Google and Digital Promise Team Up to Make Teachers More Tech-Savvy than Ever

Published on: 09 June 2018 Last Updated on: 24 July 2024

Collaborating with innovators at Digital Promise, some brilliant minds at Google got together with some more at EdTechTeam to come up with a modern-day training program for teachers with a focus on making superb use of technology in the classroom teaching setting. This comes as much welcome news at a time when the government is launching into a cost-cutting mode for educational sectors in the USA, leaving many public schools rushing to cover their expenses for education in all fronts. The new teacher-training program announced by Google in association with Digital Promise and EdTechTeam will focus on imparting technological education for the teachers, enabling them to use that knowledge in classroom settings and to share that knowledge with educators.

The Dynamic Learning Project at a glance :

The Dynamic Learning Project (DLP) is a pilot of the teacher-training project brought to fruition by Google, Digital Promise, and EdTechTeam. The training program will focus on equipping the teachers with the necessary knowledge and resources to use technology in day-to-day classroom teaching experiences. Through the use of the technological resources at their disposal, the educators will be able to open newer vistas of knowledge for the students, thus bridging the gap between learning and technology successfully in the digital age.

50 middle schools from five states in the USA have been selected for the pilot of DLP. The states in the country that will be the first to receive the results of this unique and beneficial training program are Texas, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, California, and Alabama. If the reports from Google and EdTechTeam are to be believed, the coaches at the teacher-training program will be looking to provide customized learning solutions for teachers so that they can make the best use of technology that is available within the infrastructural framework of the schools. The DLP not only focuses on helping teachers to learn to use the Google resources, but other hardware or software platforms that are available and they are comfortable using.

Integrating learning with the assignment help of the latest technological advancements, the teachers from the 50 middle schools have started to undergo training under the able guidance of experts from EdTechTeam and Google. The disparity between the uses of technology in a traditional classroom setting has been more pronounced in the last few years despite most of the schools equipping themselves with smart learning software and hardware platforms in the country. As Liz Anderson from Google for Education states in her blog post for The Keyword, “This second-level digital divide is fueled by major differences in how effectively that technology is being used for teaching and learning.” DLP aims to overcome precisely that. By enabling the teachers to become tech-savvy within the classroom setting, the program imparts in them the invaluable knowledge of putting technology to good use so they can share that with their fellow teaching community.

What this means for educators and classroom teaching

“A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instil a love for learning.”

Brad Henry (American politician and lawyer)

Sometimes alluded to as the noblest profession on earth, teaching is the profession that creates all other professions. Whether we are diplomats, astronauts, dancers, chefs, or motivational speakers, all of us started from school someday, and the teachers were there for us to teach us the basics of all that we have learned so far. The significant role of the educators in our lives is thus undeniable, and the new teacher-training program launched by Google acknowledges just that. In the sphere of education, the new technical training program for teachers in the middle schools chosen for the pilot of DLP will be able to bring about a refreshing change in the way teaching was envisioned so far.

The pilot started off with Google sanctioning a $6.5 million grant to Digital Promise for conducting the research and implementing the professional skill development program for the teachers. EdTechTeam aided in creating a viable model for the training program that takes into account the resources within the school framework and the individual needs of the teachers undergoing the training program. The program has been in place since last fall, and the teachers from the schools that have selected from the programs are to be monitored and evaluated on the basis of their acceptance and performance within the existing framework. Based on the reports prepared from the pilot, Google aims to launch this program all over the country, creating a network within the teaching community for sharing knowledge on advanced technologies.

The teacher-training philosophy of the program has three fundamental benefits for the teaching community in a whole and is expected to form the foundation stone for many such innovative projects and programs in the coming years with more innovators and educators coming forward to make learning through technologies a fun and achievable reality. The primary focus of the pilot DLP thus aims at empowering teachers in the following ways.

