Official L1 Certification Study Hub: Weekly Recordings & Summaries

[Sabina_Hussaini]

Welcome to the official home for our Level 1 Certification Study Group!

Whether you are joining us live on Tuesdays (each live session date, time, and link to join can be found here) or catching up from a different time zone, this thread is your anchor. Use this space to:

• Access weekly session recordings.
• Read summaries of key exam topics.
• Ask questions and support your peers globally.

Note for Global Members: If you are unable to attend the 6:00 PM CDT live slot, please post your questions here and I will respond asynchronously.

[Sabina_Hussaini]

Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2026

Part 1: Google Classroom with Judy Keller

Judy walked us through the essential steps to build a functional, interactive digital workspace for your students.

Classroom Management & Setup

• Create a New Class: Click the + icon on the Classroom homepage > Create class. Enter your Class Name (required) and click Create.

• Post a Message in the Stream: Click into the Stream tab. Click "Announce something to your class." Type your message and click Post. (Tip: You can schedule this for later using the dropdown arrow next to Post).

• Create Multiple Assignments: In the Classwork tab, click Create > Assignment. Judy demonstrated that you can repeat this process quickly to build out a full unit.

Assignment Features & Feedback

• Set a Due Date: While creating an assignment, use the Due dropdown on the right sidebar to select a date and optional time from the calendar.

• Make a Copy for Each Student: After attaching a Google Doc/Slide, change the dropdown from "Students can view file" to Make a copy for each student. This gives every student their own editable version.

• Attach a Video via URL: Click the YouTube icon in the assignment builder. Select the URL tab and paste the specific link to the video you want students to watch.

• Create a Rubric: In the assignment builder, click + Rubric > Create rubric. Add your criterion titles, descriptions, and point levels.

• Provide Feedback via Rubric: Once a student turns in work, open the grading interface. Simply click the corresponding level in the rubric sidebar to automatically calculate the grade and provide specific feedback.

Part 2: Google Drive Organization with Dr. Alfonso Mendoza

Dr. Mendoza demonstrated how to move beyond a "cluttered" Drive to a high-efficiency system.

Storage & Uploading

• Store Different File Formats: Alfonso showed that Drive isn't just for Google files. You can upload PDFs, JPEGs, and Office docs to keep everything in one central location.

• Create Folders & Uploading: Click + New > New folder. Once created, you can click + New > File upload or Folder upload to bring local documents into that specific Drive folder.

• Add Resources to a Shared Folder: Navigate to "Shared with me" or a "Shared Drive." Drag a file from your "My Drive" directly into the shared folder to give your team access.

Optimization & Customization

• Auto-Convert Files: Click the Settings (gear icon) in Drive. Under the "General" tab, check the box for "Convert uploaded files to Google Docs editor format." This automatically turns Word docs into Google Docs upon upload.

• Color-Code Folders: To make folders (like a "Math Test Answer Key") stand out, right-click the folder > Organize > Folder color and choose a vibrant color.

• Organize via Drag and Drop: Alfonso demonstrated the simplicity of clicking a file and holding the mouse button to move it into a folder or onto a breadcrumb link at the top of the page.

Summary of Success

By combining Judy's Classroom workflows with Dr. Mendoza's Drive organization, you are building a professional environment that saves time and reduces administrative friction. 

[Sabina_Hussaini]

Date: March 31, 2026 

Part 1: Google Docs with Mantha Camacho

Mantha focused on turning static documents into interactive, personalized, and globally accessible learning tools.

Creation & Personalization

• Create a New Doc (The "Secret" Way): Open a new browser tab and type docs.new. This bypasses the Drive homepage and instantly opens a fresh document.

• Giving a Title & Emojis: Click "Untitled document" in the top left. Type your title (e.g., "Taco Tuesday"). Tip: Right-click in the title box and select Emoji to add visual icons to your file names, making them easier to spot in a messy Drive.

• Insert Pictures via Webcam: Go to Insert > Image > Camera.

  • Educational Use Case: Students can use this to snap a photo of hand-written math work or a physical science experiment directly into their digital report to prevent losing physical papers.

Sharing, Ownership, & Collaboration

• Assign Sharing Permissions: Click the blue Share button.

  • Viewer: Can only read.

  • Commenter: Can leave feedback but cannot change text.

