#BRESA Tech Tips
January-February 2023
Welcome to 2023!
A busy season in the EdTech world is underway with conferences, esports, chat bots and other fun innovations. As such, we are combining #BRESA Tech Tips for the months of January and February. John and Amy have already been in several districts and classrooms this month and look forward to many more yet this school year. If something below catches your interest or you would like to collaborate with us, please reach out. Happy New Year to all of you!
News Literacy Week
We wanted to remind you that you don't have to compete to be involved with the league! We are always looking for schools who may be interested in exploring careers around esports. The North America Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF) offers many options for all schools to be involved including elementary schools! Check out NASEF Farmcraft as one example.
Discussions and debates are everywhere regarding this AI chat bot and how it will impact teaching and learning. We have listed a few articles and resources on the topic and realize more are being written daily. Please reach out to John or Amy if you would like to have a conversation about Chat GPT in education or if you have other helpful resources to share. We imagine this topic will continue to be highlighted in future newsletters, and we look forward to learning and sharing more with you.
ChatGPT Through an Education Lens: Curation of resources about Chat GPT
Video Chat about Chat GPT: From MACUL Tech for Tomorrow Learning Area
Chat GPT Terms of Use: Helpful when thinking about use in K-12 Education
GPT Zero: National Public Radio article about app that checks for use of Chat GPT
AI & Chat GPT in Edu: Slide deck that explains AI, Chat GPT and potential uses in education
Rewordify
This free tool allows you and your students to simplify the language on any website or from any text! It also creates word work activities to go along with ANY text. You can create student accounts to track reading time and allow students to do word work that you can follow. Access the first-time user guide and check out the information in the Educator Central Overview to get started.
Influenc'd
How many of your students have told you that they want to be an influencer? This amazing simulation from Next Gen Personal Finance allows students to simulate what it takes to run the business and growth side of being an influencer. The concepts in the game are definitely thought provoking and should be a good launch spot for conversations. Access the companion document here to help facilitate the simulation.
Adobe Express
Adobe is offering a free graphic design tool that allows you to create flyers, logos, banners, etc. with easy to use editing tools. Some of the free features include background removal for photos, video conversions and edits, and various file conversion tools.
For a fun and simple project, try their new Beta tool, Animate from Audio, to bring a character or icon to life by recording your own voice.
Student Technology Showcase Participants
Students at Brown Elementary School in St. Joseph recently participated in the MACUL 2022 Student Technology Showcase. Thank you to kindergarten teacher, Alyssa Lear, and 4th grade teacher, Cody Saroni, for sharing your students' creativity and innovation. This event is held every December in Lansing. We would love to see more students and schools from Southwest Michigan at the showcase next year. Check out the highlight video below for some inspiration.
One of the largest Ed Tech conferences in the nation, The Future of Education Conference (FETC), happened this week in New Orleans! Be sure to follow #fetc and watch the @fetc channel to keep up to date on the learning that was shared this week, as well as attendees reflections post-conference.
Another notable Ed Tech conference, TCEA, begins this Sunday in San Antonio. Follow @adirlam who is attending and will be sharing via @TCEA #TCEA23 .
Registration is now open for the 2023 MACUL Conference to be held on March 16 and 17 at Huntington Place in Detroit. Visit maculconference.org for more information, including pre-conference workshops held on March 15 and a virtual track option.
Interested in instructional coaching AND attending MACUL? Check out this MACUL Coaching Certification opportunity that includes conference registration.
February courses begin Monday, February 6th. Register by Thursday, February 2nd.
March courses begin Monday, March 6th with registration closing on Thursday, March 2nd.
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.
NEW ITEMS ADDED:
- Math/Tech Kits for Algebra Performance Tasks (Contact Amy Dirlam or Amanda Veldman for more information)
- Linear Regression CCSS and Barbie Performance Task
- Families of Functions CCSS and Breakout Room Performance Task
- Systems of Equations CCSS and Car Crash Performance Task
- Exponential Equations CCSS and Prisms VR Performance Task
- Quadratic Equations CCSS and Catapult Performance Task
- Sphero Indi Education Robot Class Pack
- Sphero Bolt Power Pack
Visit our REMC Resource Webpage to learn more about the items that are available. To check out a resource, please complete the resource checkout form.
We have lesson plans to share if you aren't sure where to begin. We would love to come and help you do an activity with your students or staff. Email John or Amy to set up a time.
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 Amy Dirlam directly for all of your educational technology needs.
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