Google Summit attendees in Vermont.
Whether it’s Docs, Earth, Glass, Translate, Voice, Hangouts, Blogger, Chromebooks, and more, Google provides some of my favorite tools for education. If you feel the same way or are just intrigued, you may be interested in a Google for Education Summit.
Here’s why.
1. Try out shiny new tools like Google Glass, Chromebooks, and Android devices
Do you want to experience the world through Google Glass? Did you know Chromebooks are instant on? Summits have a dedicated classroom where you can drop in any time to demo Google products and learn more about using Android tablets in Education.
2. Become a speaker and raise your profile in EdTech circles
Presenting a session during summits is a fantastic way to highlight your expertise and raise your profile in the Google for Education arena. Many educators who have attended past summits have grown their practice and experience and are coming back as speakers.
3. Gain new knowledge you can implement immediately
The main objective of the summits is to have you return to work equipped with new knowledge you can implement right away. For two days you are completely immersed in the Google for Education world where you experience up to five sessions running concurrently and up to five focused sessions a day. There are sessions for all levels of users - from complete beginners to advanced users.
4. Connect with experienced Google Apps users
Thinking about moving to Google Apps? Summits provide an opportunity to look at the viability of Google Apps adoption where you work and discuss issues around deployment and use with experienced users.
5. Network with innovative educators during the day, party at night
Whether you are looking for new career opportunities with Google schools, interested in making new friends, or just want to exchange best practices with fellow educators in a casual setting, the daily networking aspect of summits is important. There is also a networking party at the end of day one of the summit.
6. Meet and learn from real industry experts
Summit sessions are lead by Google Certified Teachers, Google Education Trainers, Google Apps Certified Administrators, Google Certified Deployment Specialists, other experts in the field and even Google employees! You will have lots of time to interact with them during and outside the sessions.
7. Start your journey to become Google Apps Certified
The “Google Certified Educator” and the “Google Education Trainer” are internationally recognised certifications and excellent qualifications for your professional development and career opportunities. Summits have sessions with detailing the application process and can guide you with the steps so you can join the global community of trainers.
AppsEvents offers a one day pre-summit training course to help prepare you to complete the certification process which comprises of five online tests, a completed application and a case study.
8. Learn about Google GEO products from the experts
A Google in Education summit is mainly focused on the Google Apps for Education core package however sessions can also extend to other existing Google products. Summits feature focussed sessions on utilizing Google Maps and Google Earth in education lead by GEO experts.
9. Learn about using Android devices and Google Play in education
Find out how Android tablets can assist learning in K-12 and higher education.
10. Connect with the people behind your favorite products and services
Summits have exhibitor areas to showcase software, products, and services. This provides a great way to learn about what’s new right from the horse’s mouth.
Interested? You can join any of the upcoming 2-day US summits this year - May 24 & 25, Monterey Bay California; June 21 & 22 Connecticut; and on November 2014, Arkansas. You may also want to consider the AppsEvents one-day Google Apps EDU Certification preparation bootcamp. For a listing of upcoming summits, registration information, and fees (approx $250) visit http://www.appsevents.com.
Watch this video to hear from other attendees and presenters:
Lisa Nielsen writes for and speaks to audiences across the globe about learning innovatively and is frequently covered by local and national media for her views on “Passion (not data) Driven Learning,” "Thinking Outside the Ban" to harness the power of technology for learning, and using the power of social media to provide a voice to educators and students. Ms. Nielsen has worked for more than a decade in various capacities to support learning in real and innovative ways that will prepare students for success. In addition to her award-winning blog, The Innovative Educator, Ms. Nielsen’s writing is featured in places such as Huffington Post, Tech & Learning, ISTE Connects, ASCD Wholechild, MindShift, Leading & Learning, The Unplugged Mom, and is the author the book Teaching Generation Text.
Disclaimer: The information shared here is strictly that of the author and does not reflect the opinions or endorsement of her employer.
