
ReplyDeleteLoved your tip about creating a PLN. I have really been pushed this year by supportive colleagues (Joe, Jeanne, Elise, Carey!) to get out and connect with those in the greater education community by attending Area 3 Writing groups and technology meetings off campus. The result has been a more excited and effective teacher!
ReplyDelete