Wayne RESA EdTech Updates
January 31st, 2024

September 2024
MiSTEM Collaboratives Website Launched
The recently launched MiSTEM Collaboratives website offers educators valuable resources, professional development opportunities, and guidance to enhance STEM instruction.
MiSTEM Collaboratives also fosters partnerships between schools, local businesses, and community organizations to provide students with hands-on learning experiences. Their mission is to boost student engagement in STEM, nurturing critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills essential for today’s workforce. Aligned with Michigan’s broader educational goals, the initiative seeks to bridge gaps in STEM education and promote equitable access statewide.
Call for Speakers-MACUL
The MACUL Conference will be held in Detroit this year, March 19-21, 2025, at Huntington Place and the call for speakers has opened if you'd like to share how you're integrating technology is your classroom. The application window closes on October 1st. If your proposal is selected, you will receive a discount on your conference registration. Apply Today
MACUL Certified Coach Program
The MACUL Certified Coach program is a 5 month cohort-style learning experience for instructional and technology coaches at all stages of their coaching career. For more information, go to MACUL’s Event Page or take a look at the Syllabus. Starts September 18th! Register Today. Registration includes a MACUL Conference Registration for Thursday and Friday, March 20 and 21, 2025, in Detroit
Unlock Creativity and Problem-Solving with Computational Thinking
Join us for PL in a Box! In this unique approach to professional learning, you will receive all the materials you’ll need delivered right to your doorstep (books, maker supplies, coding equipment, and a few surprises)!
Computational thinking is a fundamental skill that equips students with problem-solving abilities and nurtures their creativity, critical thinking, and logical reasoning. Join us as we delve into the benefits of teaching computational thinking to young minds. Through hands-on activities, we will explore practical strategies to integrate computational thinking concepts into existing curricula and why it's crucial for elementary teachers to embrace this innovative approach. Register Today
How will we respond to the AI revolution?
Date: November 5, 2024
Audience: Secondary Educators • Individuals and Teams Welcome
Time: 8:30-11:30 AM OR 12:30-3:30 PM
Cost: $25
Newsela Certified Educator Workshop
Join us for a live version of the Newsela Certified Educator Course, a unique opportunity to enhance your teaching skills and provide the best possible learning experiences for your students. You’ll learn best practices for Newsela to engage students and drive outcomes in your classroom.
Everyone is welcome whether you are an experienced user or just learning about Newsela for the first time. Participants will walk away with a certificate of completion, a badge you can use on social platforms, and an opportunity to try our products free for a limited time.
If you want to deepen your understanding of Newsela and explore how to use the instructional content platform to practice literacy skills, build background knowledge, and include diverse perspectives in your classroom, this workshop is for you!
Date: September 24, 2024
Time: 1:00-4:00 PM
Cost: No cost to attend. Lunch will be provided!
CSforMichigan
The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) and the CS for Michigan Collaborative is partnering with the Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning (MACUL) to continue efforts in bringing a unique learning opportunity to connect statewide work in the areas of Computer Science, including the implementation of the K-12 CS Standards and many other technology-driven initiatives. CSforMichigan will be hosting two days of focused learning, networking and in person tinkering on all things Computer Science on October 3-4, 2024. Register Today
MI OER Conference 2024
The Michigan OER (MI-OER) Network serves as a collective voice for the community to encourage the development and use of Open Education Resources (OER) for educational, instructional, and public information purposes. Join fellow OER advocates and practitioners on September 20th for Framing Open: The ART of Open Education, the 2024 MI OER conference. Register Today
Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI
Join us for a collaborative book study to read and discuss Co-Intelligence by professor and AI expert Ethan Mollick. We will meet virtually for three sessions:
- December 4
- January 8
- February 19
We will reflect and discuss insights into the evolving landscape of education in our AI-driven world. Let's come together to explore the future of human learning in this exciting age of technological marvels. Register Today
AI in Education
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing education by providing personalized learning experiences, automating administrative tasks, and offering innovative teaching tools. Educators and students need to learn about AI and how to collaborate with AI as thought partners, which can enhance the learning experience. In doing so, they also need to consider data privacy, potential biases in AI systems, and maintaining the human element in education. Embracing AI in education not only prepares students for a tech-driven future but also challenges us to rethink the very nature of learning and teaching. Check out resa.net/ai4ed for a plethora of resources.
Collect eSignatures with Google Docs
With EDU Plus, Google’s premium workspace tier allows you to request electronic signatures on documents without having to download the file as a PDF and electronically sign with a different application. John Sowash explains how to collect esignatures with Google Docs in a recent blog post and the video below.
Digital Citizenship Lessons
Help your students become healthy digital citizens with ISTE+ASCD's new Digital Citizenship Lessons! Each of the five Digital Citizenship competencies is explored through learning activities tailored for different grade levels, ensuring that students of all ages can develop the skills and knowledge necessary to grow and thrive as digital citizens.
Practical Differentiated Instruction
Explore the instructional strategies that support diverse learners. Learn the six elements of differentiation and common language for implementing practical differentiation. Impact student success! Starts September 9th. Register Today
OER: The What, Why, and How of Open Educational Resources
Open Educational Resources (OER) are free, openly licensed, quality tools you can retain, reuse, revise & redistribute for educational purposes. Create a lesson, unit or project that uses an OER to enhance student learning in this course. Starts September 9th. Register Today
REMC SAVE
Want to save time and money? Get all the details and step-by-step directions with REMC SAVE’s new video. Ensuring high quality items while meeting state bidding requirements has never been easier. Take a peek and share with your purchasing departments!
MI Streamnet
YouTube ads creating havoc in your classroom? MI Streamnet may be ideal for all your video needs. This resource is great for staff and students to access enriched & enhanced educational experiences without ads or interruptions. Check it out!
Books and Maker Materials
Wayne RESA offers two collections of books that are available for Wayne County educators to check out and use with students. The first is a collection of artificial intelligence (AI) books designed for students, introducing them to AI by breaking down complex concepts into accessible, age-appropriate language. The second collection features all titles from the REMC Promoting STEM Through Literature series.
Additionally, Wayne RESA provides a collection of Maker-STEM materials available for loan to educators in Wayne County. To learn more about these materials and access the loan request form, visit allthingsmaking.com.
Contact Judy Bowling at bowlinj@resa.net if you need additional information.
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Contact Information
Judy Bowling • Instructional Technology and Library Consultant • bowlinj@resa.net
Laura Gabrion • Literacy Consultant • gabriol@resa.net
Matt Smoot • Learning, Innovation, and Technology Consultant • smootm@resa.net

