As the school holiday begins across Saudi Arabia, teachers and administrators are already planning for the next academic year. One certainty is that technology is increasingly becoming a part of the classroom experience. With that in mind, it would be great if educators would take a look at www.educationambassador.com. This is new K-12 Education Initiative from Sony which focuses on helping schools easily integrate digital devices into the classroom, allowing teachers and administrators to better harness the power of tablet and mobile technologies for education. The program is US based at this time, but it offers good advice and many resources that are applicable anywhere. Part of the program is Sony's Education Ambassador (SEA) community, a free online destination that provides solutions for educators looking to implement technology in the classroom and fosters dialogue about how technology can enhance student learning. A group of distinguished teachers, IT managers and specialists across the USA have been tapped to be Sony's Education Ambassadors. They have been equipped with Sony devices and have been trained on how to best use these devices in the classroom. Using their expanding online influence, the SEAs will educate and provide resources to other educators using the online community and their social networks. Resources range from instructional videos to lesson plans. “This program is focused on providing teachers with the right education and resources so they can get the most out of technology in the classroom. All the resources are created for teachers, by teachers,” said Jamie Marsh, Senior Product Manager, Sony Tablet. “The online database draws upon the expertise and knowledge of a community to provide ideas and solutions suited to individual teachers' needs.” In addition to Sony, Google is also introducing many programs that focus on education. For instance, the company is currently running a free online course, “Mapping with Google.” From June 10 - June 24, participants are exploring the features of Google Maps, Google Earth or both. Students have the option to complete a project, applying the skills learned to earn a certificate. Visit http://g.co/mappingcourse to learn more and register. Google's education resources for teachers, organizations and students are accessible through www.google.com/edu/index.html. Within the special section for teachers, there are apps, lesson plans and classroom videos. Professional development courses are on offer, too. Did you know that there are now Google Certified Teachers and Trainers? The Google Teacher Academy (GTA) is a professional development experience designed to help educators from around the globe get the most from innovative technologies. Each Academy is an intensive, two-day event during which participants get hands-on experience with Google's products and other technologies, learn about innovative instructional strategies and receive resources to share with colleagues.Approximately 50 innovative educators from around the world are selected to attend each GTA based on the merits of their applications. While the GTA is an in person experience available to only a few educators, any teacher can become a Google Apps Certified Trainer. Just make a plan and complete the six modules and exams offered through http://edutraining.googleapps.com. This leads to a Qualified Individual certificate. Then, take the next steps to become a Certified Trainer. The entire process is free and can be done in cooperation with any school, anywhere.
