A couple of weeks ago while on Twitter, I heard that there is an upcoming Google Teacher Academy in New York this October. I first heard about the Google Teacher Academy (GTA) a couple of years ago, and it sounded like such an amazing opportunity. However, I either thought it was too far away, or I did not have the guts to apply. However, I keep hearing more and more about it from people who have attended.
Since my new focus this year is to not shy away from challenges (the Dare Mighty Things mantra), I decided I had to put all my concerns and fears aside and just try for this opportunity. The application process was pretty straightforward. There were several questions about how I use technology as well as why I applied, a favorite teaching moment, and a challenge I have overcome. The final portion of the application was to create a one minute video on one of these topics: “Motivation and Learning”, “Classroom Innovation”, or “Positive Change in My Community.”
I decided to address the Motivation and Learning topic. I took it to mean how do you inspire motivation and learning in your classroom. As you’ve probably figured out, I’m very much into hands on, problem based learning. This is what I focused on in my video. I am pretty happy with how my video turned out. (You can see it below.)
However, as I perused YouTube and Twitter to see what others had done for their video, I noticed a very decided trend that I had not followed. Most others were highlighting Google products in their videos. I did not do that at all. I definitely use technology (including Google products) in my classroom, but they are not the focus of my class. They are tools along the way to help my students learn to love science.
I don’t know if the avenue I took will help or hurt my application. I do know that I have already accomplished something great by actually trying. I am definitely making strides towards meeting big challenges head on and not shying away. And even if I don’t make it to GTANY, I know I’m making progress.
