Speechless

Well today I am literally speechless! I'm glad I can at least type so I can share with you some exciting news I received this morning as I lay on the couch checking to see who would be subbing for me. It is hard to sing and talk to three year old children when you have no voice. 

After months of work, six exams and a lengthy application, I have become a Google Apps for Education Certified Trainer! What does this mean you may be wondering. 

Well, our school district uses Google Apps for Education which is a suit of Google tools that are securely used by district employees and students hidden behind a password. As I started using Google Sites, Docs, and the Calendar about a year ago I found it to improve communication and collaboration. For a teacher this a huge part of my work and to have it take less time and be more effective, why wouldn't I use it? 

As I learned how to use the tools, I found we had no specific person to ask questions to. The more I used Google Apps for Education, the more I learned. Soon I became the expert for our building and the district. With no formal training myself I was just learning too. Then I discovered the Google Apps for Education Certification program for Educators here. 

The application requires six exams, a self produced video, a document containing your expertise in the area of technology, and your trainings, a blog, and a personal web page. I think I have got everything here! In other words it is a big feat to have accomplished. 

As I go forward, I hope to train our staff and district on how to use Google Apps for Education to better improve communication and collaboration for themselves, students, and parents.