A Google for Education Summit was hosted at Glenbrook North from March 1-2. The Summit was a two-day event where local instructors focused on implementing Google tools as a means of promoting enriched education for their students.

According to Ryan Bretag, district director of instructional technology, Google for Education is a foundation which allows Illinois and Midwest schools to come together to explore a professional development opportunity for utilizing Google products and tools in education.

“For me, in education, it’s important  [that] we are always branching out to other schools, other teachers, other areas and connecting together to have an opportunity to sit next to different disciplines and different teachers both within the district and outside the district,” Bretag said. “[The summit] gives us an opportunity to grow as professionals.”

Dr. Rosanne Williamson, assistant superintendent for educational services, said the Summit was geared towards instructing teachers on using Google Applications and technology to expand student opportunities.

“The purpose of the summit was to provide teachers with professional development in improving instructional approaches through the use of Google Applications that improve student collaboration, students’ ability to produce, publish, create and be creative,” Williamson said.

Williamson said that North was given the chance to hold the summit for the second year in a row. The district chose to accept it because of the increased use of Google within the district.

“Google and EdTech host several summits throughout the world each year,” Williamson said. “When provided the opportunity to host the summit the last two years, the district saw this as a way to continue to provide professional development [for] teachers in meeting instructional needs through the use of Google Applications that the district has worked with for the last several years.  The [timing] also positioned us well for the transition to 1:1 Chromebooks this year.”

Bretag, who presented at the Summit last year, felt that the Summit was an enjoyable learning experience.

“It’s invigorating,” Bretag said. “It’s so stimulating and engaging to be in these experiences and these workshops, and then to see the excitement of your colleagues, who are people you have known for years. [The Summit] just provides some fruitful opportunities to grow.”

Williamson said that the program was, overall, a success.

“We have heard a lot of positive feedback from our teachers,” Williamson said. “EdTech and Google were pleased with our facility as a host site.”