Academy Reflections

I realized today that I returned home one week ago from the NYC Google Innovator Academy. I've never experienced a professional development like it and honestly may never again.

What sets it apart?

1. Front loading
Right away we were, purposely, given ways to connect -- Google Hangout, Google Photos, Welcome Guide (to share arrival and departure information), Google Group, and more.
Additionally, we had assignments to prepare us for the work ahead at the Academy.


2. Partnerships
We were also front loaded with partnerships. We were matched with an affinity buddy -- one person with a similar project/idea. And most importantly, we were placed on a team with a coach. In addition, we will be assigned a mentor.

3. Stretching the Comfort Zone
Through Sparks and Sprints! Sparks are short bursts of inspiration from Googlers or Coaches. Sprints are fast workshops to move through the product cycle. Often both would stretch us in some way!


4. Fail Bell
Risk taking and celebrating failure. Each table/team had a fail bell on it. If anyone in the room rang it, the person was celebrated for their failure by clapping/cheering. Fail forward!

5. Follow up
Often when you leave a conference or professional development day, there isn't much follow up. However, upon our return home, we were met with assignments, reflections, mentor match ups, and strong connections with team and others. Even a social committee developed! I'm so thankful for the continuation! I need it and love it.
*This is a one year experience. 

Truly everything was on purpose and provided the excellence. I'm beyond honored to be among these 42 people that are #NYC19. It is the perfect group for me and has left a lasting change.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Ups and Downs

Image
Well on the "down" side of things, I did not get selected for the Google Teacher's Academy. Fifty teachers were chosen from all over....it would have been quite something to have been one of them. I guess there is always next time! On the "up" side, I submitted to be a presenter for SimpleK12.com and was chosen! I will be presenting my very first webinar on Wednesday July 20th at 10:00 a.m. entitled "Wixify Your WebQuest". I am equally excited and terrified to do this presentation. Fortunately it is only a 30 minutes presentation, for this first adventure. If it goes well, this might open the door for more opportunities. I have attached a screen shot of the advertisement for it below: I really like this website and the Teacher Learning Community that you can (for a price) become a member of. Even without membership there are opportunities for free webinars (such as the ones on the 20th) and other free resources. So there it is the ups and downs of
Read more

EvaluatingTechnology

Image
I have had on my mind that I would like to find out what there is for evaluating technology. Websites I know that there are good evaluations tools for websites. One of my favorites to use with my college students is the C.R.A.P. test. The acronym is fun and gets there attention. It is also fun to see how they turn it in to me! I have had some say "here is your crap" :)....that is the one and only time that I allow this type of talk :) But it also covers the basics of evaluating websites: Currency, Reliability, Authority, Purpose/Point of View. One example is linked here . Kathy Schrock has her "Guide to Everything"  and included in some of her resources you can find lots of different evaluation tools. See here . iPad Apps I have also begun to see some efforts for evaluating iPad Apps. Here is a great time that enlists the help of other educators in reviewing apps. Also again our friend Kathy has a great resource that even organizes them with Blooms Taxonomy.
Read more

idi0t?

Image
This is a story about a girl and a shirt.... Once upon a time (July 2012), a young princess (technology princess?) went outside the comforts of her castle (home) and set out for an adventure in a far way land (California). During this adventure (ISTE Conference), in the far way land, she met many merchants (vendors) giving samples of their wares (free stuff). Not accustomed to such giving, she accepted excitedly. She gathered blouses (t-shirts), musical instruments (noisy squeaker things), quills (pencils/pens) and even a rare animal (frog toy). Oh, how she relished her new found treasures (piled them on her suitcase). Then at the end of a very long day of lessons (conference sessions), a few of her new acquaintances ask  for the gift of her presence at (everyone decided to go to) the beach. Oh, how the princess had longed for seeing this beach! For you see, there are not any beaches near the castle (Kansas). A quick carriage ride (8 block walk or more) back to the guest ac
Read more