#BRESA Tech Tips
April 2025
Flowers are Blooming and so is Innovation in our County!
We hope that Spring Break gave you time to reset and prepare mentally, physically, and emotionally for the last stretch of the school year. This time of year is busy with testing, wrapping up learning units and finishing projects in the classroom. Be sure that make the most of your time with your students before the last day of school! Need some fun hands-on activities to do with them? Check out our Resource Library to find fun things to do during the school day!
John & Megan
Micro:bit
We have so many great resources that are available to be checked out from REMC 11!
This month we are highlighting Micro:bits. The BBC micro:bit is a pocket-sized computer that introduces you to how software and hardware work together and is designed to enable children to get engaged and creative with technology and coding. Students can code lights, sounds, and more all on their device and see it work in real life using the micro:bit. Check out what you can do with micro:bit today!
To check out items, you MUST sign up as a member on the new platform (only once). Additionally, items will only be delivered via REMC truck once per week OR you can come pick them up if needed sooner. Visit the platform today!
Buchanan and Lawton Take Home the Titles
After an exciting day of esports amazingness, the Buchanan Bucks and the Lawton Blue Devils rose to the top. While Buchanan has a history of dominance, this is the first title for Lawton. Thank you to all of the teams for the exciting season this spring, and we can't wait to see what happens in the fall!
Contact John today if you would like more information.
Artificial Intelligence is becoming more prevalent in conversations, and understanding how it can be leveraged, managed, and discussed in education is just part of the equation. Discussing and understanding what AI is, its impact, how it can be used in the education setting, and ways to use it for student engagement and learning is key to building one's knowledge base and harnessing AI tools' power.
The full agenda is now available! View the complete AI Summit agenda here and secure your spot today.
Join us for an evening of professional learning where you'll network with other educators interested in exploring AI applications in education. Dive deeper into specific topics and concepts while enjoying a provided dinner and an inspiring keynote presentation. This year, we're pleased to welcome Nadine Gilkison and her high school-aged daughter, who will share their personal journey of using AI as a supportive tool for dyslexia.
Throughout the evening, Summit participants will explore AI topics such as:
- Relationships: The positive connections between students and staff in a school setting through AI use.
- Student-Centered Learning: How student interests and needs can drive learning experiences that incorporate AI.
- Climate/Environment: The overall feeling or mood of a school or classroom, encompassing elements of safety, comfort, and conduciveness to learning with AI as a tool to support structures.
- Instructional Moves: The pedagogical choices teachers make to support student learning with AI as a guide on the side.
- Asset-Driven Teaching: Creating learning environments that respect and value students' backgrounds and lived experiences, using AI to support diverse needs.
Don't wait to register! Many participants have been waiting for the agenda details - now that it's available, spots will fill quickly. View the agenda and register now.
Adobe Express Voice Animator
Make an animated character, for free, from your voice using Adobe Express. It will create character movement with hands, arms, head, eye blinks, etc., based on the recording and inflection in your voice! Download your animation as a video to share wherever. Maybe hearing what your teaching from a character will get the students' attention! Start creating today!
Check out an example Megan made by clicking on the picture!
GenType
GenType is an “AI experiment” by Google that allows users create custom alphabets based on their own themed descriptions and prompts.
It's a fun, creative tool that can be used for design projects, classroom activities, or even just as a quick brain break! Try out GenType today!
Bulk Create in Canva!
Need to create a lot of certificates at once? Check out Canva’s wide selection of certificate templates and ability to bulk create certificates to include the specific text!
Creating Bulk Certificates:
In Canva, open the certificate you created
From the left panel, select Apps and then Bulk create
Add bulk information manually or upload a CSV
Connect data to your elements in the certificate
Generate Certificates
Power Up: Digital Leaders
Learn about resources and practice with job-embedded exercises to extend your and your students’ digital citizenship. Explore how you can extend this impact beyond the classroom by moving beyond digital citizenship to a digital leader in your school and community, and encourage your students to do so as well. Register by May 1!
TeacherCon
July 28-August 1, 2025
Scholarships available!
The CSforMichigan Collaborative welcomes teachers to various CS workshops at TeacherCon. Come join us this summer for engaging discussions with great learning! It is sure to be one of the best professional development experiences you have ever had.
Whether you are new to teaching computer science (CS) or have previous experience, our Professional Learning Programs prepare you to teach with confidence and offers year-round support. No computer science experience is needed! The professional learning series will allow you to explore the curriculum with learning tools, practice new teaching strategies, discuss classroom management, and be a part of a community of teachers.
Design, Engage, Transform with Canva
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.
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