Kevin Morrow's Final Reflection GTACO 2009

Contact Information
Kevin Morrow
O'Neill Elementary School
P.O Box 230
O'Neill NE 68763
School Phone: 402-336-1400
Cell: 402-336-2062
email:krmmorrow@gmail.com
kmorrow@esu8.org
i-chat nivek2353@aim.com
Twitter @kmorrow

Summary Professional Development activities

Since GTACO 2009 I have presented at two statewide events with still one more to come this April. I have also led small group informal training sessions for the teachers in my school. During the school year I have promoted Blogger to all of my students and many of them have posted to my blog over the course of the last two years, and even started blogs of their own. Counting students and adults at all of these events I have reached more than 500 people. The 300 plus students have been exposed to and interacted with Google tools repeatedly over the course of the school year.
I think the impact I have had on fellow teachers and professionals at the professional development sessions I have led has been quite high. On scale from one to ten I would give it an 8 for impact to fellow professionals. Many of the teachers I have presented to would be considered beginners in using technology in education so the information I shared reached many people who have never heard the of power of Google Apps. Most importantly, I have been able to spread the power of Google to Physical Education teachers across the state of Nebraska as I am currently serving on the NAHPERD Board.

Challenges along the way

The two biggest challenges I faced in the process included one, the technology level at which my audiences were at. Many were beginner users of technology and web 2.0 technology. The presentations had to be simple and introductory in nature. I think for many of the people I presented to it will take some time for them to roll over into 21st century learning. However, this was where I felt I could connect with my audience and show them that even beginners can use these tools. The second biggest challenge I faced on my journey was finding time to get teachers together to do informal training with Google Apps. There is so much to offer and teachers and myself are so busy with so many things it's hard finding bits of time to teach the new Google tools and the many uses they can have in schools today.

Impact on my own personal growth

The impact these experiences have had on me have been rewarding. Presenting to and teaching fellow teachers has been a goal of mine for the past 2 years. The opportunity that I was given to attend GTACO 2009 has given me a reason to grow as a professional and do things with technology I would have never done without the push that Google gave me. I hope to continue to be able to grow and enhance my skills as a GCT. To me being a Google Certified Teacher means you are an advocate for opportunities available using Google tools. This is a journey for me that must continue in order for me to feel like I am an expert in using Google apps. I will continue to use and learn as much as I can about Google apps and all they have to offer the world of education.

Momentum For The Future

I will definitely continue to use Google tools with students in my physical education classes. I will continue to present as long as there are opportunities for me to do so. I have an upcoming event planned for April 16, 2010 where I plan to continue to spread the news about the power of Google apps to pre-service P.E. teachers across the state of Nebraska. I would also like to continue to hold small trainings at my own school to enhance the skills of the teachers in my building so students can learn with 21st century technology which is the wave of the future for education.