Transitioning to Google Apps

Our school is about to begin transitioning to Google Apps. We are not implementing Gmail at this time, but probably will soon. We will be using Google Docs and Google Sites in the next 12 -18 months. Look for our site to be converted to Google (over time) and our other systems to convert in the future.

Wagner's Ten Rules for Educators

(1)    Start by looking at what we’re asking kids to do and what they will be able to do as a result of their work, not what you’re doing.

(2)    Set “unreasonably” high achievement goals

(3)    Share achievement data from common assessments and let data inform your work. Be transparent.

(4)    Design lessons with rigorous cognitive demand.  No more “Google-able” curriculum.

(5)    Apply professional development strategies with fidelity.

(6)     Use formative assessment data not as a quiz or grade and not as punishment, but as a clue to you about how well you’re helping kids learn.

(7) Get into other teachers’ classrooms and they into yours to practice and debrief.  Eliminate the culture of autonomy.

(8) Embrace 21st century learning pedagogy and 21st century skills.

•          http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_6GUx1Zx0w&feature=related

(9) Take ownership for all the kids, not just your kids

(10) Eliminate nonsensical educational practices

•          Many grading practices

•          Assuming all kids learn at the same rate in the same way (so there’s no pyramid of interventions for kids)

•          Blaming the parents

•          Using time badly

Training Resources from Google

Google Certified Teacher training
http://edutraining.googleapps.com/

Google for Teachers Document

This is a great resource for teachers on Google Apps.

http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2010/03/free-33-page-guide-google-for-teachers.html

Google Apps for E Portfolios Document

http://electronicportfolios.com/google/index.html

Great work on how Google can be used for creating Eportfolios, exactly like we are asking our students to create.

iPad Instead of Textbooks!

http://www.wtsp.com/news/watercooler/story.aspx?storyid=129814&catid=58

This is an article about a school in Minnesota using iPads as textbook readers. This is a wave of the future I think.

BYOLaptop

http://thejournal.com/Articles/2010/08/05/Bring-Your-Own-Technology.aspx?Page=1


Article on a Bring Your Own Laptop project in a school in Ohio.

Iowa Teachers Google Apps User Group

http://groups.google.com/group/IA-Teach-GApps-UserGroup?msg=subscribe&pli=1

For teachers and administrators who want to ask questions about the Iowa implementation of Google Apps.

SIAC Technology Committee --Open Invitation

This year we are going to be answering one key question. What can Norwalk Schools do to provide our students the opportunity to succeed (technologically) with the expectations introduced to them with the new tiered-diploma at NHS.
There are LOTS of things to look at. First and foremost, what tools can we offer students to help them develop their electronic portfolio, a new requirement of the tiered-diploma structure. I think Google Apps for Education Edition has great potential to allow our kids all the tools they need. Also, what kinds of access are they going to need in order to successfully demonstrate electronic safety as well as appropriate behavior? Can we really block them from everything and expect them to know what to do when they do have access? If not, what kinds of training do we need to do with them to help them be safe online? Finally, what kinds of equipment do they need to get their electronic portfolios built? Is it enough to have computer lab time? Does a portfolio-worthy project only happen at school? What kind of devices best facilitate anytime, anywhere learning?
If you think this might be a stimulating conversation, and want to part of helping set our students up for success on their path to graduation, please come to the Middle School -Tuesday Oct. 26th at 6:30 pm in the Library, and be a part of the group.

Did You Know 4.0