& REMC 9 Update March/April 2015

TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION Whether it be through the use of a set of classroom iPads or allowing students to bring their own device to class, technology integration is something that most, if not all, 21st Century classrooms are implementing in order to stay relevant. Kathy Stewart, knows the importance of this, too. Stewart, the Superintendent of Saginaw Intermediate School District, said when she first entered the classroom as a teacher, the best tool she had to work with was the overhead projector. “I know I am dating myself,” Stewart said. “But this tool allowed my students to focus and allowed me to observe my students while using the projector.” With today’s new technology resources, educators have a variety of resources available to keep learners engaged, but Stewart said the challenges of technology integration exist with the differences in wireless access points in buildings and districts and differences in access to one-to-one devices. However, many students now carry cell phones that can easily be integrated into instruction. “Resources like Moodle, Google, Pinterest, etc. provide a wealth of resources for educators to use as the basis of their instruction or to enhance any lesson, “said Stewart, who is a proponent of the flipped classroom.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Technology Integration.............. 1

Stewart also suggests educators study Clintondale High School’s Flipped School website to learn about the impact of the flipped instructional format on student engagement and learning. There are also resources available through the REMC Association of Michigan for educators who aren’t sure where to begin with a flipped learning environment. The REMC Association of Michigan offers a free Blended Learning in the Classroom course, which is designed to prepare participants to effectively implement their own blended environment. This 16 week course covers the theory, pedagogy and technical elements of online work in the blended classroom. Those who complete the course will also earn 62 SCECHs. The next course will be offered in the fall of 2015. For more resources and opportunities, visit the REMC 9 website.

Swan Valley Honored ................ 2 STEM Ed Camp.......................... 2 Google Apps ............................... 3

SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST  Technology Integration  Swan Valley School District Honored Magna Award  STEM EdCamp  Google Apps ~ The Next Steps

SWAN VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT HONORED WITH THE MAGNA AWARD Congratulations to Swan Valley School District! NSBA’s American School Board Journal 2015 Magna Awards recognize school boards for taking bold and innovative steps to advance public education. The Magna Awards, supported by Sodexo, honors districts across the country for outstanding programs that advance student learning and encourage community involve-

ment in schools. This video features the 2015 grand prize winners; ABC Unified School District in Cerritos, CA, Albemarle County public Schools in Charlottesville, VA, and Swan Valley School District in Saginaw, MI Click on the link below to see the video.

2015 Magna Awards—ASBJ

“The Magna Awards, honors districts across the country for outstanding programs that advance student learning and encourage community involvement in schools.”

STEM EDCAMP REMC & Instructional Services are teaming up to provide educators with a non-conference experience. Join the STEM EdCamp on May 9th to learn from fellow educators and present the amazing instruction you are providing your students in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. When: Saturday, May 9, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. Where: Saginaw ISD—Transitions Center, 3860 Fashion Square Blvd., Saginaw, MI 48638 Please Register by May 2nd. Click here to Register What is EdCAmp? Never heard of an EdCamp? This is an amazing experience where there are no formal presenters, because you are the presenter! Come prepared to share your experience, knowledge, and activities in the area of STEM. You will have the opportunity to work in small groups to collaborate and network with local educators. You may even walk away with a free Chromebook! For more information, visit the EdCamp site by clicking here. For more information contact: Rebekah Hornak: Director of Instructional Services - [email protected]

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Aaron Schippert: REMC Director - [email protected]

GOOGLE APPS ~ THE NEXT STEPS Join us & Meghan Daniel, M.Ed.

Join Us! GOOGLE APPS ~ THE NEXT STEPS Be sure to Join Us with Meghan Daniel, M.Ed., presenting Google Apps ~ The Next Steps The Saginaw Intermediate School District is offering teachers in Saginaw and Midland counties the opportunity to meet up for a day to learn about Google Apps and Google Classroom with Meghan Daniel, M.Ed. Be sure to bring your laptop (iPads and tablets are not recommended as they limit the capabilities for Google Apps) as this will be a interactive event! A light breakfast and lunch will be provided, along with a $100 Stipend! LIMIT 100 PARTICIPANTS ~ Be sure to Register Early! When: Monday, June 15, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. (Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.) Where: Saginaw ISD—Transitions Center, 3860 Fashion Square Blvd., Saginaw, MI 48638

Featured presenter is Meghan Daniel, M.Ed. A self proclaimed tech geek and lover of learning, Meghan spent 8 years sharing her passions with Middle school students outside of Denver, CO. As both a science teacher and technology coordinator, Meghan worked hard to establish an environment that was rigorous, relevant and rich in relationships to engage the 21st Century Learners that she was privileged to teach. Recently relocating home to Michigan, Meghan is now leading learning for other educators, integrating her technology expertise with instructional experience in literacy and science. She has conducted many sessions on the use of Google Docs for educators, offering teachers and leaders practical strategies for collaboration and increased efficiency through technology. She has copresented on sessions on "The Highly Engaged Classroom" for teachers and leaders across the state of Michigan. Holding a B.S. in Zoology from Michigan State University and a Masters Degree in Secondary Education from Aquinas College, Meghan was able to combine her love of science and technology with literacy integration into science instruction during her graduate work. Meghan is a co-author of Kent ISD High School of Innovation Biology, Chemistry, and Physics curriculums, integrating Common Core Standards into their high school blended learning environment. She has also been accepted into the Google Glass Explorer program as a tester and innovator for using Google Glass in education.

Click here to Register

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