  • Editor: Full access.

• Invite & Notify: When adding an email, ensure the "Notify people" box is checked to send them an automated email invitation.

• Transfer Ownership: Once you have shared a file with someone within your same organization, you can click the dropdown next to their name in the Share menu and select Transfer ownership. (Note: This is not available between different domains, like a personal Gmail to a school account).

• Force a Copy: A favorite "hot tip" for teachers. Copy the document's URL from the browser bar. Delete the word "edit" and everything else after it and replace it with "copy". Share this new link with students so they are forced to make their own version, leaving your original template untouched.

Advanced Doc Tools

• Translate Document: Go to Tools > Translate document. Choose a language (e.g., Spanish).

  • Tip: Mantha recommends using Document Tabs to keep an English, Spanish, and French version of an agenda all within the same single file for an inclusive classroom.

• Version History: Click the Clock icon (top right) or go to File > Version history. This allows you to recover text deleted by accident or see how a student's essay evolved over time.

• Template Gallery: Click the Waffle icon (nine dots) > Docs. Click Template Gallery at the top to find pre-made layouts for resumes, project proposals, and lesson plans.

• Comments & Suggesting Mode: * Comments: Highlight text and click the Plus icon to leave a note. Use @ followed by an email to assign a specific task to a colleague.

  • Suggesting Mode: Change the dropdown under the Share button from "Editing" to Suggesting. Any changes you make will appear as green tracked changes that the owner must "Accept" or "Reject."

Part 2: Chromebooks with Elizabeth Voci

Elizabeth demonstrated that the Chromebook is much more than a browser; it is a high-powered accessibility machine.

Accessibility Features (The Core Focus)

• ChromeVox (Built-in Screen Reader): Activate using Ctrl + Alt + Z. This provides a descriptive audio experience of everything on the screen. To turn it off, use the same shortcut.

• Full Screen Magnifier: Activate using Ctrl + Search + M. This zooms in on the entire screen, following your cursor as you move.

• Select-to-Speak: Found in the Accessibility menu (the person icon in the bottom-right system tray). This allows students to highlight specific text and have only that section read aloud.

Essential Keyboard Keys & Shortcuts

• The "Everything" (Search) Key: Located where 'Caps Lock' usually is. Use it to search your apps, Drive, and the web simultaneously.

• Full Screen Key: The key with the square icon on the top row. It hides tabs and the bottom bar to give students more vertical space on small screens.

• Show Windows Key: Shows all open applications at once (the "switcher" view).

• Lock Screen: Use Search + L to instantly lock your device when stepping away.

Elizabeth's "Life-Saver" Shortcuts

• Recover a Closed Tab: Ctrl + Shift + T. This will bring back the last tab you accidentally closed (and can be pressed multiple times to bring back a whole history of closed tabs).

• Screenshots & Screen Recording: * Ctrl + Show Windows: Takes a full screenshot.

  • Ctrl + Alt + Show Windows: Opens the Screen Capture toolbar, allowing you to record a video of your screen or create a GIF. Recordings save directly to Google Drive.

[GoogleGoddess]

Such a great session!!!

[Sabina_Hussaini]

Date: Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Part 1: Google Sheets with Wendy Peskett

Wendy demonstrated how Google Sheets serves as a "live" hub for educators, focusing on how to manage collaborative data and transform raw student information into meaningful insights. 

Copy and paste this link to follow along with Wendy's directions in the video! 
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1qVaBDCFsGD1JV4zREpSSlp6HwGP8ZrbRm1_wyuYPyq4/copy

Collaboration & Sharing

• Editing in Real Time: Wendy emphasized that multiple educators can work in the same Sheet simultaneously. You will see colored cursors representing your colleagues as they make changes, which are saved instantly.

• Adding Collaborators:

  1. Click the blue Share button in the top right.

  2. Type the email addresses of your team members.

  3. Select the permission level: Viewer, Commenter, or Editor.

  4. Click Send.

• Transferring Ownership: Use this when moving schools or passing a Grade Book to a co-teacher.

  1. Click the Share icon.

  2. Locate the person who is already an "Editor."

  3. Click the dropdown arrow next to their status and select Transfer ownership.

  4. Confirm by clicking Send invitation. (Note: The new owner must accept via email; you remain an Editor unless removed.)

