Need Help Applying for Google Teacher Academy

[Janice Friesen]

After listening to the great experience that Cheryl, Alice and others had at Google Teachers' Academy I have decided that I would like to apply to the one that will be in Denver in August. Please share any advice you have for me.

Thanks, Janice

[Sarah Sutter]

Janice,
Go for it! Check out the other Google Teacher Academy video applications online, use video or stills according to your archive or ability to create them, and hone your message. Like any application, be sure your message is on target for the prompt, and be as clear and as PASSIONATE as you really are about your topic. That enthusiasm and focus is contagious. Once I had a draft of mine, I put it out to my PLN for feedback, and that was really helpful too.
Good luck! Once you have a draft, feel free to share for feedback on Seedlings!
-- Sarah Sutter
Google Certified Teacher (GTA NY08)

[Janice Friesen]

Thanks Sarah! The first thing I did was to go to YouTube and look at as many different 1 minute GTA videos as I could find. I am not sure if I looked at yours. I made a list of what I really liked and didn't like to help me get ideas. I also have started talking to a few students that I work with (K-5) and asking them to think of ideas for me! I will gladly share the draft video and really look forward to some feedback!

Janice

[Janice Friesen]

I have posted my video for the application on YouTube. It would be great if you could look at it and see what you think.

It sounds like this is a good fit for what I do, but they are wanting to build collaboration especially locally. Since this one is in Boulder Colorado, it is far from where I live (Austin, TX). I don't know where Google would do something closer to me... so I will try and we will see.

Also, they have changed it to a ONE day session, so I can't imagine how they can do it all in one day!

Janice

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQtgnD7mxLw

[coakes]

Janice, I love your video, most important, you kept it under 1 min.
All Google Academy dates are just one day. It is a very busy day which feels like 3 rolled into one. The whole piece about Google is that you collaborate with someone in your group and spread the message about Google. YOU are collaborating with SEEDLINGS so I hope you included that and your blog about your upcoming trip in your application.

Good luck, let us know!
cheryl

[Alice Barr]

Hi Janice:
Nice job on the video! I like how you used the student work. It's amazing what Google crams in to a 1 day session! Your head will be spinning! Good Luck and keep us posted!

[Sarah Sutter]

Janice,
Just a couple things on your video. I love the kids and their expressive presentation of their "word". Can you lower the volume on the music when the students are talking? It gets a little loud in places. The "explaining networking" moment is a little long, maybe it could be shortened? Are the Google doodles from your kids or school, or just the overall winners? I might hesitate to use them if they are just from the Google collection of winners, but if they belong to your kids, they are very well done. I wonder if shorter clips would work? It might give you a few more seconds to play with. The pacing overall seems a little slow. I love the text subtitles - I haven't done that yet with my videos, and now I'm motivated to try it!

The only other thing you might want to accentuate is a direct tie to one of the two Google video themes, the motivation and learning or classroom innovation. I see how you are all about the kids - which is of course where it's at! - and loosely how these tools and practices are motivating and innovative, but it's not clearly stated.

Definitely keep us posted on the process - and Good Luck! -- Sarah

[coakes]

Janice, you can tell that Sarah is the videographer and photographer! Sarah great suggestions. I would love to go to an art museum with Sarah, her insights are wonderful!

[Janice Friesen]

Sarah,

Thanks so much for all of the specific comments. I had to send the application in before leaving for my Mediterranean Odyssey, so I am sorry that I cannot go back and make some of those changes. I used the auto correction of volume in iMovie, but I know I could have done more. I also agree with you about the Networking segment. I think it is things like that which it helps to have another eye seeing. I really like that kid and enjoy watching it every time. Those Google doodles were the six winning entries from my school. I also just really liked them. The kids are so talented. It is so interesting to hear that the pacing is slow. Wow! It was hard to fit it all into one minute! That seems so short.

Thanks again for your helpful input. It is all such a great learning opportunity.

Janice

[wendy samson]

I have recently posted the video portion of my application to the upcoming Google Teacher Academy in Boulder. I have watched many videos and I'm worried my approach is too highly specific. Any feedback on it would be deeply appreciated!

Thank you!

Wendy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNkdQlHYJQw

[Alice Barr]

HI Wendy:

Your video is set to private, so we can't watch it. Can you change it please? Thanks

[wendy samson]

I think it's all fixed and good for critiques!

THANK YOU!

Wendy

[Alice Barr]

Nice job. Good use of the Google tools and the tie in with language curriculum. You need to be surethe movie is 1:00 or less. My only other thought is you might want to use some transitions between each section. I enjoyed watching. Good Luck!