Google's New Certified Educator Program

 

Now that you've had some time to start using various Google products in your classroom, are you interested in taking your knowledge about what you can do with Google Apps for Education (GAFE) to the next level? If so, you might want to consider becoming a Google Certified Educator.

In June 2015, Google rolled out a new set of teacher training modules designed to help train and certify teachers to become experts in the incorporation of Google products into their curriculum.  Prior to 2015, Google offered a series of educator courses and certifications.  However, many teachers felt that these old training modules and exams were too focused on learning micro-details about Google products (i.e. Docs, Slides, etc.) and not focused enough on learning how to actually integrate them into their classrooms. Google listened and voilà, a new certification system was developed.  A description of the changes to Google's educator certification programs can be found here.

In August, while at home recovering from minor surgery, I decided to work through the training modules for the Google Certified Educator Level 1.  This training is called Fundamentals Training.  It took me several days to work through the training, but after about a week, I decided to take my chances and order the certification exam.  It costs $10 and the test must be taken within a week of being ordered.  Google instructs users to allow 3 hours for the exam and requires that users have a webcam turned on for the entire exam.  They actually proctor the exam by snapping photos while you take your test.  They send you a dummy teacher Google account which you use to perform a long series of classroom-related tasks.  Within fifteen minutes of taking the exam, you have your results.  Fortunately, I passed on the first try.  If you do not pass, you can retake the exam after a 14 day waiting period. If you do not pass on the 2nd try, you must wait 60 days to retake the exam. If you do not pass on the 3rd try, you must wait a year before trying again.

I worked through the Google Certified Educator Level 2 Advanced Level Training modules over the course of 3 weeks.  I found these modules to be more advanced and more detailed than the Level 1 training.  Quite honestly, I struggled to retain a lot of the information because it was so detailed. I ordered ($25) and took the exam over this past weekend. It was a long and tiresome exam that took me the entire 3 hours.  Surprisingly, I passed on the first try, but I was much less confident about this exam than the Level 1 exam. There was so much information covered!

So, what does any of this mean?  For starters, it means that I have a general knowledge of nearly all of Google's main applications for education. It also means that I have a very advanced knowledge of some aspects of Google's applications for education.  I don't think I will ever truly know all things Google, but going through the certification process introduced me to Google features that I can't wait to use in my classroom.  I can proudly use my Google Certified Educator badges on any correspondence for 24 months.  It also allows me to apply to become a Google Certified Innovator in the future.  

I didn't do this training for any reason other than to be better prepared to use GAFE this year in my Spanish classes. That objective was achieved and then some!  Full information can be found by going to Google's Training Website and clicking on the certification page.  If you would like more information about the process, please do not hesitate to contact me at morrisseyh@masonohioschools.com.
.