Hello amazing educators!
As we head into September, we're excited to announce our next community-wide learning initiative! We want to dedicate the month to a specific Google for Education course, providing a space for us to share tips, troubleshoot challenges, and learn together.
We'll be using this discussion thread as a place for everyone to talk about their learning and ask questions throughout the month. Research has shown that participants who complete online courses as part of a community or learning circle are more likely to finish the course and retain the information. By tackling this together, we can all stay motivated and succeed!
To make sure we're focusing on what you're most interested in, we've put together a poll with three great options that are highly relevant to general educators. Please take a moment to vote for the course you'd like us to tackle in September! The poll will close on September 1, 2025. We can't wait to see what we'll be learning together!
Happy teaching,
The Google Educator Community Team
Options:
- Google Certified Educator Level 1 Prep: Master the foundational skills needed to become a Google Certified Educator. This course covers core tools like Google Classroom, Drive, Docs, Forms, and more, helping you streamline your workflow and boost student engagement. (Find the official course here: https://edu.google.com/for-educators/certification-programs/product-expertise/educator-level1/)
- Generative AI for Educators: Explore how to use generative AI tools like Gemini to save time on everyday tasks, personalize instruction, and enhance lessons in creative ways. No prior experience with AI is required! (Find a course here: https://www.coursera.org/specializations/generative-ai-for-educators)
- Mastering Google Classroom: Deepen your knowledge of Google Classroom's features. Learn how to use it for effective communication, differentiated instruction, and paperless grading, ensuring you're getting the most out of this powerful tool. (Find a course here: https://edu.google.com/intl/ALL_us/learning-center/course-catalog/)
Research on Learning Circles & Online Learning
- "Eight minutes to online learning success" by Stanford Report: This article highlights how psychological interventions, like writing out obstacles and creating a plan to overcome them, can significantly increase online course completion rates. It also notes that a lack of social pressure and support is a key reason for high attrition in online courses. (Read the article: https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2017/04/eight-minutes-online-learning-success/)
- "Why Community Is Important in Online Learning" by Walden University: This resource outlines several benefits of online learning communities, including enhanced participation, a sense of belonging, and the ability to brainstorm and receive support from peers, all of which contribute to a more enjoyable and successful learning experience. (Read the article: https://www.waldenu.edu/programs/resource/the-top-10-benefits-of-online-learning-communities)
- "Tackling the challenge of peer learning in hybrid and online universities" from the National Library of Medicine: This academic paper discusses the importance of peer learning in remote environments. It cites studies that show students who act as "teachers" for their peers demonstrate increased motivation, performance, and creativity. (Read the paper: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9582399/)