Data Organization & Sorting

• Split Text to Columns: Go to Data > Split text to columns. Wendy used this to separate "First Name" and "Surname" into distinct columns using a "Space" separator.

• Freeze Rows (The Gray Line Tip): Drag the thick gray line from the top-left intersection down under your header row. This "freezes" your titles so they stay visible while scrolling through large student datasets.

• Sorting Data: Click the arrow on a column header and choose Sort A to Z (Alphabetical/Smallest number) or Sort Z to A (Reverse/Largest number).

Essential Functions (Sum, Average, Count)

• Sum (Totals): Click where you want the answer, go to Functions (Σ icon) > SUM, highlight your range (e.g., C2 to E2), and press Enter.

• Average (Mean): Use Functions > AVERAGE to find the mean score for a class or student.

• Count (Participation): Use Functions > COUNT to see how many students took an exam (counts cells with numbers, ignoring blanks).

• Efficiency Tip: Look for the Suggested Autofill—Sheets will often offer to apply your formula to the entire column automatically.

Charts & Filters

• Insert & Move Charts: Highlight your data, go to Insert > Chart. To keep your workspace tidy, click the three dots on the chart and select Move to own sheet.

• Filter Views: Wendy highlighted that Filter Views (Data > Filter views) allow you to sort and hide data without affecting what your collaborators see—essential for team-teaching!

Part 2: Google Slides with Luis Pertuz

Luis showcased why Slides is a versatile tool for educators, focusing on multimedia and accessibility.

• Inserting Video: Go to Insert > Video. Use Format Options to set a specific "Start at" and "End at" time for a YouTube video.

• Live Captions: While presenting, click the three dots in the menu (or use Ctrl + Shift + c) to toggle on Captions. Your words will appear as subtitles at the top of the screen in real-time.

• Edit Theme (Critical Exam Skill): To change elements across the entire presentation, go to Slide > Edit theme.

• Comments & Assignments: Highlight an object/text and go to Insert > Comment. Use @ or + followed by an email to Assign a task to a colleague or leave a comment for them.

• Speaker Notes: Use the space at the bottom of the slide for your prompts. Use Presenter View to see your notes while students see only the slides.

Here is a link to the slides Luis references in the video! 
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1KZXhggO5z3Za_WQv352Su70mQhAhXGmHP89nj4epnzM/copy

[ghoshsanchita]

This is awesome!! 

[Sabina_Hussaini]

Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Part 1: Google Chat with Greta Sandler

Greta highlighted Google Chat as the primary tool for real-time collaboration with colleagues and, where enabled, students.

Skill 1: Starting a New Chat

• Accessing Chat: You can reach Google Chat via chat.google.com or directly through the Chat tab on the left-hand sidebar in Gmail.
• One-to-One Messaging: Click New chat, type the name or email address of the person, press Enter, and start typing.

Skill 2: Creating Spaces for Staff Collaboration

Greta explained that "Spaces" are for ongoing group collaboration rather than quick direct messages.

• Create a Space: Click New chat > Create space.
• Settings: Give the space a name. You can decide if the space is for Announcements only (broadcast style) or Collaboration (everyone can post).
• Adding Members: Within the space, click Add members and enter the email addresses of colleagues.

Skill 3: Real-Time Communication & Resource Sharing

• Tagging/Mentions: To grab someone’s attention in a busy space, type @ followed by their name. They will receive a specific notification.
• Sharing Resources: Paste URLs directly into the chat box.
• Uploading Files: Click the Upload file icon (it looks like a cloud with an arrow) to share PDFs, images, or documents from your device. Tip: Greta noted that the "paperclip" icon mentioned in older guides has been updated to this upload icon.

Skill 4: Communicating with Students

• Safety & Guidance: Greta emphasized that if enabled by the school's admin, Chat is an excellent way to provide instant feedback or answer student questions during independent work time.

Part 2: Google Meet with Amy Storer

Amy demonstrated how Google Meet acts as a seamless bridge for synchronous learning and support.

Skill 1: Hosting Synchronous Sessions & Inviting Guests

Amy shared two main ways to set up a meeting:

• Via Google Calendar: Click Create > Event > More options. As soon as you add a guest, the Join with Google Meet button appears. This is ideal for scheduling guardian trainings or student support sessions in advance.
• Via Gmail: Use the Meet icon on the left sidebar and click New meeting > Start now.
• Inviting Guest Speakers: Simply add the guest speaker's email to the Calendar event. Amy also highlighted the Gear icon (Video call options) to adjust host controls before the speaker arrives.

