The AppsEvents Training Team (on behalf of LGfL) are currently providing online webinar opportunities for staff at LGfL schools based on Google for Education tools. They cover a wide range of Google for Education tools and are aimed at new users. These webinars are included in your Let’s Get Digital Subscription, so are provided at no additional cost.
The AppsEvents Training Team suggest that the best way to learn and appreciate how the tools can be used for distance learning opportunities during COVID-19 school closures is to attend, where possible, all the webinars as this will give you an overview of how the tools can be used in combination. However, they appreciate this may not be possible so you can access whichever ones you feel will be of most use in isolation too.
The tools you may begin to experiment with during closure all have a place in teaching and learning when schools reopen and are used by many teachers every day in and out of the classroom.
To attend one (or several) of the webinars just sign up here.
Currently on offer (with more being added) are the following webinars:
Distance Learning - Using Hangouts Meet
Get familiar with G Suite’s video conferencing tool, Google Meet. There have been loads of updates in the last few weeks based on teacher feedback making this better and better for distance learning. Whether staff meetings, direct teaching or for recording lessons, find out how this can support your distance learning strategy. You will leave with an understanding of how you can create meeting links directly, from Google calendar or soon from Google Classroom!
Distance Learning - Intro to Google Classroom
Google Classroom is the mission control for teachers. With 40 million users before the current COVID-19 situation started, the use has grown as a place to manage learning and resources during distance learning. Learn as a student in the Classroom before creating your own. You will leave with an understanding of how to create a class and add resources and assignments.
Distance Learning - Google Forms for Check-ins and Quizzes
Need a way to gauge learners’ mood or a quick self-marking quiz for checking understanding? Google Forms are a survey and quiz tool you can share easily via a link to engage learners, poll guardians or get feedback from colleagues. Learn how to create a simple mood check-in, a self-marking quiz and explore how you can use Google forms for distance learning.
Distance Learning - Google Sites
Parents and carers are asking for a simple way to find information about home schooling from their child’s school. A Google Site is a great and easy way for teachers to create a single place for children and parents/carers to go to find information, learning materials and more. Easy to edit, update and maintain, schools find a Google Site is invaluable as a learning portal, parent portal or staff portal. Leave with the ability to create, edit and share a website in minutes.
Distance Learning - G Suite for Primary Schools
These webinars are focussed on those new to GSuite and tools. For teachers using digital tools and looking to expand their use in a primary setting, this webinar has loads of ideas, strategies and tools to get even more learning from your children, even if they are not in your classroom. Learn from Rachel Coathup, an experienced primary teacher to explore Seesaw, Jamboard, Flipgrid, EdPuzzle, Kahoot and many other tools ideal for primary teachers.
What Are You Waiting For?
I would suggest experimenting with the tools with some colleagues to get some practise in, that way you can try and fail, and then try again! What better time will there be than this, when people are understanding that this is new to many and will be understanding whilst teachers get to grips with different tools to continue to teach their pupils?
Training Portals
LGfL is committed to helping teachers to harness technology and welcome feedback on what other support we can offer you during these unprecedented times and beyond.
In the meantime, you could also visit these training portals where they host webinars and in some cases give you the opportunity to gain accreditation:
Google: https://teachercenter.withgoogle.com/ and they also have https://teachfromhome.google/intl/en/ (Teach from Home - a temporary hub of information and tools to help teachers during the Coronavirus crisis).
Microsoft: A focussed learning environment isn't easy to achieve away from the physical classroom. Microsoft is offering support with multimedia online experiences that keep educators, students, and families connected. Visit https://education.microsoft.com/en-us
Adobe: get instant access to free courses, workshops, and teaching resources — and connect with the creative education community https://edex.adobe.com. In addition, Domic Traynor (@dom_traynor) is the Education Evangelist for Adobe, he supports many LGfL schools to get started with using their Adobe Creative Cloud licences and has started a YouTube channel where he will be uploading Spark tutorial videos in the upcoming weeks.
Apple Education Learning Series: This series is presented by the Apple Education Leadership and Learning teams. Each video is designed to help educators use Apple products and their built-in features to enable remote learning for all students.
As a follow-up to the series, educators can also participate in virtual conferences led by Apple Professional Learning Specialists. Visit the virtual conferences schedule to find events in your time zone. Each virtual conference will run for approximately 30 minutes and will provide an opportunity for educators to engage in dialogue with Apple's teams about the content provided in each video. (Virtual conferences are available in English only)
To help ease the burden, if you are on Twitter or Facebook do look at #RemoteLearning #Edtech #HomeLearningUK people are being encouraged to share resources and make learning accessible by adopting these hashtags.
Remember, if you need any support with our learning content you can contact the Inspire Team by emailing contentsupport@lgfl.net or contact the LGfL Switchboard: 020 82 555 555.
Also visit coronavirus.lgfl.net which we are continually updated with advice and support during the partial school closures.
Finally, please do let us know what further support you would like to see LGfL offer during the school closures by posting them on LGfL’s Twitter or Facebook pages.