Professional Development Made Simple

Are you curious about how Google tools can enhance your classroom experience and engage your students in new ways? Google Workspace provides a range of multimedia and collaborative tools designed to facilitate interactive learning experiences, making it easier for educators to create dynamic classroom activities. Join Shelly Sanchez Terrell for this timesaving, to the point session as we explore ten practical tips and ideas for leveraging Google tools to boost student engagement, facilitate online discussions, and manage group activities. Whether you are new to Google Workspace or looking to expand your current use, this webinar will provide valuable insights and strategies to enhance teaching and learning. Get ready to unlock the full potential of Google tools and elevate your classroom! Shelly's expertise in educational technology will provide you with the resources you need to harness the power of Google Workspace to make learning more collaborative and enjoyable for students of all ages.  Key Takeaways Gain an overview of multimedia and collaborative tools available in Google Workspace and how they can be integrated into your teaching. Learn practical tips for using Google tools to increase student engagement and participation in your lessons. Discover strategies for utilizing Google tools to support online discussions and collaborative group activities. Explore creative ways to apply Google tools in your classroom to make learning more interactive and effective for students of all ages. Presented by Shelly Sanchez Terrell Shelly Sanchez Terrell is a distinguished digital trailblazer, renowned international speaker, and the accomplished author of three education technology books. Her expertise has touched the lives of educators in more than 20 countries, where she has served as a guest expert, consultant, and ambassador for the U.S. Embassy. Shelly's remarkable contributions to education were recognized with a prestigious Bammy Award, a testament to her role as a founding figure of #EdChat on Twitter. Her influential website, Teacher Reboot Camp, stands as a beacon in the educational landscape, acknowledged for its excellence as one of the premier blogs in the realms of ESL, EdTech, and eLearning.  Read more

Are you looking for ways to tailor your instruction to meet the diverse needs of all your students using technology? Google Chrome provides easy access to a wealth of online resources, but the true power lies in how these tools can support differentiated instruction. Join Dr. Jenna Linskens for this timesaving, to the point session as we discover how to use Chrome extensions to enhance on-task productivity, promote individualized learning, and align your instruction with key educational standards. Get ready to transform your approach to personalized learning and help all students thrive! Jenna's expertise in educational technology will provide you with the tools and resources you need to seamlessly integrate Google Chrome extensions into your lesson plans to promote student success. Key Takeaways Learn how to differentiate instruction effectively using Google Chrome extensions, ensuring that each student’s unique learning needs are met. Discover extensions that promote on-task productivity and help students stay focused while working online. Explore how to integrate Google Chrome extensions into your teaching practice while aligning with key educational standards. Gain practical tips and strategies for selecting and using the most effective Google Chrome extensions to support your instructional goals. Presented by Dr. Jenna Linskens Dr. Jenna Linskens is the Director of the Center for Instructional Design & Educational Technology at Ithaca College, New York, providing leadership in faculty development and coaching support in technology integration, instructional design, and e-learning. With over 25 years of experience in K-12 and higher education and educational technology, she is an industry leader and national presenter with multiple certifications in instructional technology and learning, including recognition as a Certified Education Technology Leader (CETL) through CoSN. Jenna was also named to EdTech Insider magazine’s 2020 Dean’s List of 30 Higher Ed IT Influencers.  Read more

Did you know Google offers a variety of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to enhance teaching and learning? AI is reshaping education by automating time-consuming tasks, allowing teachers to focus more on personalized instruction. Join Dr. Matt Bergman for this timesaving, to the point session as we explore Google’s well-known and hidden AI features that will transform the way you teach. You will discover experimental tools like AutoDraw and uncover the AI capabilities within Google Workspace. We will also dive into Gemini, exploring powerful prompts that can transform learning experiences. Get ready to unlock the full potential of Google’s AI tools and amplify your teaching! Matt’s expertise in Artificial Intelligence will equip you with the knowledge and resources you need to incorporate AI into your classroom, streamline teaching tasks, and maximize student learning and engagement.  Key Takeaways  Discover how AI tools like AutoDraw can enhance the visual appeal of your teaching materials with minimal effort.  Learn how to use Gemini to provide personalized learning experiences and real-time feedback to students.  Explore practical ways to integrate AI tools into your classroom to streamline teaching tasks and foster student engagement.  Understand the broader implications of AI in education and how it can transform both teaching and learning.  Presented by Dr. Matt Bergman Dr. Matt Bergman is an Assessment and Curriculum Coordinator for the School of Graduate and Professional Studies at Elizabethtown College. He also has experience as a teacher, digital learning coach, adjunct professor, instructional designer, consultant, and professional development leader. In 2010, Matt launched the award-winning blog and YouTube channel, Learn Lead Grow, sharing practical UDL and technology integration strategies. Matt's accomplishments include being named the 2015 PAECT Teacher of the Year, serving a faculty member at Harvard University's UDL Institute, and he was awarded the 2024 Elizabethtown College Design Studio Fellowship to study how to enhance student learning through UDL and artificial intelligence.  Read more

