As our campus media specialist, my job is to run the library and also help with tech integration on my campus. It’s a lot for one person. I do have a para to help in the library, but it’s still overwhelming some days. There’s a lot of picking and choosing what can and cannot get done from week to week. But I always like a good challenge.
Recently, a group of media specialists from my distinct decided to take on the challenge to become Google Certified Trainers. It just doesn’t seem like you can go wrong by getting a Google endorsement, right? Here are the requirements:
- Have previously achieved Google Educator or ‘Qualified Individual’ status (receive the qualified by passing the required tests–more info below).
- Submit a Training Resume showcasing work experience and trainings you have recently given.
- Provide 3 references for trainings you have given in the last 12 months.
- Submit a 2 minute video showing your training style (screencast)
- Create a case study to show your training strategy
So, clearly this is not a quick and easy accolade to add to your name. It’s serious business. And you have to go through the process once every 18 months. And during the 18 months as a trainer, you have to complete 3 training sessions per quarter. Serious business I tell you.
So, we signed up to attend 3 days at our local service center. In this 3 days we reviewed and took 5 90-minute tests over the basic Apps of Education (Drive, Mail, Sites, Calendar, Chrome). It was intense, but it was great to do it in a group setting. The region center did a great job reviewing and providing the support that we needed to be successful. That seemed like the biggest hurdle. Google has a window each quarter when you may apply. I have until May 31st to submit everything. I am waiting until after May 18th because I am presenting at the Texas Google Summit and want to include that training. Looking at the last 4 bullets listed above, the training resume is the one that intimidates me the most. It’s going to be some work. Gathering data and compiling it all in a nice neat way. Although the case study won’t be a piece of cake either. I will be calling on friends and co-workers to help me make it all sound good. I believe we will be notified by June 11th if we have been accepted at Google Certified Trainers. Hopefully, I will have a cute little badge on my blog soon!
If you are currently interested in becoming a Google Certified Trainer, they have taken their tests down while they make changes to them. A “small update” according to their site. They will be available again June 28th. I am curious to see what changes they make. Of course, there are other options. You can become a Google Educator or Google Teacher. For my current position, Google Trainer makes the most sense. Their website linked above has more info on how to do that!
I definitely think that all this work will be worth it in the end. Google Certified Trainer sounds pretty good.