High Point hosts second Google Summit
SUSSEX BOROUGH — Excited educators taught almost 800 registered tri-state area, K-12 teachers and administrators how to use Google for Education at the Jan. 18 Google Summit at High Point Regional High School.
The participants from 145 schools and districts chose from more than 40 in-depth sessions regarding how to improve teaching methods through more integrated technology.
The sessions included everything from using Google to quickly and efficiently grade tests, quizzes, and assignments, 3D Printing, VEX Robotics, organizing work-flow, and how to use Google Classroom.
Assistant Superintendent Robert Zywicki organized the summit with a host of High Point staff.
Zywicki introduced the keynote speaker, Alice Keeler, author of “50 Things You Can Do with Google Classroom.” During one of her three sessions, Keeler taught how to transform teaching through Google Slides. The enthusiastic educator emphasized the beauty of Google Classroom in its ability to give real-time feedback to students. She has even given feedback to students doing their homework at home, before it is due.
Keeler said her best lesson is when a student is so excited about learning they exclaim, “I showed my mom!” That is why she puts everything into Google Classroom, so they can show their mom; students own something after they have taught it to someone else.
On top of that, teachers are no longer slaves to copy machines; they can adjust their teaching “now” when needed; and students give each other positive peer feedback to help each other get better.
Controversial to some, she said technology is shifting math methods of teaching from spending hours memorizing formulas and rote calculations to teachers asking better questions, students doing computer research, and analyzing sources, all with the goal of developing critical thinking.
Another session leader, Rob Flynn, assistant coach and technical integration specialist, shared how Delbarton Football transformed its work flow using Google Drive. Flynn showed how it better organizes and streamlines their game and practice plans and schedules, allowing eight coaches to communicate and work together at the same time, even when physically outside the building.
When asked about privacy concerns, he said Google says they are compliant with the American Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996; and that the documents created are the users' and not Google's. He said student privacy is at the forefront.
One of the last session leaders, High Point graduate Denis Sheeran, the K-12 Math Supervisor of the School District of the Chatams, taught Google Apps for Education for 6-12 Math Classroom. Sheeran, too, obviously loves math and teaching as he shared a free math website, gave examples of classroom instruction, including whether or not he really shoveled a ton of snow, and detailed how to use technology and movable images in teaching.