Localization and empowerment within the teaching community is the first goal of this program. Through the course of the training program, teachers will be able to have in-depth knowledge on the learning resources that they have at their disposal to make classroom learning more innovative and will be able to use the resources for the completion of complex tasks as well.
- Secondly, through the custom-made design of the program, the teachers will be able to infuse their pedagogy within the technological framework and not the other way round. This way, the challenges in the classroom will be overcome more quickly while supported by modern education technology.
Lastly, this program opens up a world of possibilities for further research within the educational sphere. Based on the success stories of this program, Google and its partners will be able to focus on the development of a teacher-training program in a much larger scale for the future that includes the entire country in the coming years.

Enabling the teachers to focus on equipping themselves with the resources of the modern age, this program brings the opportunity towards further networking and knowledge-sharing possibilities among the teaching community. DLP is thus a program of the future that aims to bridge the gap between traditional pedagogy and advancements in technology for education.

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The Essential Reasons Why Modular Classrooms May be Your Best Option

If your school is growing and you need extra space in the quickest possible time, there is a convenient and inexpensive solution which may be the ideal option for you. Modular classrooms have become the epitome of the modern classroom, and for good reason. As a school, you need to make sure that you properly invest your money, and modular classrooms allow you to make that much-needed investment which can be used and utilised in the shortest time and which can give you good value for your resources as well. Besides, modular classrooms are attractive and functionally-designed, and they can even serve to inspire students since they are a more innovative, novel, and interesting setting for learning. Here are the essential reasons why modular classrooms may be your best option. Save time and effort: The truth is that when you are running and operating a school, time can be of the essence. You cannot waste time on a traditional construction and building project, which can take more than a few months. If you go for a modular classroom, you can have a building in a shorter period of time – and with less expense as well. Since the construction of a modular structure is done off-site, your school grounds will not experience any disruptions, and the work on the structure can move forward without being affected by other factors such as the weather. And more than this – if you need to expand your modular structure in the future, you can easily do so. Modular building expansions are also quite easy to do, and you can add more structures as needed. You can even modify the space when necessary without having to go through an extensive or time-consuming (and costly) design and construction process. What else you can save with a modular classroom compared to a traditional building: If you opt for a traditional building for your classroom, you would have to think about many different factors. For one, you have to think about the design and planning permission for the building or structure. Another aspect you have to consider is the preparation of the site as well as the groundwork for the site, and this all takes time and a lot of effort and expense. Moreover, you have to think about the actual construction of the building (and be prepared for a lot of delays), and you have to think about the final inspection and whatever fixes may be necessary if the building does not fit your standards and expectations. But with modular classrooms, you have more than a few benefits. The design and planning permission is often already included, and the groundwork for the site and the site preparation is not such a time-consuming endeavour, either. The assembly takes place off-site in a controlled environment, which means a faster production and building time, and you don’t even have to worry about other details such as the construction of the frame of the building and the manufacturing of other components, since all of these will be done for you by the modular construction specialist. Read Also: Transform Portals Of Learning Ten Ways Technology Is Impacting Modern Education What You Should Know About Solar Energy For Schools: Benefits, Expectations, And More

