Have you completed our Google Educator Basics Microcredential or do you want to learn more advanced skills? Check out our refreshed Google Educator Advanced Microcredential! There is something for everyone in this series, whether you’re looking to prepare for your Google Educator Level 2 Certification exam or take your knowledge of Google Workspace to the next level. This microcredential features a series of PD courses that will help you learn about tools and features available with Google Workspace that can enhance and improve your workflow.

We’ll cover advanced features within Google Workspace applications like Docs, Slides, Forms, and Sheets. In addition, we’ll cover how to maximize your usage of other Google tools like Blogger, Google Earth, Google Scholar, Google Chat, Groups, Drawings, Jamboard, and YouTube. Along the way, we’ll consider how these tools can enhance student communication, collaboration, and participation during blended learning. Follow the courses at your own pace, keep yourself on track with self-guided independent practice and checkpoint assignments reviewed by our Google Certified Educators, receive individualized feedback, and more.

Microcredential overview

Each course in this series explores advanced features with a focus on real world classroom applications. We also provide ample practice activities along the way to ensure you’re learning the skills you need to be successful. Every session is structured around one or two Google tools and takes a look at how advanced features within each application can help you meet classroom needs. With most sessions ranging from 25 to 40 minutes, you’ll be able to view the entire course and complete any suggested independent practice or required checkpoint activity within an hour. Along the way, if you need support, our Google Certified Educators are available to provide you with the tips and guidance you need to master each skill. 

Let’s explore each Google session

Now that you know what you can expect from the Google Advanced Microcredential, let’s take a deeper look at what we’ll tackle in each session. 

• Session 1 will help orient you to the microcredential as we provide an overview of what will be covered and show you everything you need to know to be successful in upcoming sessions. 
• In Session 2, we’ll introduce the idea of an enhanced workflow. We’ll focus on the tools in Google Docs that can help keep you organized and explore the most valuable features that can help you create engaging activities for your students.
• Session 3 is all about Google Sheets, specifically, using features to analyze large sets of student data. Some of the tools we’ll explore include conditional formatting, drop-down lists, and color coding. Increase your confidence with spreadsheets with this advanced course.
• Session 4 is all about YouTube! Many of us now use YouTube as our go-to resource for ideos. We’ll explore features, such as channels and playlists, that can enhance your lessons and support a flipped classroom.
• Session 5 will focus on the use of Blogger as a tool to collaborate with colleagues and share best practices for instruction. Consider applications for student use as well! Not only will we go over the basics like setting up your Blogger blog, we’ll also explore features like scheduling posts, adding collaborators, tagging, and adding reader restrictions. 
• Looking to keep in touch with parents? In Session 6, we’ll discuss how Google Classroom and Google Calendar can help you streamline and enhance communication with students and parents. We’ll cover features such as guardian email summaries, appointment slots for meetings, and adding Google Meet links to events.
• Session 7 is all about staying connected! Learn even more about communicating with parents through the use of Google Sites, Gmail, and Chat. Learn how to share resources like Google Forms with parents via Google Sites and quickly send emails using templates in Gmail. 
• Enhancing student research experiences is the focus in Session 8. Learn how Google Chrome can help take your students’ research to the next level through advanced search options and Google Scholar. Then, discover how to help students organize their research so they don’t lose track of all their important information! 
• In Session 9, we’ll focus on using Google tools like Jamboard and Groups to foster purposeful student collaboration. We’ll cover options for group projects, book clubs, class debates, and even collaborative efforts outside of class to support both research projects and blended learning instruction. 
• In Session 10, our final session, we’ll wrap up the microcredential and take a closer look at the final assignment. We’ll walk you through an example and highlight everything you need to know to be successful, as well as share important resources for taking your Google Educator Level 2 Exam if desired. 

Ready to kick your Google Workspace knowledge up a notch? Register for the Google Educator Advanced Microcredential today. Learn from our team of Google Certified educators live on OTIS this January and February, or at your convenience from the archive. Discover more about our microcredentialing on Google and other topics by visiting the  OTIS for educators Microcredentialing section.

For more tips, tricks, and tools for teaching in and out of the classroom, check out more articles on the Teq Talk blog.

We also offer virtual professional development, training, and remote learning support for educators with OTIS for educators. Explore the technology, tools, and strategies that can spark student success — no matter where teaching or learning are happening.