Course Description

The Google Certified Educator Level 1 course is designed to enhance teaching and learning experiences by providing participants with the knowledge and skills to utilize Google Workspace applications in classrooms effectively. The course fosters professional growth and leadership, increases efficiency, and encourages student creativity. Participants will validate their existing usage of Google Workspace applications, master/refine the usage of lesser-known Google Workspace applications, and increase their chances of passing the Level 1 Certification Exam.

Throughout the course, participants will have access to a Google Workspace for Education account and will use various technology tools in both live online and synchronous learning environments. The course includes three mandatory Virtual Campus sessions and weekly checkpoint assignments to ensure participants stay on track. Additionally, the instructor will be available for office hours via Google Meets to provide advice and coaching. This course is suitable for educators looking to enhance their teaching and learning practices without emphasis on technology career opportunities

Cost

$250.00. Those who wish to become a Google Certified Educator will need to take the Level 1 exam for $10.00.

Course Topics

Intro to Google Workspace applications, Getting Ready to Use Technology in the Classroom, Expand your Access to Help and Learning, Paperless Classroom, Save Time Communicating, Organizing Activities Online, Bringing Meetings & Student Work Online, Measuring Student Growth, Teaching Students Online Skills, Creating Interactive Lessons, Using Video, and Digital Citizenship 

Davis S. Chan   |    dchan@nl.edu  

David S. Chan is the Director of Instructional Technology at Evanston Township High School (ETHS) and project lead of the District's 1:1 Digital Learning Initiative.

He is a Google for Education Certified Innovator (since 2009) and Google for Education Certified Trainer (since 2010). David presents regularly at educational technology conferences and is a past president of the Northern Illinois Computer Educators (NICE), and current Co-Chair of the Illinois Computer Educators (ICE) conference committee. He serves on the IETC Committee, the ISTE 2018 Program Team, and is a moderator of the Google Educators Group (GEG) Chicagoland.

David earned a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from Northwestern University, a Masters of Arts in Teaching from National Louis University, and a General Administrative Endorsement from DePaul University. He previously taught math and science at Roycemore School for five years, followed by Chemistry at ETHS for another five years. He continues to teach Chemistry online through Northwestern University’s Gifted Learning Links program. 

What does it mean to be a Level 1 Google Certified Educator?
The Level 1 Google Certified Educator status indicates that an educator can successfully implement Google Workspace applications for Education into your teaching practice to enhance teaching and learning. This certification is for educators with a basic understanding of the key features of Google Workspace applications as well as an understanding of how to meaningfully use technology in the classroom. Once you pass the exam, you are certified and will receive a badge that you can display on your email signature, resume, etc.

Who is eligible to enroll in the Level 1 Google Certified Educator at NLU?
The Level 1 Google Certified Educator is open to NLU students, who are currently enrolled in the National College of Education program of the Undergraduate and Graduate level.

If I don’t want to sit for the Google Certified Educator exam can I still enroll in the course? Or what if I take the exam and don’t pass?
Yes! This course will be included on your transcript (proof!) and the skills you gain from this experience will be incredibly helpful to you in your practice (not to mention dazzle your future employer and colleagues) regardless of taking (or passing) the exam. 

Can’t I get training free from Google?
Yes, but the test is challenging and you have to be super disciplined to complete the self-paced online training.  If you are like many others who benefit from direct instruction, practice, and community support, then you’ll want to enroll in this special PD course! 

What if I don’t pass? Can I take the exam again?
Many educators do not pass the Level 1 exam the first time. It’s okay. The exams are challenging. You may take each exam up to three times. You will need to purchase the exam each time. 

How is the exam scored? Will I receive feedback?
The exam is pass/fail. Your score is shown immediately after you submit your exam.

Does my certification expire?
Yes, the Level 1 certification expires after 36 months.

How do I re-certify?
Complete and submit the Level 1 certification exam

*This course does not qualify for Financial Aid coverage.