Two Days of Googlicious Awesomeness

Earlier this week I got to spend two days at the Alberta Google Summit in Edmonton learning about a whole bunch of awesome Googlicious ideas. I left the Summit feeling overloaded invigorated, inspired, and energized to return to my classroom with a goodie basket of Googly ideas.

Technology's changing the way we look at things and the way we live, so before I get to the Google goods, check out this amazing video that was shared at the Summit.

I'm excited to continue my Google journey with the tips and tricks I learned at the Summit. Find my favourite ideas and things I want to try below.

• Socrative - If you aren't signed up, it's a MUST! It's a great way to receive instant feedback from your students with Quick Questions, Quick Quizzes, Exit Tickets, and a Space Race. You are able to save the results to your Google Drive. Socrative can be accessed on any device.
• Move It extension - Reminds you and your students to take a movement break. You can set the time intervals for the reminder.
• GeoGuessr - You are presented with a photo from somewhere in the world and you have to guess where the location of the photo is by clicking on a world map. You are able to restrict which areas of the world you explore.
• WeVideo - A video creation and editing tool. I plan on having my students take a picture of a page from their "Just Right" book and record themselves reading it, save it to their Google Drive, and share it with me. Great for assessment and to share with parents!
• Mystery Hangouts or Mystery Skype - A global guessing game where the goal is to guess where the class they are chatting with is located by asking questions. I can't wait to try this!
• Videonot.es - Use to take notes in the same screen as you are playing a YouTube video. Genius!!
• EduCanon - Allows teachers to insert questions for their students to answer directly into YouTube videos. There is also a library of videos you can explore.

There were three big ideas that have stuck with me:

1. Trying new things, like technology, can seem overwhelming, just like the size of an elephant. It's impossible to chew an elephant in one bite, just like it is to master technology in one bite. Take small manageable bites to move yourself forward and focus on what's important to you, rather than thinking about what everyone else thinks. ~Lisa Galuga and James Sanders
2. It's okay to fail. We are all going to fail, but don't let your set backs hold you back. If you want to read some teacher fails to make yourself feel better, check out these ones. ~James Sanders
3. Having students create digital artifacts by publishing their work online is essential to prepare them for their future and make their learning more meaningful. ~James Sanders

For all of you that weren't able to attend the Google Summit, you can still get Googlified by checking out the Collaborative Summit Notes and the Presenter Resources.