Skill 2: In-Meeting Tools (Raise Hand & Sharing Screen)

• Raise Hand: Click the Hand icon in the bottom toolbar. The host will hear a "ding" and see a hand icon on your video tile. Click it again to lower your hand once you have spoken.
• Share Screen: Click the Present now icon (an arrow inside a box).
• Chrome Tab: Best for sharing a specific website or video (ensure "Also share tab audio" is checked).
• Window or Entire Screen: Best if you need to switch between multiple applications.

Skill 3: Recording & Accessing Artifacts

• Record a Meeting: Click the Waffle icon (Activities) in the bottom right corner of the Meet, then select Recording. (Note: If this is grayed out, your admin may have disabled it).
• Accessing Recordings & Chat History: * Meet automatically creates a "Meet Recordings" folder in your Google Drive.
• If you scheduled the meet via Calendar, the recording and the Chat history (saved as a Doc) will be automatically attached to that specific Calendar event once processed.

Expert Strategy for Success

"Always remember that Google Meet is built for the browser. You don't need extra software, which makes it perfect for inviting guardians or outside guest speakers who may not be using a school device!" — Amy Storer

[Sabina_Hussaini]

Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Part 1: Google Calendar with Melissa Summerford

Melissa highlighted that her calendar is her "life-line," and she demonstrated how to use it as a project management tool rather than just a schedule of meetings.

1. Event Creation & Multimedia Integration

• Create an Event with Attachments: Click Create > Event. Give it a title.
• Attach a Document: To ensure everyone is prepared, click the Pencil icon (Edit), then click the Paperclip icon (Add attachment). You can select an agenda or resource directly from your Google Drive.
• Add Google Meet: Melissa demonstrated clicking the blue Add Google Meet video conferencing button so virtual attendees can join with a single click.

2. Organization & Task Management

• Create a New Calendar: Click the + next to "Other calendars" > Create new calendar. Melissa created a "GEG Houston Chats" calendar to keep specific community events separate from her primary schedule.
• Scheduling Due Dates: You can use an event as a placeholder for a deadline. Melissa created a "Let's Chat" event and set the time for 8:15 PM as a reminder that a presentation was due.
• Task Lists: Use the Tasks icon on the right-hand sidebar.
• Setup: Click Add a task, give it a title and details.
• Automation: Set a specific date and time for the task to appear on your calendar. Once finished, click the circle to mark it "Done"—a satisfying way to track productivity!

3. Advanced Scheduling & Permissions

• Appointment Slots (Appointment Schedule): Click Create > Appointment schedule.
• Setup: Set your availability (e.g., Mondays 6:00–8:00 PM), set the appointment duration (e.g., 30 minutes), and add a Buffer time (e.g., 10 minutes) between slots.
• Booking Form: Melissa recommends adding a "Custom Item" to the booking form asking, "What are your goals for this meeting?" so you can prepare in advance.
• Guest Permissions: To allow your event to grow organically, click on the event > Edit > Guest permissions. Check the box "Invite others" so your guests can bring colleagues into the loop.

4. Notifications

• Reminders & Notifications: Melissa showed how to add multiple notifications.
• Email: Set for 30 minutes before.
• Desktop/Phone Notification: Set for 10 minutes before for that final "jump on the call" alert.

Part 2: Gmail with Judy Keller

Judy demonstrated how to clear the "inbox clutter" using automated organization and priority settings.

1. Managing the Influx

• Snooze Emails: If you can't deal with an email right now, hover over it and click the Clock icon (Snooze). Pick a time (e.g., "Tomorrow at 8:00 AM") and the email will disappear, reappearing at the top of your inbox exactly when you need it.
• Conversation View: Go to Settings (Gear icon) > General > Conversation View. Turning this ON groups all replies to a single email thread together, preventing your inbox from being flooded by a single back-and-forth conversation.

