Turning Dreams into Reality

I admit it, I am a technology junkie. This week I had the opportunity to participate in a Google Educator training. Yes, this week long adventure ended with a Google Educator "badge", but the learning along the way was so powerful on many levels.

First, I was able to collaborate with some outside the lines thinkers in the field of instructional technology. These individuals pushed me to reflect on WHY we are using technology in our schools. If we aren't using technology to promote learner creativity, we are completely missing the boat. Gone are the days of engaging students in an app for the sake of drill/practice on a certain concept. We need to be using technology to engage students in real problem solving tasks or productivity. If we want our students to own their own thinking, we must put the learning in the hands of our students. Doing this means that we must use technology to probe their thinking/creating. These are the types of learners they are...craving instant feedback, mastering new levels, setting a goal - mastering it - and moving to their next goal, and collaborating with learners near and far. If we want increases in achievement, we must place students in stimulating environments where their curiosity is peaked. Technology plays a huge role in making this happen in our schools.

Next, I was invited to participate in five Google exams. I had 90 minutes to complete each exam. These tests were sixty questions each about what tasks are possible in Google applications. To say these tests pushed the boundaries of my thinking would be an understatement. Talk about small details...these tests had all the small details. Participating in these exams had me questioning how we test our students. Is testing an individual activity or should testing be a collaborative task where one can use their resources? I must tell you that on the timed Google exams we used our resources. We even were given the option of testing in a "quiet room" or a "loud room". In the "loud room" one could ask questions and collaborate with others if needed. Is the purpose of the test to show only what you know or know how to use ALL resources around you to solve the questions asked? Many adults participating in these tests began questioning how schools are testing the learners in our classrooms. I would love to know your thoughts on this.

Finally, I am an official Google Educator! This has been something that I have wanted to do for many years and was given the opportunity to make it happen this week. What a week! It was absolutely stressful, but at the same time I loved every minute of the learning and collaboration! I truly believe this is how learning should be for our students on a daily basis. Let's ignite their passion for learning something new and make them think deeply about concepts, collaboration, and possibilities.

Thank you to some very special Authorized Google Education Trainers - Amy Mayer @friedtechnology, Jessica Johnston @edtechchic, Ann DeBolt, and Jessica Powell @iTechJess. You want to follow these innovators on Twitter.