CONNECTING EDUCATORS

Bring digital design to life for your students with the free Intro to 3D Printing & Design for Educators blended learning course! Learn Tinkercad at your own pace through 4 online modules and connect with local peers during a 1-hour in-person session.

• Virtual Sessions: October 26 – November 23, 2026 (4 online modules)

• In-Person Session: One 1-hour after-school session (held between November 23 and December 11)

• Cost: Free

• Continuing Education: Earn 5 free SCECHs

• Register for Intro to 3D Printing & Design

Ready to integrate AI into your teaching? Join us for a free, hands-on workshop to master Google Gemini tools and prep for the Gemini Certified Educator exam.

• When: Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

• Where: KEC Building, 6700 Browns Lake Rd, Jackson, MI

• Cost: Free (Earn 3.75 SCECHs)

• Register for the Gemini Educator Workshop

REMC 15 is offering financial assistance to support local educators who would otherwise be unable to attend.

What’s Included:

• Full conference registration (Thursday & Friday, March 18–19)

• Two nights of hotel accommodations (Wednesday & Thursday nights)

• Valet parking

Requirements & Details:

• Application Deadline: November 15, 2026

• Selection Date: December 2026

• Apply for the 2027 REMC/MACUL Scholarship

We’ve all done it...click a link, then immediately realize something isn't right. Don't worry! Our IT department is a 100% judgment-free zone, and we are here to help keep our network safe.

If you click a suspicious link or attachment:

• Report it right away: Call IT or submit a tech ticket ASAP. After hours, notify your district tech coordinator or school admin.

• Share key details: Tell us the email subject line, a short description, and what action you took.

• Do NOT forward: Keep the email in your inbox and only forward it if a tech team member asks you to.

Quick reporting keeps everyone secure. When in doubt, reach out!

Service Desk phone number: 517-768-5299 or Submit a Tech Ticket via the Support Portal

Save time on software requests! Before submitting a ticket or searching online, check the new Approved Applications List in the TicketTech Knowledge Base to see pre-approved software by district.

How to Find It

1. Go to the Knowledge Base section.

2. Select Software and Applications.

3. Click on Approved Applications List.

Alternatively, you can access the list directly using this link:

Approved Applications List

1. Generic Placeholder Text: The email listed the company as [Company] instead of naming your actual organization. Legitimate, automated notifications from DocuSign pull dynamic data to populate your employer or company name accurately.
2. Suspicious Subject Lines: The subject line starts with [EXTERNAL] [Test], indicating it is an outside email, rather than an internal message.
3. Generic Sender Information: The sender is listed as a vague "Human Resources" rather than a specific contact or department lead from your organization.
4. Mismatched / Unrecognized Domain: While the sender email address (docusign-security@mail-donotreply.com) attempts to look authentic, legitimate DocuSign signing requests typically originate directly from docusign.net.

• Need technical assistance? You can easily request help at any time by submitting a new request through our Support Ticket portal.

Elementary teachers, supporting differentiated reading instruction just got easier! With Read Along in Google Classroom, educators can build custom reading assignments and track student growth with actionable insights.

Key Features for Teachers:

• Flexible Reading Modes: Assign books tailored to learning goals using Read Aloud (for full tutor support, accuracy, and words-per-minute data), Silent Reading, or Listening mode.

• Custom Content Creation: Effortlessly create content for Read Along in Classroom or filter available texts by target Lexile levels, grade levels, decodable book options, and language support for English learners.

• Comprehensive Analytics: Check student progress using automated comprehension scores and detailed phonics analytics.

Explore how to learn about Read Along reading modes to find the right setup for your next lesson!

Google Workspace has rolled out an integration between Google Vids and Google Slides, allowing educators and students to record presentation videos without leaving their slides.

• Easy Recording: Record your screen, audio-only, or present in Picture-in-Picture mode with your camera enabled.

• Custom Control: Choose your preferred input devices and apply visual effects before hitting record.

• Streamlined Editing: Edit recordings in Google Vids to trim transcripts and customize video content easily.

Google Calendar has introduced a direct user-blocking feature to stop calendar spam and unsolicited invitations.

Key Takeaways:

• Block & Remove: Blocking someone in Calendar automatically removes their current event from your schedule and blocks future invites.

• Account-Wide Protection: Blocking a user in Calendar adds them to your Google account-wide blocklist across all supported Google products (and vice versa).

