#BRESA Tech Tips
March 2025
Flowers are blooming and so is innovation in our county!
Spring break is almost here! Take some time to refresh and recharge so you are ready for the end-of-year sprint. Take a second to think about some of the amazing new AI tools that are continuing to be released on a daily basis. We have found The Neuron newsletter to be a great, SHORT, way to keep up on what's evolving daily. There is also The Rundown AI newsletter that is similar.
Stay calm and carry on!
John & Megan
Makedo Kits
We have so many great resources that are available to be checked out from REMC 11!
This month we are highlighting Makedo Kits! Creativity is one of the key things that we all want students to have, but we do not have unlimited glue or tape for them to use to make things. Use Makedo and upcycled cardboard to build anything your imagination desires. Tools include: fold roller, safe saw, scru-driver, scrus (plastic screws), and multi-tool that are all safe and easy for students to use at any age. Learn more about Makedo in the educational setting!
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!
Let the battles begin!
We are more than halfway through the season and Buchanan is leading in Valorant yet again this spring! In Rocket League, newcomer Otsego is sitting in first place. The end of the season is sure to bring a ton of excitement! Come see the finals on March 29 at Lake Michigan College.
Be sure to check out the standings.
Contact John today if you would like more information.
Teaching and Learning Conference
You are invited to attend the 22nd annual Andrews University Teaching and Learning Conference (AUTLC) on Thursday, March 27, 2025. Attend in-person or through the virtual event platform.
Keynote speaker Dr. Frederick Nwanganga is a professor at Notre Dame University and a dynamic leader and author in technology and education. Walk away with practical understandings of generative AI and timely applications within the education field.
The conference will feature research presentations, posters and best practice sessions from PreK-12 teachers, graduate and undergraduate education students, higher education faculty and other education professionals.
The conference, themed "Founded in Excellence, Forward in Innovation," will feature timely and relevant sessions on the following topics:
- Digital Teaching and Learning
- Content Area Teaching and Learning
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Faith Engagement
- Partnerships with Families and Communities
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Trauma-Informed Approaches
Conference attendance is free. Register now at the AUTLC website.
Plotting Plots
This website is for book lovers who like data. Whether you are an English teacher, professor, student, or run-of-the-mill bibliophile, Plotting Plots can help you explore ways to use data and technology to deepen the joy of reading. Play around with Plotting Plots today!
Khanmigo Writing Coach
Get more writing practice and less cheating-with AI on your team. Khan Academy Writing Coach is now available for FREE to teachers and their students! Get started with Writing Coach today!
Amazon Future Engineers
Take a virtual field trip to learn about Computer Science and careers that use it daily. Amazon Future Engineers provides free computer science curriculum and teacher training to schools. Each offering is standards-aligned, culturally responsive, and requires no prior coding experience. Anyone can teach these courses. Sign up today to help broaden access to careers in technology!
Fostering the 4Cs with Literacy and Technology Integration
Register for Fostering the 4Cs with Literacy and Technology Integration by April 3.
Maker-STEM Summit
Join us for the 6th annual Wayne RESA Maker-STEM Summit on Tuesday, May 6 at The Henry Ford where participants will engage in the maker mindset of “learning through doing” and will delve into ways to expand maker and STEM opportunities for students. Attendees will:
Connect with maker-minded educators
Engage in maker-centered challenges
Participate in hands-on activities
Explore maker-centered technologies
Attend interactive breakout sessions
AI Assistance in Education: Personalizing Learning for Inclusive Classrooms
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.
The District shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, disability, military status, genetic information, or any other legally protected category in its programs and activities, including employment.