The second annual DigitalBug Washington Summit featuring Google Apps for Education was hosted August 10 by ESD 112 for local and statewide teachers to learn how to use Google’s tools and resources to enhance their classrooms.

The event was organized by ESD 112’s Kristina Wambold and Katherine Livick who are two of just five Google for Education Certified Trainers in the State of Washington. In fact, they are the only Google for Education Certified Trainers employed by an ESD, making ESD 112 unique in its ability to offer this training opportunity for educators. Summit attendees gleaned tips and tricks for using Google Drive, Google Maps, and Google Classroom, among others.

“This was my second time attending and presenting at the summit,” said Andrew Schlauch, Hathaway 5th grade teacher.  “DigitalBug is putting together some pretty amazing tech seminars that are very much worth attending.” Schlauch led a discussion and shared examples about how to bring student self-assessment into the classroom using technology and Google Apps.

During a session taught by Brandi Snow, Schlauch learned how to create escape lock boxes to tie into lessons.  “We, as a group, were given the opportunity to open one of these escape boxes by physically walking around and solving clues in order to figure out how to unlock the locks on the box. It was incredibly inspiring,” he said. “I have been motivated to use a few Google Forms add-ons within my own class this fall. I felt these were some of the best tech sessions I have gone to.”

“The state has embraced Google Apps for Education and districts are craving training in one capacity or another,” said Wambold. According to Wambold, 83% of ESD 112 region districts are using Google Apps for Education compared with 72% statewide.  Last year’s inaugural event was so popular that ESD organizers will host four across the state of Washington.

Among the event’s presenters are teachers from the ESD 112 region who have obtained Google Education Certification.  These session leaders include representatives from Washougal, Battle Ground, Camas, La Center and Vancouver school districts.

“Our presenters are educators who are teachers in the classroom, using the technology and sharing their knowledge with peers,” said Wambold. “That’s the power of the summit.”

Seven technology vendors participated in the summit, sharing tech tools for classrooms and donating door prizes for attendees. Visit ESD website for more information on Digital Bug and ESD 112 Google services, http://web3.esd112.org/google