• Non-Google Users: To block spam invites from non-Google accounts, use Gmail's blocking feature to stop emails that generate calendar events.

Learn more about this update on the Google Workspace Updates Blog.

Managing dozens of open browser tabs during class just got a lot easier! Google Chrome now offers Vertical Tabs, moving your tab strip from the top of your screen to the left sidebar.

Why you may love it:

• Read full titles: Easily identify every open resource, document, or slide deck without guessing.

• Organize groups: Expand or collapse tab groups with a single click to keep lesson materials neatly sorted.

• Maximize screen space: Free up vertical space on your display for better viewing while teaching or planning.

How to try it:

1. Right-click anywhere on your top tab bar.

2. Select Show tabs vertically from the menu.

3. Want to change back? Right-click anywhere on the vertical tab panel (the sidebar on the left where your open tabs are listed). Click Show tabs top (or uncheck Show tabs vertically).

Looking for immersive virtual field trips? Discover the United Parks of America Project on Google Arts & Culture. Access thousands of photos, videos, and interactive 360° tours covering everything from the Grand Canyon to Independence Hall - all free for classroom use.

Start Exploring Virtual Parks Today

Educators can instantly generate tiered exit tickets tailored to multiple learning levels, such as recall, application, and analysis.

Try this prompt in Gemini:

"Act as a middle school science teacher. Write three exit ticket questions on photosynthesis for a 7th-grade class: one recall, one application, and one analysis-level question. Keep the language student-friendly and age-appropriate."

Once the exit tickets are generated, click the three horizontal dots just below Gemini's response and select "Export to Docs" to open the response in a new Google Doc.

Here is how we can guide our students toward responsible, smart AI use:

• Build foundational understanding: Help students gain a clear, basic grasp of how AI tools actually work so expectations are rooted in facts and confidence.

• Guide as trusted advisors: Show students how to use AI ethically as a thought partner, study buddy, or brainstorming assistant to enhance their own creativity.

• Set crystal-clear guidelines: Provide constructive, specific examples of when and how AI supports learning so students feel confident navigating its use.

• Focus on the process: Celebrate how students reach their final product, keeping critical thinking, self-reflection, and human insight at the center of learning.

Looking for fresh ways to boost student engagement and visual thinking?

A new article from Ditch That Textbook explores how tools like Brisk Boost Whiteboard bring interactive digital canvases to life with built-in AI support.

Key Features for Teachers:

• Real-time Insights: Monitor student thinking across the class as they sketch and diagram.

• Student Self-Correction: Built-in "Check Work" and "Get Help" buttons coach students without giving away the answer.

• Versatile Activities: Use for graphic organizers, visual storytelling, data graphing, or interactive storyboards.

Read the full article on Ditch That Textbook

Our VR headsets available for checkout in the Maker STEAM Lending Library can bring places and concepts to life by giving students immersive experiences beyond the classroom.

Recently, students at Concord used the Wander app to virtually explore different locations around the world, giving them a firsthand look at places they were learning about.

Ideas for the classroom:

• Social Studies: Explore countries, landmarks, historical sites, and different cultures.
• Science: Visit geographic features, ecosystems, and environments from around the world.
• Immersive Learning: Give students a stronger sense of place and scale than pictures or videos alone can provide.

*VR is available to students age 10+ with additional restrictions depending on the app being used.

Get your 4th graders outdoors this fall with the Nature Awaits program!

• Cost: FREE admission for students.

• Transportation: Reimbursement available for public and charter schools.

• Curriculum Alignment: Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, and Language Arts.

• Bonus: Includes pre- and post-visit lessons, classroom resources, and a Junior Ranger Guidebook for every student.

Choose your preferred date, time, and state park to reserve your spot.

How to Register or Get Support:

• Email: DNR-NatureAwaits@Michigan.gov

• Phone: Call 1-833-660-6300

A podcast series that invites adults and kids to talk about the issues that matter most in kids' digital lives.

Like a verbal game, each two-minute (or less) episode features an adult-child pair using prompts like "Never have I ever…" or "Who's the most likely to…" to chat about a variety of thought-provoking topics in a fun and light way that kids and adults will love! What's more, all of these topics come straight from our popular, research-backed Digital Literacy & Well-Being Curriculum for schools.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4KklguVIAs&list=PL8TjVyuBdsClO3XIXN_jqsPcKFzyc-emY

Navigating a new school system can be challenging for non-English speaking families. MACUL and GoOpen Michigan have featured a collection of free, short videos translated into multiple languages to help multilingual families understand common U.S. school topics, policies, and expectations.

