#BRESA Tech Tips

September 2024 - Welcome Back!

Pixel picture of apple trees and a computer

Ah Fall, the Season of Change

As the leaves begin to change and pumpkin spice emerges, we also welcome a season of change within our team. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Amy for her dedication and hard work at Berrien RESA. Her contributions have been invaluable, and will continue to impact the state for many years to come. Amy has accepted the job as Assistant Superintendent at St. Joseph Public Schools, which is a perfect role for someone with so many innovative ideas!

While change takes time, we are thrilled to welcome Megan Roth to our team! Megan brings a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives that we are excited to see in action. We look forward to the new ideas and energy she will bring to the county! Megan will officially begin with us on Oct. 16.

Look ahead to our upcoming events: (click the links to register)

Michigan CS Conference: October 4
Berrien EdTech Forward Conference: October 11
REMC Resource Extravaganza: October 17

Let’s embrace this season of change together and continue to show the amazing innovation that grows alongside the apples in our county!

John

Hello!

Hello everyone! I want to take a moment to introduce myself. My name is Megan Roth and I am so excited and anxious to get started as a Technology & Innovation Consultant this year! For the past 14 years, I have been an educator at Berrien Springs Public Schools, teaching preschool, kindergarten and elementary technology. I love learning about new, fun and innovative technology that can help me not only in the classroom, but also in my everyday life. Personally, I have two kids, and love to spend time with them and my husband, crafting, and reading a good mystery/thriller book.

I cannot wait to meet as many of you as I can. Feel free to reach out whenever you need support!

Megan

What topic is highest on your mind as we begin the new year?

AI

Assessments

Esports

Survival

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STEM Resources Check Out - MAJOR UPDATE

Time for a Change

Every year, we try to figure out more efficient methods for ensuring all of you have access to the amazing resources that we have here at REMC 11/Berrien RESA. In that process, we have identified a new platform which should make this WAY easier for everyone! The new platform is built to look like a storefront checkout and includes easy calendars for EACH item so you have accurate availability.

To check out items, you MUST sign up as a member on the new platform (only once). Additionally, a BIG CHANGE, items will only be delivered via REMC truck once per week OR you can come pick them up if needed sooner.

Visit the new platform today!

SWMI Esports

Seeking New Schools

SWMI Esports is proud to announce that we have partnered up with the Michigan High School Esports Federation (MiHSEF). Teams who participate in our league and win the championship will get an automatic bid into the state finals tournament! We are actively looking for new schools to join us for the 2024-2025 school year. The best time to start that process is RIGHT NOW! Establishing your group, setting expectations, and gathering materials takes time.

Contact John today if this is something you want to pursue!

MACUL Hires a New Executive Director

Tammy Maginity Hired to be Executive Director

We would like to extends our congrats to our dear friend Tammy Maginity on being named the new Executive Director of MACUL. Tammy has been an innovative voice in education for many years and we can't wait to see where she guides the organization moving forward!

EdTech Forward Conference - October 11

Register TODAY!

Berrien RESA will be offering a countywide professional learning event on Friday, October 11 at Lake Michigan College. The day will have a strong technology focus with many sessions geared toward helping educators navigate AI in Education. Specific content area sessions, whole-child and STEM focused learning will also be interwoven throughout the day.

We look forward to learning with you in October.

Click Here to Register

Click Here for More Info

The Latest Tech Tools

Padlet - The New Updates!

Padlet has a TON of new features including sandbox where you can upload your jamboards. You can upload Flip videos to it as well. It's nice of them to adapt their tool to encompass the loss of Flip and Jamboard.

Knowt

Continuing the trend of lost items, Quizlet may no longer be with us but entering the scene is Knowt. This great tool takes the features we loved from Quizlet and goes to the next level!

CTRL+ALT+ACHIEVE - Eric Curts Resources

If you haven't been introduced to Eric Curts, let this resource blow your mind! Eric is an amazing speaker and is extremely knowledgeable about all things AI. This link will send you to all of his resources that he shares nationwide. If you have some free time, take a look at just a few to catch up on the AI revolution.

Fall Professional Learning Opportunities

Prisms VR for Math & Science

Secondary math and science teachers--this is for you! Join us on Thursday, September 18 for a full day training designed to get you up and running with Prisms VR in your classroom. Participants will engage with the various math and science lesson modules, learn how to use the teacher dashboard, and have access to licenses for students. Registration will be live in Learning Stream in early August. This is a FREE workshop with SCECHs and lunch provided.

REMC Resource Extravaganza 2.0

Back by popular demand, REMC 11 will be hosting another REMC Resource Extravaganza on Thursday, October 17 in the morning followed by an afternoon deep dive into the Promoting STEM through Literature program. Participants can register for one or both sessions beginning in August via Learning Stream. Get ready for an action-packed day of learning where you can try out all of the resources available for check-out from Berrien RESA/REMC 11. SCECHs and lunch will be provided free of charge.

EdTech Forward

Join area experts as they share all the latest tools and trends in innovative practices in schools! This event is $35, which is an incredible value considering the quality of this event! Sign up today!

How can we help?

We would love to hear your suggestions on how we can best support you. Please complete this form if you have some ideas regarding content you would like to see in our newsletter or specific needs in your district. Also, please feel free to share this newsletter with others and if you are interested in subscribing, simply email info@berrienresa.org with the subject line "Tech Tips".

Finally, as always, feel free to contact John Phillips or Megan Roth directly for all of your educational technology needs.

The District shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, disability, military status, genetic information, or any other legally protected category in its programs and activities, including employment.