MUSD Hosts Google International Summit

On November 10, 2014, worldwide tech giant Google hosted the first of their two-day Google International Summit in Milpitas Unified School District.  Education ministers and dignitaries from 19 nations visited Russell Middle School and Pomeroy Elementary to see our students and teachers in action.  These leaders from countries such as Brazil, India, Finland, Mexico, Singapore, and Malaysia, came to the Summit held at MUSD to study one overarching question:  “How can education technology enhance learning for all and better prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s world?”

After opening remarks from Google leaders, experts from the Economist Intelligence Unit (a global publication), and our staff, we led 81 visitors to see our teachers and students in action.  They saw students using technology to access online information and manage their own learning process.  Teachers were using a variety of instructional formats and settings to teach, coach, and guide students.  It is one thing to read about a new model of learning – in Milpitas Unified, visitors can see it action.

At the conclusion of the tour, our visitors returned to the Russell Learning Center to share thoughts, take questions, and hear from students and teachers.  Before introducing the student and teacher panels, I asked our guests this question, "As you moved in and out of our classrooms, what did you see?” Their responses make us proud:

Focused. Engaged. Self-managed. Friendship. Collaborative. Happy. Independent. No discipline problems. Ownership. Responsible.

We are grateful to our Milpitas community that provides the support we need to make this happen.  Three years ago, our District agreed to study the question:  “How can technology enhance both learning and instruction?”  Three years later, our team of educational professionals is recognized by Google as a model of 21st Century learning.  We are nurturing capable, competent, collaborative problem-solvers who will help to shape our future.  I am proud and grateful for our students and staff who are creating something very special in our schools.

Cary Matsuoka
Superintendent