Expert Opinion: Tips To Enhance Your Academic Performance

Are you worried about your grades? Or have you been unable to match your previous academic performance? The question ‘or’ is prevalent among students and has bothered every learner at least once in their lifetime. When you are experiencing a level of failure, it is essential to take responsibility for this performance and start thinking about a plan to change your situation. Whether you are failing your class, have experienced a drop in your grades, or have a tough time achieving set goals, it is never too late to change. Experts like Tutor Hunt are everywhere to help you out with your grades. Fortunately, there are strategies to help you improve your academic performance. At the same time, there are some things that you are currently doing that are adversely impacting your academics that you might benefit from not doing. Here are some Dos and Don’ts to help you improve your academic performance and grades shared by a professional academic writer from the top writing service DoMyEssay specializing in the write my research paper for me requests. Things To Do To Boost Academic Performance Here is how you can become a better student (from expert straight A students). 1. Have An Optimistic Attitude When you are getting low grades, it is natural to feel disappointed with yourself. If it happens over a more extended period, you might start feeling defeated or depressed and are more likely to give up. However, the first step towards enhancing your grades is turning off negative self-thoughts. A positive mindset goes a long way, and being optimistic about your current position gives you better prospects. First, acknowledge that your grades are sub-par and believe that you can do something to improve them. Taking mental control over your situation is the difference between remaining stuck and progressing. Usually, poor performance in school also indicates that your classwork and homework aren’t up to standard either. Before you get your footing, consider getting help from a reputable paper writing platform, PaperWritingService. 2. Identify Where You Are Struggling After transforming your mindset, the next step is to identify the areas where you are struggling. It is best to do this before drawing up your action plan. Find out where you are lagging and why. For instance, are you having poor results in just one class or across all your classes? Is there a particular topic within a subject that you are struggling with? Analyze your performance over the last few weeks or months to look for patterns. You might discover that your performance has been declining steadily or that you’ve had issues with a subject for an extended period. After clarifying this matter, the next step is to brainstorm why you’re underperforming. The factors could be external, such as family issues that affect your performance in school. They could also be internal, such as having difficulty understanding some topics. 3. Communicate With Your Teachers Your teacher is an excellent authority to look up to on academic matters. Consulting them about coming up with an action plan to boost your grades is a good idea. Ask them what they think you need to change or improve. They’ll always have some advice that you can use. Coupled with the other tips mentioned in this article, you will be on your way toward better grades. 4. Make The Learning Process Exciting Sometimes, you might underperform because you are simply unmotivated to learn. This is more common than you think, usually because of the pressure to do well and exams. Such things take the fun out of the learning process. But when the learning process is more exciting, it also becomes easier. If studying feels much like a chore, try coming up with ways to incorporate fun back into the process. One way to do this is by gamifying your studies. Related: Academic Writing for UK Students – Why It’s Important? Things To Avoid To Boost Academic Performance Want to improve academic performance? Quit these following habit today! 1. Too Much Caffeine Many people have a lower attention span nowadays, which affects their concentration. Cases of students drinking too much coffee or caffeine-induced beverages to stay up very late and improve their concentration are not uncommon. However, unless recommended by your physician, this is dangerous and unsustainable. There are other methods to improve your focus and have adequate study time. For the former, you can use exercises like solving crossword puzzles or creating your own using a crossword puzzle maker. For adequate study time, you just need to develop a plan for better time management. 2. Throwing In The Towel Remember that it is always possible to improve your grades, so failure shouldn’t be at the top of your mind. If you are really struggling, get help instead of giving up. It is okay to feel disappointed sometimes but focus on progress. 3. Stay Up The Entire Night Staying up all night to cram for the next test is exhausting and adverse. Your body needs sleep, and a lack of it affects your immunity. Adequate sleep also enhances your concentration and decision-making ability. Exhaustion does the exact opposite. Proper time management will remove the need to stay up all night. How To Build A Routine For Better Academic Performance Building a routine is one of the most effective ways to improve your academic performance. It gives you structure and helps you stay on top of your tasks. But how do you create a routine that works for you? Start by identifying your most productive times of the day. Are you more focused in the morning, afternoon, or at night? Once you know, schedule your most important tasks during these peak times. Identify Your Productive Hours Building a routine begins with knowing when you’re most productive. Are you a morning person, or do you work better at night? Once you figure that out, schedule your important tasks during these peak hours. This way, you’re working when your energy and focus are at their best. Create Consistent Study Sessions Consistency is your friend when building a routine. Try to study at the same time every day. This not only helps form a habit but also minimizes procrastination. Don’t forget to break up your study sessions. You can use techniques like Pomodoro (study for 25 minutes, rest for 5 minutes) to keep things fresh and productive. Prioritize Your Tasks You can’t do everything at once! List your assignments and rank them by urgency and importance. This helps avoid last-minute rushes and ensures that you stay on top of your workload. Consider using a planner or digital tools to track everything and keep organized. Balance Study With Breaks While your routine should focus on study, don’t forget to make time for rest. Include breaks, exercise, and leisure in your schedule. Having a balanced routine will keep you motivated and prevent burnout, which is just as important as staying focused on schoolwork. Stay Flexible Things don’t always go as planned. When unexpected events occur, adjust your routine instead of stressing. Flexibility is key to making your routine work for you. As long as you’re prioritizing your tasks and staying consistent, you’re on the right track! Additionals: Workload Survival Guide for Academics 10 Best Sports Scholarship Programs In The World What Is An Essay? Definition And What Are Its Parts Features To Look For When Investing In Teacher Desks For Your Institution

