Yarmouth Goes Google

On March 18th the K12 Technology Team planned and carried out a professional development day at YHS for all faculty and staff. The process of moving from Google Docs and FirstClass Mail to all Google Apps is accelerating as we plan to be using all Google Apps as of April 25th (after April Vacation). Google Education provides numerous tutorials and transition aids to all districts moving to Google Education Domains. Using those materials, and others from colleagues and Google Certified Teachers, we put together a Conference style day that is posted at this site: http://ytechday.yarmouthschools.org.


The reaction has been very positive as to the differentiation that was offered for learners at different points in the transition. We offered 20+ sessions in strands that ranged from Novice to Experienced. We were fortunate to have colleagues from neighboring schools and districts as well as our own faculty offer sessions and twelve YHS students spent all or half of the day assisting presenters and offering help to faculty members. Photos uploaded during the day are posted online.


These were some comments on the Exit slips:

I was a little nervous about the Google inservice day at first, but you all did such a great job explaining everything. It was so nice to have time to work on what we learned that day when we had others there to answer any questions we may have. 

I really enjoyed working with others...we helped and supported each other in a safe environment.  

This was phenomenal. I really didn't realize how much these tools can do. Now I know more about what I don't know. This day helps me to continue with my own learning.   

A very professional day with all of the amenities that one would expect from a conference that we paid lots of money to attend. 

I thought the day was very well planned. I enjoyed learning new things and working with colleagues I don't normally get an opportunity to work with. 

I love the variety of sessions and all the extra help. Lots of energy around this transition! 

A wonderful learning experience!

I appreciated that I could leave a session anytime that I felt that it wasn't what I needed.  

I really enjoyed working with others...we helped and supported each other in a safe environment.  

After much apprehension, I am so excited about creating a website.

 I love the way you always include students - they are such an amazing resource and it's wonderful for them to see us learning, learning, learning.   

We will continue to offer informal and formal learning opportunities for faculty and staff as we move through the coming months. Over 30 Yarmouth faculty will participate in the “Teaching & Learning with Google Tools” course posted at https://sites.google.com/a/yarmouthschools.org/spring-2011-tech/.