Wow. I am still walking around a bit dazed, in awe of my experience at Google Teacher Academy in Chicago two days ago. I had the opportunity to learn with over 50 other educators from 17 states about Google’s suite of tools and how they can be used in education. It was so exciting to be in a room with like-minded individuals who were as passionate about technology and 21st century learning as I am.
One of my Chicago cohort colleagues, Bill Bass, started a Google site for all of us who were attending – this was a really nice way to get to know the other people who would be attending and helped me immensely to put a name with a face.
The Google office did not disappoint – bright colors, bean bag chairs, and yes, yummy snacks available for the taking. But what I kept thinking about while I was there…
What would our schools be like if we have bean bag chairs that invited collaboration?
What if our schools had the 80-20 Google philosophy for students and teachers? (you are required to spend 80% of your time at work for the job you were hired for but, you are also allowed to spend 20% of your time working for the good of Google in your personal interest area. The Google Teacher’s Academy is a result of Cristin Frodella 20% at Google)
Their company philosophy really made me stop and think.
I have attended many professional development workshops and conferences. I often leave these events with new ideas and feeling energized about my job. However, the Google Teacher Academy is now at the top of my list in terms of the professional development opportunities I have been able to be involved with. The day was filled non-stop with learning – never once did I feel tired or uninterested. I think the most powerful part of my day was hearing from other educators about the things they are doing – with Google products and in general ways to engage their students. The biggest take away for me is that I have broadened my personal learning network and look forward to continuing conversations and possible collaborations.
Thank you Google and all the others that attended – what a powerful experience this was for me. I am excited to be a Google Certified Teacher. 
5 responses so far ↓
1
Bill Bass
// Sep 26, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Katie,
Stephanie and I had a similar conversation on the plane ride home as you did in thinking about the Google environment. Just thinking about the whole idea of having the work environment purposely created to foster creativity and collaboration is a unique approach in a corporate environment, but should it be that unique in a school?
This afternoon I approached my coordinator about the possibility of making one of our walls a white board. It was well received and I think we may be moving forward with that in our office. I wonder what he’ll say when I tell him I want some bean bags.
It was great to meet and enjoy the day with you.
Bill
2
Molly Schroeder
// Sep 26, 2008 at 8:40 pm
Thanks for sharing your ideas and thoughts from your GTA. It is great to know we have more great thinkers in our learning network!
GTA Mt View CA 2008
3
Dorothy
// Sep 27, 2008 at 3:59 am
Glad you enjoyed the day and got so much out of it. I also come away from the June 08 GTA with head brimming with ideas and experiences. I have continued reflecting on it over the last 3 months and ended up blogging several times about ideas that originated there.
All the best
Dorothy
Auckland, NZ
4
Karen
// Sep 27, 2008 at 6:08 am
I wonder what he’ll say when you ask for the building blocks and the ping pong table.
I see a book now, “If you give an educator a white board”. Like the children’s book “If you give a mouse a cookie” I see a long list of possibilities.
5
Ann
// Sep 27, 2008 at 6:37 am
Katie,
I don’t believe we met through the course of the day. It’s never too late to connect though! I too thought our educational systems could be enhanced through subtle changes in our institutional environments. Imagine our hallways in bright, primary colors. I immediately shared the 20/80 idea to my boss and colleagues. Of course, we’re all doing something right now, but it looks more like 20/100.
Keep smilin’ . We’ve been inspired!
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