Google for Education
Local teacher attends tech training academy in Atlanta
For veteran high school teacher and e-learning consultant Joe Sisco, the “Cloud is the limit.”
Sisco, who has spent the better part of three decades with the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board, is even more passionate about teaching than ever before—thanks in large part to multi-national technology giant Google.
Recently, he returned from a trip to Atlanta, where he attended the highly touted technology training program at the Google Teacher Academy.
The GTA is a free professional development experience designed to help primary and secondary educators from around the globe get the most from innovative technologies.
Each GTA is an intensive, two-day event during which participants get hands-on experience with Google tools, learn about innovative instructional strategies, receive resources to share with colleagues, and immerse themselves in a supportive community of educators making impact.
Sisco believes the Internet and the educational tools that Google has provided to schools can be a great way to teach students and keep them engaged. The same can be said for teachers. “This is empowering and positive tool that levels the playing field for all students regardless of social status,” Sisco explains. “It allows us to provide what I call equitable entry points for every kid . . . all you need is access to a computer and a password and the skies the limit.” About 50 innovative educators from around the world are selected to attend each GTA based on the merits of their online application. Applicants include classroom teachers, curriculum specialists, technology advocates, librarians, administrators, and other education professionals who actively serve the world’s primary and secondary teachers and students.
“People may think Google has an ulterior motive here. I don’t think that’s the case at all,” he says. “I believe Steve Jobs had other goals beside making money.
“His motivation was to change the way the world works, especially when it comes to education.”
Plans are in the works to hold separate teacher and student summits this summer, so those who wish to attend and learn can do so. ( Please visit WECDSB.on.ca for more information)
The technology has made Sisco a better educator and his approach to teaching has shifted.
“Today I work with K-12 teachers in classrooms all over the city,” he says. “I don’t take this job for granted . . . now it’s my opportunity to give back to both the board and the community . . . it all comes down to the kids.”
He finds that his philosophy has changed from being a teacher to being a facilitator and mentor to both students and his peers by collaboration through the use of mytools2go, the WECDSB’s version of Google Apps for Education.
He hopes to help make Windsor-Essex County a shining example of what can be accomplished using the Internet and Google tools.
“I think our kids are in good hands,” he said. “Here is a great tool that will empower you to do great things and I’m so happy to be a part of that ongoing and future success.”