Ok, let me preface this post with the following:
If you are looking for inside information on what is on the test, you have come to the wrong blog spot. You would be better served by clicking HERE.
Now, on to the post.
I took the Google Certified Educator, Level 1 exam this morning. It allowed plenty of time, 3 hours. I went through the online course, and made sure to perform each and every task.
If you are a regular user of Google Apps for Education, this exam should not trouble you too much. It was a great course to go through, even though I was already very familiar with all of the apps.
I learned a few little things I did not already know, and it served as a great opportunity to brush up on some skills that I had not used. I actually picked up a few ideas in the middle of the test to use in my own classroom, or to share with others at my school. Any time we can pick up new ideas, it’s worth the effort.
Now, I am not able to share specifics of the exam with you, as I agreed to the NDA. (as you will if you wish to take the test) However, I can tell you this, know your Google products. Get in there and use them. If the course says to try something, try it, several times… especially if it is something unfamiliar to you. Like I said, I had plenty of time to take the test, but I could certainly see a person stumbling upon an unfamiliar area and that costing them a lot of valuable time.
As you go through the course, pay attention. Not just for the purpose of passing the test, but it is just good educational practice.
I actually was ready to take the test a couple of weeks ago, however, they took the test down due to some problems. I will be honest, I saw reports all over blogs and such saying that people were failing left and right. I panicked. I went through the entire course again over the last two days, making sure I had not skipped anything. I am glad I did. Much like reading a good book, you get things the second time that you didn’t pick up on the first time through.
Overall, I had a good experience with this process. I had absolutely no technical complications. I have decent internet where I live, if you do not, you will need to find a place where you have good, reliable internet service. You will also need a webcam for this test. Test these things before you start the test. Find a place where you can focus and read the questions. I read each question at least twice. Simply out of good practice. I wanted to make sure I didn’t miss anything in the question. We teach our kids to do the same, so practice what you preach here.
Also, go to the bathroom first. I know it sounds funny, but seriously. Just like before a paper test, take care of business up front.
I was please that I got to see whether I passed the test at the completion of the exam. Google has their act together here… something that testing companies could learn from (cough cough PARCC assessment).
If you have not taken the exam, do it! It’s a great program, you will learn something new, practice something old, and it benefits students.
Hi! I gave the Google Certified Educator Level 1 on 01/06/2016 and the result was FAIL.
I would like to inquire about:
1. During my exam I clicked each question to ‘Review’ – did that cause any issues as I did not complete my last question and could not review the exam answers before the exam got over? (Oh BTW before or during the exam there was no information about how the Review Question would work – what if I ran out of time (which I did)?
2. Would there be any feedback from Google about my score or detailed insight about what I got right and wrong?
3. When the exam got over, the browser went on and on with the submission / processing and I had to eventually close it down and restart to check my result. Did that cause any error in computing my result?
4. Could you please share how the exam evaluation and marking is done?
5. Is there any negative marking?
It would be highly useful to have your feedback – thank you!
To be honest, I don’t know that I can answer many of your specific questions. I would have to take a close look at the NDA and see. I can say this, I did not get any feedback from them as to what I did well, and what I did not do well on. It makes sense that I wouldn’t, as it would basically be giving out information about the specifics of the tasks.
For most of your questions, I should think you might want to ask Google. Your email you got saying your exam is ready to take should have contact information on it. Give that a go as a starting point.
I do not work for Google, so when it comes to the nitty gritty details of the exam, I fear I can’t help you. Regardless, don’t give up on the test. Go through the modules again, make sure you have it down, and give the test a go again.
Thank you for replying to my request and for the honest response. I have written to Google and hope to hear from them – and will certainly pursue the objective. Thanks for the support and motivation.
Any thoughts on doing with a partner/threesome/group?
You have to take the test by yourself. You are on camera for the duration of your test. Studying and practicing with a group would work out wonderfully, but you need to take the test without help.
Can you get up to use the restroom during the test? What happens if someone comes in to talk to me? Is it okay except for using my time?
I imagine you can get up to go to the restroom, but I did not do so myself. As far as someone coming in and talking to you, I guess you would just need to be sure to leave the camera/mic on so that it is clear you are not getting help on the test.
HAte revive a zombie thread, but I just took the level 1 exam and I was getting right along with no problems, until…. the test started directing me to open and modify several files from the supplied Google drive that simply were not there. It seemed like whatever script populated the drive failed. 6 of the scenarios referred to non-existent files and so I failed. During the test I filed 6 of their problem forms. Got no answer until the end of the day. To their credit they did waive the retake delay and provided a voucher, so all I’ve lost is 3 hours of my time.
That stinks. Like you said, at least they gave you credit to retake the exam. I suppose we need to look at it much like we do when we teach. Tech issues happen, it is how we all deal with the issues that make the difference. Let me know how you do when you re-take the test.