Googlefest introduces new teaching methods to Lowcountry classrooms

?The two day GoogleFest conference kicked off Tuesday, sending a message that technology should be better utilized in the Lowcountry.

In the sea of ever-changing technology, Google might be considered the mother-ship.

"You know, it changes people's lives," said keynote speaker Dr. Maggie Johnson.

She said there's a bright future for the company, and technology in general, so it's time to get ready.

"Computing and connecting in the 21st century," said Dr. Johnson. "It has to do with the demand for computer scientists, software engineers in high-tech industry and how that demand is way outstripping the supply that's currently coming out of colleges."

That message of preparation was heard loud and clear by one teacher who's embracing the changes.

"Currently., I'm teaching digital multi-media and next year I'll be teaching Google applications," said Karen Parker.

At Summerville High School, Karen Parker hopes to bring what she learned at the conference to her classroom and help build a foundation for students.

"So, it just doesn't have application in my class," said Parker. "It has application in all classes and what they can do out in career and their workforce, as well."

It's a course funded by the state and supported with a program called, C.S. First. CS, of course, is short for computer science.

In a high-tech world, that knowledge in crucial to a industry with limitless opportunity.

"Honestly, I think it comes down to our mission which is trying to make all the information in the world universally accessible and available," said Dr. Johnson. "So that requires huge innovation and technology."

The GoogleFest will continue Wednesday from 9 a.m. Until 1 p.m. Emergency preparedness officials will be among the participants.

They will be learning how google tools can be used in emergency situations to help with response and communication.

The two day Googlefest conference kicked off Tuesday, sending a message that technology should be better utilized in the Lowcountry.

In the sea of ever-changing technology, Google might be considered the mother-ship.

"You know, it changes people's lives," said keynote speaker Dr. Maggie Johnson.

She said there's a bright future for the company, and technology in general, so it's time to get ready.

"Computing and connecting in the 21st century," said Dr. Johnson. "It has to do with the demand for computer scientists, software engineers in high-tech industry and how that demand is way outstripping the supply that's currently coming out of colleges."

That message of preparation was heard loud and clear by one teacher who's embracing the changes.

"Currently., I'm teaching digital multi-media and next year I'll be teaching Google applications," said Karen Parker.

At Summerville High School, Karen Parker hopes to bring what she learned at the conference to her classroom and help build a foundation for students.

"So, it just doesn't have application in my class," said Parker. "It has application in all classes and what they can do out in career and their workforce, as well."

It's a course funded by the state and supported with a program called, C.S. First. C.S., of course, stands for, 'computer science.'

In a high-tech world, that knowledge in crucial to a industry with limitless opportunity.

"Honestly, I think it comes down to our mission which is trying to make all the information in the world universally accessible and available," said Dr. Johnson. "So that requires huge innovation and technology."

The GoogleFest will continue Wednesday from 9 a.m. Until 1 p.m. Emergency preparedness officials will be among the participants.

They will be learning how google tools can be used in emergency situations to help with response and communication.

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