Transform Portals Of Learning

The formative years of children are the most important and schools have a very important role to play in education. Of great importance is the need to create the right atmosphere in classrooms, which will help to bring out the best in instructor-led sessions. Additionally, the school administration also needs to choose equipment and furniture that offer greater durability, with longer lifecycles. The furniture used in schools is different from the typical furniture used in offices and other businesses. The furniture in schools needs to be vibrant in addition to being of sizes that are more suitable for children. Choose from a specialist : Choosing the right school furniture will be a lot easier by opting for purchases from a dealer who specializes in such furniture. Rather than having to choose from a very extensive inventory of all kinds of furniture, it would make sense to choose from a specialized dealer and manufacturer of furniture meant for school students. This would enable administrators to make the right choice easily without having to undergo a lengthy process of trial and error. Different kinds of furniture used in schools : Furniture used in schools is of different types and categories, such as desks, seating requirements, storage furniture, and furniture for use in staff rooms. The desks need to be of interesting shapes, but the shapes should never compromise on the functional aspect or end up wasting space. As schools get overcrowded it may become necessary to offer furniture that optimizes the requirements of space. However, the desks should not leave the students cramped while using the furniture. Seating requirements are similarly unique in schools. With students spending a lengthy period of time seated, it is important to offer greater comfort. Students who are in their growing years will need to feel charged and active at all times. It is, therefore, necessary to opt for chairs that are ergo-dynamic and comfortable. The structures need to be strong because children will most likely play around and regardless of the kind of controls exercised, it may be difficult to ensure that children do not play around in classrooms. Hence, the chairs need to be sturdy and robust and last longer. The posture needs to be perfect so that children do not end up with pain in the limbs or discomfort after sitting for long sessions in classrooms. Personal lockers for storing personal effects : As schools try to eliminate the need for carrying heavy luggage around, lockers are in greater demand to help students stow their personal effects. The materials used in lockers need to adhere to safety standards, in addition to being safe and tamper-proof to safeguard the belongings. As students will consider the lockers to be a repository for personal effects, they would certainly love to have lockers that are appealing. It is therefore important to choose lockers that sport the right kind of materials and finish to make it more attractive and appealing. Lockers should ideally be free from sharp edges, apart from being resistant to moisture. Read Also : Best Uses Of Micro-Learning Based Training 5 Questions To Ask Yourself While Finalizing An E-Learning Platform For Quality Education

Google and Digital Promise Team Up to Make Teachers More Tech-Savvy than Ever

The Dynamic Learning Project at a glance :

What this means for educators and classroom teaching

Perfect day: How to manage everything you have planned?

8 Tips to Help You Pick Universities Abroad

Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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The Essential Reasons Why Modular Classrooms May be Your Best Option

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Google and Digital Promise Team Up to Make Teachers More Tech-Savvy than Ever

The Dynamic Learning Project at a glance :

What this means for educators and classroom teaching

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Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

Leave a Reply

Popular

Follow Us

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