How does this work?

Google Things is a discovery learning program created to introduce staff to the palette of Google tools available in the Apps for EDU suite.
Each "Thing" contains resources and suggested activities to help introduce specific Google tools, provide practical examples of use in a classroom setting and increase competencies.  Staff who are already fluid with Google tools are encouraged to blog about other tech tools they are learning or using.

1. This program is self-directed. Document your participation by setting up and maintaining a professional learning blog using Blogger.

2. Once your blog is created and published, send the link to Meg at momainsky@pausd.org in order to complete your registration. All blogs will be linked from the main Google Things  blog. You can remain anonymous, and we encourage silliness and creativity. You may assume any pen name, but in order to be eligible for the iPad drawing in May, you must reveal your true persona to the moderators (Meg, Roni, or Rajeev).

3. At your own pace, work through each module, reading, watching and exploring the resource materials and practice activities. Come to the technology professional development group meetings if you want extra help.

4. At the end of each module, complete the short activities and document your experiences by writing a new blog post.

Swag!

One Gunn staff member will win an iPad at the end of May!
By May 30th, you should have at least 7 posts in order to be eligible for the iPad prize. If you have completed all seven posts, and you have registered by sending Meg your blog URL, your name will be entered into the final drawing. If you have ALSO completed the bonus Thing, Google+, your name is entered twice into the iPad drawing.


Who can Join?
This learning program is open to all Gunn clerical, certificated and administrative staff. You can join at any time during the year, but we will progress through one Google Thing per month from September through May at the beginning technology PD sessions. Latecomers can get caught up or proceed at their own pace.

What if I am already an advanced user of Google Tools?
If you are comfortable using Google apps, and you have a class website you actively use, you may complete this program by blogging about any other tech tools you are learning. For instance, you might make one post about screencasting and another about Prezi or Scratch, or you could complete the whole program focussing on iPad apps. This program is self-directed and should be guided by your interests and skill levels. If you have 7 blog posts by May 30th, you will be entered into the drawing.

See Meg, Roni or Rajeev with questions.