#BRESA Tech Tips

As summer break approaches, we want to take a moment to congratulate your hard work and dedication throughout 2022-2023. You have invested your time and energy in changing kids' lives, and now it's time to recharge, rejuvenate and hit the beach!

Summer break is a perfect time for you to rest and replenish for your own mental and physical well-being. It's essential to take time for yourself, do things that bring you joy, and hang out with your loved ones. Remember, by taking care of yourself, you'll be better equipped to inspire your students when school starts in the fall.

Summer break can also be a time for innovation and personal growth. It provides a chance to explore new teaching techniques, discover new resources, and experiment with innovative technologies. Carve out time to explore tools or ideas that you have been putting off.

Take some time to explore new apps, online platforms, and digital resources that align with your teaching. Consider attending PD workshops or online courses, such as the FREE courses run by REMC, that focus on effectively integrating technology.

Summer break also offers a chance to connect with fellow educators. Check out your favorite social media platform to engage in discussions and collaborations. There are also free and paid online education conferences that provide spaces for you to connect with like-minded professionals who can inspire and support you. We have listed a few ideas in this newsletter.

Remember, summer break is indeed a break! It's a time for self-care, reflection, innovation and exploring technology. Take this opportunity to rejuvenate yourself, explore new teaching ideas, and recharge your batteries. Rather than dreading that August will come, live in the moment and know that we are always here to support you.

Thank you for all that you do,

John & Amy

Berrien RESA was recently awarded a Computer Science Implementation grant from the Michigan Department of Education. The spirit of this grant is to help local districts identify and develop Computer Science pathways and experiences for K-12 students. Throughout the 2023-24 school year, there will be opportunities for educators to learn more about Computer Science and how it can be easily implemented in classrooms. A fall kick-off event is being planned for October 3 and a county cohort will be formed to collaborate and learn throughout the year. Someone from the Technology & Innovation team will be reaching out to local districts with more information this summer. In the meantime, if you are interested in participating in this cohort, please reach out to Amy or John.

The esports movement in Michigan is really gaining speed as the REMC Association just approved a new program which is putting 10 Nintendo Switch devices in all 28 REMC centers! The Switches are being supported as a method to easily kick-off esports activities and finding ways to integrate esports into your curriculum. As part of this project, Berrien RESA will add those 10 new devices to our existing 10 devices, which gives us 20 Nintendo Switches that can be checked-out!

With that said, Berrien RESA is part of the lead team for this program. John is serving as a Project Manager. In this role, he will be offering Esports Academy training sessions around the state over the summer and into the fall. If you find yourself in any of the following locations, please feel free to register for this FREE training:

• August 11, 2023 from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Saginaw ISD
• September 7, 2023 from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Macomb ISD
• September 14, 2023 from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Marquette-Alger ISD
• October 5, 2023 from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Kent ISD

Those are the confirmed dates as of now, but more will be added, including an online training!

Professional learning around AI in Education is becoming more and more prevalent, which will continue to be helpful as we navigate this evolving technological landscape. We hope the resources shared in previous newsletters have been helpful and encourage you to continue to follow them. If you are looking for a deeper dive, here are a few summer learning opportunities specific to AI.

• Ongoing/Virtual Free Generative AI Coursework from Google
• July 27: AI for Educators Virtual Conference
• August 16: AI: The Future of Education with Matt Miller
• August 22: BRESA Countywide PD Day at St. Joseph High School
  (Afternoon breakout session on AI in Education)

Join us this summer for three different coffee chats that will be happening around the county from 9-10 a.m. each time. Please stop by for a complimentary beverage and great conversation around all things school libraries, STEM, and maker-centered learning. We hope to see you this summer!

☕ June 20: Mason Jar Cafe, Benton Harbor

☕ July 11: 2nd & Main Coffeehouse, Niles

☕ August 8: Full Circle Cafe, Stevensville

Have an idea for implementing technology in your classroom? MACUL grants are OPEN and accepting applications until Friday, June 16. Educators can apply for up to $1,000 for the effective and innovative use of technology in the classroom. Learn more and apply today.

The Technology Services Department at Berrien RESA has a variety of STEM resources, equipment and materials you can check out for use in your classroom. Visit our REMC Resource Webpage to learn more about the items that are available.

Mark your calendars for October 12. We will be hosting a Resource PD Showcase to help area educators learn more about all of the items available for checkout. Registration and more information will be available in the August/Back-to-School newsletter.

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