Earlier this year, I decided to start a coding club at my school to provide an opportunity for students to explore computer science. I had looked into Google CS First and decided it was the easiest way to start a club, seeing as it offered free curriculum, training, and materials, and required no experience whatsoever. It was perfect! I also loved that it uses block-based coding via Scratch and offered a variety of themes. I decided to go with the Music & Sound theme and opened it up to grade 8 students only for the first session. I had about 20 students sign up and their overall feedback was great. Some of their projects were really impressive, especially given the time constraint of 45 minute blocks during lunch hour. While I would recommend at least an hour block, I was just so happy to see an interest among students who had never before coded a program. Not to mention having some girls show up to coding club!

As a TCDSB 21C innovator, I prepared a presentation to share my experience hosting a Google CS First Coding Club with my colleagues. Below you will find a copy of my slideshow in which I cover the following:

Last year, I took a leap and submitted a couple of proposals to present at the EdTechTeam Toronto Summit featuring Google for Education. I was over the moon to be able to share some tips and tricks at such an inspiring event, one that lead me to pursue certification as a Google Certified Educator: Level 2. I have met so many talented educators who have taught me so much, it was such a great feeling to be able to contribute to the learning community. I even attempted a Demo Slam, although I messed up the joke I had planned at the last minute. But it didn't matter. Everyone was so supportive. When the summit was over, I started counting down to the next one. Or two! 

This September, I hope to attend the Peel Summit on September 23-24, which is taking place in Brampton. I have already submitted a proposal for a beginners workshop centred around Google Drawings. Here is the description:

Tired of using the same old templates that lack a certain je ne sais quoi? In this session, you will learn tips and tricks that will glamify your Google Docs using the Google Drawings app. Learn how to manipulate layers, group objects, create a shadow effect, customize word art, design graphic organizers, and combine shapes to create your own clipart. Participants will also learn how to save clicks by utilizing keyboard shortcuts and how to convert a Google Drawing into a PDF file, JPEG, PNG or even a Scalable Vector Graphic which can be used with personal electronic cutting machines. Finally, participants will use their new-found skill set to edit master slides in a pre-made Google Slides template.

I have embedded my presentation below, which I plan to tweak with some additional tips and ideas. 

I will also be submitting a different proposal to present once again at the Toronto Summit, which will be taking place at Crescent School here in Toronto. Keep your fingers crossed for me, mkay? Thanks!


Click on the thumbnail above to access additional resources, tips and tutorials.

Not only can you mirror your iPhone or iPad to your Macbook, you can also record a screencast which is great if you want to create a video tutorial or record a demo.

For our Professional Activity Day yesterday, one of the items on our agenda was Google Apps for Education. The TCDSB became a GAFE board just last fall and so many teachers in my school haven't had the opportunity to explore the benefits of GAFE. As such, I volunteered to put together a little presentation to highlight a few of the key features that teachers and students may find useful as they delve into the world of Google Apps for Education. I struggled with this preso since there is so much I wanted to share but didn't want to overwhelm them with it all. Hence, this is merely a basic intro and by no means is it meant to be exhaustive nor comprehensive.