Monday 24 April 2017
Forty Bailiwick teachers and educators are being sponsored to attend the forthcoming British Isles Google for Education Summit thanks to the support of Education Services' edtech partner Aspire2Be.
Google Apps for Education (recently rebranded as GSuite) is a powerful suite of tools that can enhance and support 21st century learning and the British Isles Summit is a fantastic learning event to support classroom teachers, school leaders and school IT staff from the Islands and further afield
'We are delighted to sponsor Guernsey educators for the upcoming Google Summit as it is a significant milestone in the whole island approach to 21st century change throughout education,' said Matt Smith, Education Programme Director, Aspire2Be.
'Over the past 18 months, we have worked with educators from every school to help them gain and improve their digital skills which will, in turn, impact pedagogy and classroom workflow,' said Mr Smith.
'This project has highlighted how a streamlined and targeted strategy to digital skills development can facilitate widespread change to teaching and learning.
'As a company, one of our aims is to help build digital networks within schools and wider education. In order to create a sustainable model of support, technology is pivotal and the appetite from Guernsey educators for this form of continuing professional development is testament to the strong leadership and direction provided by Education Services. They have correctly identified that opportunities for digital skills development is crucial to providing transformational change in their education system. Aspire2Be are hugely proud to have been instrumental in such an innovative and coherent approach to educational change.'
The Summit is a two-day event featuring keynote speakers and presenters flying in from around the world as well as leading local Google educators teaching about the latest technologies to enhance collaboration in the classroom and beyond. Aspire2Be is covering the full registration cost for all 40 local teachers.
In addition to the Summit, the Digital Greenhouse will be hosting Google Educator Certification Bootcamps on Friday 19th May to help prepare those attending to become Google Certified Trainers and Innovators.
Local teachers, teaching assistants, senior leaders and headteachers are looking forward to the opportunity to be part of the first ever British Isles Google Summit.
'I strongly believe in the use of technology to assist us in our work, in our lives, and in helping the children learn. As well as helping the children learn more successfully, using technology effectively is key to young pupil operating in society both now and moving forward,' said one teacher as part of their application.
'We are extremely delighted to be a key partner for the upcoming Summit,' said Jeremy Stephens, Business & Commercial Director for Aspire2Be.
'It is so exciting and refreshing to see Education and Economic Development working as one to drive change by embracing the Digital Skills agenda linking schools, business and the wider community in a seamless way. Truly transformational!'
