Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Inside Google

Much of our day was spent reviewing or learning all of the amazing applications Google has available for our use: Search, Reader, Docs, Sites, Blogger, iGoogle, Earth, Sketch Up and Maps. Most of these I will be blogging about on my own blog when I deliver professional development. But I want to share with you my favorite fun thing I do with my Google account = iGoogle. Check it out.




Google being Google, they made sure to add some fun tour time in our day. As we walked (we weren't allowed to use scooters due to insurance reasons) the city block length of the fourth floor of Google we walked past several micro-kitchens. They are spaced out about every 150 feet with many yummy snacks to keep your tummy happy and on task while you're at work.

Walking down the hall it's impossible not to notice the white boards on every wall and the write on glass of the offices. These all look like mind maps with ideas, doodles and random jots.
Isn't that fun? I really wanted to write on one but this security guy followed us around all day, so I was afraid to tempt it. :) Here's a video to show you a little more in real time.



We ended our amazing day with a wonderful dinner of crab cakes and filet mignon. And we all officially earned the title of Google Certified Teacher. I hope you'll follow me as I continue on this journey and as I explore all the wealth of resources I now have to go through. I'll share it all with you soon.

8 comments:

Jenny Nash said...

That's really neat! Looks like you had a lot of fun today - when your brain wasn't being pushed near explosion, that is....

abendelow said...

I'm amazed at the way you turned this around so quickly, Melanie. Good going!
Thanks for everything,
andrew

KK Cherney said...

I am so excited about all the cool things we are going to learn from you.

Michelle Ellis & Debby Cothern said...

Cool!! I can't wait to learn from a master.

dayle timmons said...

I really love the picture of you with the Google Teacher Academy sign - too cute and a great memory! I can't wait to have a conversation with you about taking some of the Google cluture that you learned into our own learning environment. I was thinking as I was looking at one of the pictures about how easy it would be to have a Leggo wall in the Dining Room... Hmmmm.... wonder what kind of ideas we can build from your foundation!! Can't wait!

Dorry Lopez said...

Melanie,
I am so amazed at what you got to experience as you were earning your title of Google Certified Teacher! I had no idea that you went to New York where the Google Headquarters are located! So the employees travel around on scooters! The food accommodations look delicious, and it seems like they really take great care of their employees. Thank you for sharing your insight into Google! When I was in New York the few times that I've been, I never knew where Google was located. I will pay attention to its location next time that I go. A whole city block! Wow! You must have had a great experience witnessing all of that talent in action! I want to sit down with you and have you tell me all about it in great detail. I went to the Earth web camera link and explored that. So cool! Well, I am going to read on and see what else that I can learn from you. Teach me everything! I want to learn it all!

Love,
Dorry

N said...

Now you've gone and made me start a new project! But that is what I love :-) about technology...very accessible and immediate. I want to use it all. Thanks Melanie for your enthusiasm!

Mrs. Metzger and Mrs. Morris said...

The video showing the Google office is my favorite. Thanks for sharing your adventure! Can't wait to learn more.
Lori