Are you looking for innovative ways to make learning more engaging and fun for your students? Google Workspace offers a suite of versatile tools and apps that can be harnessed to create dynamic and effective game-based learning activities, making lessons more interactive and memorable for students. Join Deb Norton for this timesaving, to the point session as we explore how to infuse your instruction with game-based learning strategies using Google Workspace. You will also discover how to create interactive lessons that will have your students eagerly participating and enjoying the learning process. Prepare to level up your Google Workspace skills and turn learning into a gaming adventure! Deb’s expertise in educational technology will provide you the resources you need to incorporate elements of competition, rewards, and interactive challenges into the educational process. Key Takeaways Understand the principles of game-based learning and how they can be applied to enhance student engagement and motivation. Learn how to effectively use Google Workspace tools and apps to design and implement game-based learning activities. Explore creative ideas for incorporating game elements into your lessons, such as quizzes, challenges, and team-based activities, to make learning more dynamic and enjoyable. Discover methods for using game-based learning to assess student progress and provide timely, constructive feedback in an engaging way. Presented by Deb Norton Deb Norton began her education journey as a fifth-grade teacher and has since transitioned into the role of a High School Technology Integration Specialist and Tech Coach. Her commitment to enhancing education through technology is exemplified by her attainment of a master's degree in educational technology. As a Google Certified Trainer, Deb is well-versed in harnessing the power of technology for learning. Deb's expertise does not stop there; she holds a pivotal role as the Lead EdTech Consultant at Innovative Educator Consulting, where her insights and guidance impact educators everywhere. Deb's influence extends well beyond the classroom, as she shares her knowledge and experiences as a presenter at education conferences across the nation.  Read more

Are you seeking innovative ways to enhance your school's professional development programs and educational resources? SimpleK12 is the leader in online professional development for K-12 educators, offering a vast catalog of content and customizable solutions designed to support the unique needs of schools and districts. Join Caitlyn Luberger for this timesaving, to the point session and explore the transformative potential of SimpleK12 and how partnering with us can benefit you, your school, or your district. Participants will also discover how SimpleK12 supports educators in achieving their professional learning goals, staying ahead of educational trends, and improving student outcomes. Prepare to elevate your school's professional development initiatives with SimpleK12 and enrich teaching and learning experiences. With SimpleK12, your educators will have access to the tools and resources they need to inspire and empower their students, driving success and excellence in education.  Key Takeaways Understand that SimpleK12 is the leader in online professional development for K-12 educators.   Visualize SimpleK12’s digital learning platform, its features, and the extensive catalog of content available.  Learn how to efficiently navigate SimpleK12’s resources to find the most relevant training for your professional growth.   Discover the customizable solutions SimpleK12 offers to schools and districts to support their unique professional development needs.   Presented by Caitlyn Luberger Caitlyn Luberger serves as the Director of Professional Development for SimpleK12, and she has extensive experience as a teacher, lead literacy instructional specialist and professional development facilitator. Caitlyn has worked closely with district leaders, guiding instructional coaches and administrators through district-wide overhauls of instructional practices. She has a deep understanding of the evolving needs and challenges of the current educational landscape. Caitlyn is uniquely qualified and committed to designing and implementing transformative professional development programs to empower teachers and school districts to excel in their mission, fostering impactful experiences in and out of the classroom. Read more

Are you looking for effective strategies to keep your digital resources organized and easily accessible? Effective digital organization is crucial for maximizing productivity and ensuring that valuable resources are not lost in the chaos of an unstructured Google Drive. Join Lauren Boucher for this timesaving, to the point session as we explore practical tips, tricks, and workflow strategies designed to help you whip your Google Drive into shape and keep it that way. From organizing files and folders to using advanced search techniques, you will learn how to create an efficient and manageable online workspace. Get ready to transform your Google Drive into a structured teaching and learning hub! Lauren's expertise in educational technology will provide you with the tools you need to take control of your digital resources and tame that Google Drive beast!  Key Takeaways:  Learn how to set up a systematic folder structure that makes it easy to store and retrieve documents. Discover advanced search techniques and filters to quickly locate files in Google Drive. Explore built-in tools and features that can help you maintain order, such as color-coding, starred files, and priority folders. Gain insights into creating a consistent workflow that ensures your Google Drive remains organized over time. Presented by Lauren Boucher Lauren Boucher is a Regional Consultant for Digital Teaching and Learning with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. She holds a master's degree in elementary education and boasts a rich teaching background, including third-grade instruction and gifted education at both elementary and middle school levels. Her expertise also extends to serving as an Instructional Technology Specialist for Pitt County Schools and she shares her insights through both in-person and online presentations at conferences across the nation.  Read more