OS Educational Technology News
January 2015
SE MI Ed Tech Leaders Rally Roundup!
Friday, January 16, there will be a Virtual Ed Tech Rally from 8 AM – 12 PM. It starts with a Keynote, “Flipping PD to Personalize Learning.” There is no cost to attend this part of the day. You can attend part, or all of the morning event, virtually at your own device. Read more about it and find the link to registration here: https://www.smore.com/cxru9
However, if you would like to attend the morning part with a group of ed tech people from around southeast Michigan, plan on joining in with the group that will be meeting at Oakland Schools. Allyson DeWar, Kerry Guiliano and Laura Cummings are hosting this face-to-face session. This session will continue into the afternoon and will include lunch. Read more about it and find the link to registration here: https://www.smore.com/204ta
Note: There is a $20 fee to attend at Oakland Schools.
TWICE Password for Video Conference Registration Discount
The TWICE password for the months of January and February is “Snow Shoes” Use this password when booking video conferencing events through the discount partners, COSI Columbus; North Central Ohio Education Service Center (LEARNnco); the Cleveland Institute of Music; Mote Marine Laboratory and the Cleveland Museum of Art.
This password is to be used for any events booked during the months above regardless of which month the event will be held. Place it, along with the word TWICE in the other, notes, or comments section of the provider’s registration site.
InspirED
What is InspirED?
A project of the Michigan Public Schools Partnership, InspirED is a monthly online magazine focusing on innovation and hope in Michigan public schools.
InspirED is designed to change the conversation about public education. Please subscribe to get this great news and information emailed directly to you each month. Feel free to encourage others (staff and referent groups) to read and subscribe as well!
Consider submitting articles about the great things that are happening in your school or district. There are two articles from Southeast Michigan in the current issue.
Common Sense Graphite
Tools like Educreations, ClassDojo, and Socrative have been thoroughly reviewed by Common Sense Education's expert educators. Common Core resources like StudySync, PBS Learning Media, VoiceThread, IXL Math, and Khan Academy have also been evaluated. Many resources have also received numerous teacher reviews, which Common Sense Education calls Field Notes. The Common Sense Education educational expert reviewers rated ABCya! three stars for learning potential, while the teacher community via Field Notes has collectively given it four.
It’s easy for educators to add their voices to the Graphite conversation about how to best leverage technology in the classroom. Educators can join for free and start submitting Field Notes about the products they use with students to help other educators make informed decisions about how and when they might use a particular app or website. Members can also create App Flows. App Flows are created with a customizable lesson framework that helps teachers plan how to integrate digital tools and content with pedagogical insight.
Graphite’s ratings and reviews, blog articles, and training videos provide information that supports educators in making good choices about using technology in their classrooms.
"Physical & Virtual Programming" Workshop
The evening will begin with a keynote by Kevin Foreman, Director of Product Vision at Vectorform in Royal Oak, MI. Kevin began programming in middle school and went on to formally study computer programming. He has many valuable insights to share about finding easy entry points into the world of coding, and how adults can inspire students to think creatively and explore various roles in this world.
After the keynote, participants will rotate through physical and virtual programming experiences. Student teams from Clarkston and Lake Orion will be leading some of these experiences. Materials owned by Oakland Schools Educational Technology will be available for loan to interested Oakland County educators. Loans will begin at the conclusion of the evening studio.
Technology Plans-Proposed Changes
Twitter Hashtag
When you are posting to Twitter about things related to educational technology, don't forget to use the hashtag: #oakedtech
Using the hashtag will help all of us Oakland County educators, who are interested in the effective use of educational technology, to connect and better collaborate with each other.
Oakland Schools Educational Technology Consultants
Laura.Cummings@oakland.k12.mi.us
248-209-2283
Judy Nichols
Judith.Nichols@oakland.k12.mi.us
248-209-2080