2. Advanced Searching & Filtering

• Search Operators: Use the search bar at the top with specific prefixes:
• from:name@email.com
• subject:Level 1
• has:attachment
• Automated Filters & Labels: 1. Click the Search options icon (sliders) in the search bar. 2. Enter a sender (e.g., "Luis Pertuz"). 3. Click Create filter. 4. Choose actions: Star it and Apply label (e.g., "Innovators").
• Result: Every future email from that person is automatically organized before you even see it.

3. Inbox Customization

• Priority Inbox: Go to Settings > Inbox Type > Priority Inbox.
• Setup: Click Customize to tell Gmail which sections to show first (e.g., "Important and unread" at the top, then "Starred," then "Everything else").
• Composing & Sending: Click Compose, enter your recipient and subject. Judy demonstrated sending a "Chocolate Chip Cookie" recipe to herself as a way to store information—a common "pro tip" for busy educators.

Expert Strategy for Success

"I live by my calendar. By setting specific notifications and using Appointment Slots, you aren't just scheduling meetings—you are protecting your time and ensuring you stay focused on your goals." — Melissa Summerford

[Sabina_Hussaini]

Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Part 1: Google Forms with Judy Keller

Judy demonstrated how to use Forms for both data collection (fundraisers) and automated assessment (quizzes).

1. Creating a Self-Grading Quiz

• Setup: Go to Settings and toggle on "Make this a quiz."
• Instant Feedback: Under the quiz settings, ensure "Release grades immediately after each submission" is selected.
• Point Values: For each question, click the Answer Key, assign a point value (e.g., 5 points), and select the correct answer choice.
• Lock Mode: Judy noted that on Education accounts, you can enable Locked Mode on Chromebooks to prevent students from navigating away from the quiz.

2. Essential Question Types

• Multiple Choice: Standard "pick one" format.
• Short Answer: Ideal for one-word responses like "Blubber." Judy recommends adding multiple correct spelling variations in the Answer Key and checking "Mark all other answers incorrect."
• Dropdown: Use this to keep long lists of options tidy.
• Paragraph: Use this for open-ended reflections. Note: Paragraph questions must be graded manually.

3. Forms for Data Collection & Collaboration

• Collect Verified Emails: Under Settings > Responses, select "Verified" under the "Collect email addresses" section to ensure you know exactly who submitted the form.
• Adding Images: Click the Image icon next to a question or in the right-hand toolbar. You can search Google Images directly; Judy pointed out that these search results are copyright-free.
• Adding Collaborators: Click the Three Dots (More) > Add collaborators. Enter the email of a colleague to give them Editor access.
• Link to Google Sheets: Go to the Responses tab and click the green Sheets icon. Select "Create a new spreadsheet" to have all responses automatically dump into a organized Sheet.

Part 2: Google Sites with Denise Spina

Denise showcased Google Sites as a "digital curation" tool, perfect for building classroom hubs or professional portfolios.

1. Site Creation & Global Design

• Creating a Site: Use sites.new or go to sites.google.com.
• Updating the Font (Themes): To change the look of the entire site instantly, go to the Themes tab on the right. Selecting a theme (like "Vision" or "Aristotle") updates the font and color scheme across all pages simultaneously.

2. Page Management & Navigation

• Adding Pages: Go to the Pages tab and click the Plus (+) icon.
• External Links: To add a page that points elsewhere, hover over the Plus (+) icon and select New Link. Enter the URL (e.g., your school's website). This creates a menu item that redirects users to an external site.
• Organization: You can drag and drop pages in the sidebar to change their order in the navigation menu.

3. Content & Visuals (Thumbnails)

• Inserting Content: Use the Insert tab to add Text Boxes, Images, or files from Google Drive.
• Thumbnail Linking: Denise shared a "pro tip" for keeping sites pretty. Instead of embedding an "ugly" PDF transcript, upload a nice image/thumbnail of a diploma or logo. Select the image and click the Link (chain icon) to hyperlink that image to the document or external site.
• Embed Code: Go to Insert > Embed > Embed Code. Denise demonstrated pasting HTML code from Canva to show a live presentation directly on the site.

4. Permissions

• Providing Edit Access: Just like Docs or Forms, click the Share with others icon (person with a plus) to add a co-teacher as an Editor.

Expert Strategy for Success

"Google Sites is all about the 'Waffle'—use the Insert menu to bring in content from across the entire Google Workspace. If you have it in Drive, you can showcase it on your Site!" — Denise Spina