• What's included: Short, accessible videos covering key U.S. school topics in several primary languages.

• How to use it: Share the link or QR code directly with families during registration, open houses, or back-to-school nights.

Access the Multilingual Video Series

Keep your momentum going this fall with free, flexible professional learning from REMC!

These 3-week online courses take about 10 hours to complete, offer mostly asynchronous learning, and include live support sessions to keep you connected. Plus, all courses and SCECH fees are completely free through REMC SAVE vendor partners.

• Key Date: Register by Wednesday, October 28. Courses start Monday, November 2.

• Topics Include: Universal Design for Learning & AI, Google Workspace, Project-Based Learning, Game-Based Learning, Media Creation, and more.

Browse Available Courses and Register Today

While registration is not yet open for the annual MACUL Conference in Detroit, you can request approval from your district now.

To submit your request through your district's proper channels:

• Download the MACUL Conference Justification Letter (DOCX) to explain how attending benefits your teaching practice and district.

• Access the MACUL Funding Cost Calculator (XLSX) for central office staff to help write conference expenses into a grant.

Act now to reserve your spot for the March 2027 MACUL Conference!

REMC has partnered with MACUL to offer $1,000 in support for non-sponsored teams participating in the 2026 Student Technology Showcase! These funds can help cover key expenses like student transportation, substitute teacher costs, and project materials. Encourage your students to showcase their innovative tech work on the big stage!

• Event Date: Wednesday, December 2, 2026

• Location: Heritage Hall at the Michigan State Capitol

• Application Deadline: October 26, 2026

• Apply for the Student Technology Showcase Team Grant

Looking for quick, practical ways to make your digital materials accessible to every learner?

The REMC Association of Michigan is offering Practical Digital ADA for Administrative Staff & Educators, a series of bite-sized, 30-minute virtual webinars designed to demystify digital accessibility.

What You’ll Learn:

• Websites: Why digital ADA matters and best practices for site accessibility.

• Slidedecks: Simple tweaks for Google Slides and Microsoft PowerPoint.

• Documents: Easy steps to make Google Docs and Word documents accessible.

Session Details:

• Format: 30-minute virtual webinars (Morning & Afternoon options available)

• Location: Online / Virtual

Small daily habits create massive accessibility wins for your entire school community. Check out the full schedule and register today on the REMC Event Details page.

October is AAC Awareness Month, making it the ideal time for school districts and families to purchase essential augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) apps at significantly discounted rates.

• Explore the AAC Awareness Month Discount Guide to see the full list of sale prices, dates, and featured apps to share with your team and parents.

Bridge the gap between assistive and instructional technology to build a more equitable classroom. Join statewide presenter Beth Poss (Inclusive Learning 365) for Inclusive Tech Together (ITT)—a free, year-long coaching journey designed for K–12 educators and specialists.

📅 Program Schedule

• Part 1 (Virtual): November 12, 2026 | 9:00–11:00 AM or 4:00–6:00 PM

• Part 2 (In-Person Regional Learning Day): February 8, 2027 | 8:30 AM–3:30 PM

• Part 3 (Virtual): April 20, 2027 | 9:00–11:00 AM or 4:00–6:00 PM

Choose your preferred regional location for Part 2 when you register!

Register for Inclusive Tech Together on Wisdomwhere

Looking to expand your classroom’s Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools?

Tobii Dynavox now offers TD Snap for Schools, a free program giving educators access to a professional TD Snap license, downloadable classroom resources, and supportive team tools.

• Get Started: Register for TD Snap for Schools

• Learn More: Explore the TD Snap Learning Hub

Need help setting up or integrating AAC in your classroom? Reach out to the Assistive Technology Department anytime!

Disclaimer: Information and resources shared in this newsletter are for informational purposes only and do not constitute endorsement. While we strive for accuracy, it's always a good idea to verify details, especially those related to specific systems or processes, by submitting a support ticket or contacting the technology department. Please use discretion when implementing suggestions.

Email:

• Kellie DeLosSantos
• Paul Smith
• Jeanelle Wonders

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