#BRESA Tech Tips
May 2023
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! We hope you had a wonderful week and are ready for a strong finish. It's hard to believe we are so close to the end of the year. As you will see below, plans are underway for summer professional development opportunities, including the countywide event that will be held on August 22. Please consider joining us for the day. In addition to the powerful keynote, Berrien RESA will be offering several engaging breakout sessions. The Technology & Innovation team will be facilitating the following sessions that afternoon:
- Google Data Studio: Transforming Data into Information
- Technology Performance Tasks to Support Mathematics
- Back to School with Google EDU
- Demystifying AI in Education
- Innovation and Engagement Strategies for the Classroom
- Anyone Can Create with Canva
More information can be found below, as well as a registration link. We hope to see you there in August. Have a wonderful rest of May and look for one more newsletter to come your way in early June.
Spring Finals Recap
The SWMI esports world was rocked with an exhilarating weekend of competition on April 15 as the Buchanan Bucks and Lawton Blue Devils claimed titles in Valorant and Rocket League, respectively. In an intense match, the Buchanan Bucks reigned supreme and reclaimed their title in Valorant. Their teamwork and strategic gameplay kept them ahead of the competition and left their opponents struggling to catch up.
Over in the Rocket League arena, Lawton claimed their first-ever title in the game. The team displayed exceptional coordination and skill, overwhelming their opponents and securing their win in a quick and decisive manner. The Lawton players were overjoyed as they lifted the title belt.
When asked about their triumph, both teams credited their hard work and dedication to their craft. Lawton's captain added, "We believed in each other and trusted our strategies. It feels incredible to hold the title in our hands."
Players from around the league sent congratulatory messages to both teams, lauding their achievements and expressing their excitement for future tournaments. As the SWMI esports community looks forward to more competitions, the Buchanan Bucks and Lawton Blue Devils stand as shining examples of perseverance, teamwork, and excellence in gaming.
Wisdolia - Flash Cards from Any YouTube, PDF, or Article
This chrome extension allows you to create flash cards on the content of any PDF file, YouTube video, or article on the web. When working with students, this will allow you to generate some guiding questions to drive learning with your kids.
Conker.ai - Quick Accurate Quiz Creator
Need a quick quiz on a topic you are teaching? How about a check point/formative assessment piece? This tool will generate 10-12 questions for you almost instantly and give them to you in a way you can quickly share with your students. You are even able to edit the questions after you generate your initial prompts.
Google AI Experiments - Constantly Updated
Surprise, but not really! Google is constantly evolving new AI experiments that are fun to explore to see where the technology is headed. Everything from Shadow Puppets to whale songs to conducting an orchestra are experiences that are available in the lab right now! Go check this out to see how its evolving.
On April 26, a small but mighty group of school library media specialists met virtually to celebrate School Library Month. The team discussed library programming, STEM/Maker activities, and reading promotion. The new Promoting STEM through Literature titles were shared, and three lucky participants will be receiving one of the books to add to their collections.
Plans for future collaborations were also made. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, May 25, which will be our next virtual connection from 4-4:30 p.m.. Surprises for all those in attendance--come help plan in-person meeting dates for next school year! Please sign up to be on our mailing list for future events and information if you haven't already done so.
Also, join us this summer for three different coffee chats that will be happening around the county from 9-10 a.m. each time. Please stop by for a complimentary beverage and great conversation around all things school libraries, STEM, and maker-centered learning. We hope to see you this summer.
☕ June 20: Mason Jar Cafe, Benton Harbor
☕ July 11: 2nd & Main Coffeehouse, Niles
☕ August 8: Full Circle Cafe, Stevensville
Have an idea for implementing technology in your classroom? MACUL grants are OPEN and accepting applications until Friday, June 16. Educators can apply for up to $1,000 for the effective and innovative use of technology in the classroom. Learn more and apply today.
Day of A.I.
We have shared this one before, but given that the official Day of A.I. is on May 18, we wanted to make sure to share again. Check out this resource from MIT that now includes lessons specific to ChatGPT in schools. This FREE curriculum offers lessons designed for all grade levels and audiences.
To get full access to curriculum materials and to see what other educators are doing with A.I., be sure to register on the Day of AI website and follow @MIT_Raise on Instagram.
Journey North
This amazing resource is a place for you and your students to track the migration of migratory animals and insects such as Monarch butterflies and hummingbirds!
In addition, students can report sightings to this site to update the migration progress. This site is constantly updated so it is very cool for kids to see the migration in real time!
The Noun Project
The Noun Project is a fabulous resource for finding icons that you can use in your classroom. Think of this as clip art on steroids! If you do anything with 3D printing, laser cutting/engraving, Cricut or anything similar, this is an invaluable tool for you to use.
While most of The Noun Project is free, they do have a paid side that opens up a TON of more options. They offer special educator pricing which can be found here. Canva also recently partnered with The Noun Project to integrate their content directly inside Canva!
CS Outdoor PD
Join area STEM educators for a fun day of learning and exploring on June 27th at Sarett Nature Center. Participants will engage in Computer Science activities, as well as several outdoor STEM & Maker projects designed to be adapted and brought back to classrooms in the fall.
Space is limited, so register soon for this FREE event that includes lunch and an educator stipend. Thanks to the Southwest Michigan MiSTEM Network, REMC 11, 12E & 12W for sponsoring this outdoor PD event.
Google Day of Learning
Join MACUL and Fried Tech on May 18th for a fast-paced day of learning designed to help you tune-up your Google skills as you head into the summer months. Topics include accessibility tools, high impact teaching strategies, organization tips for Google Drive, extensions and Fried Tech's favorite app mash-ups.
The event will be held at the MACUL office in Lansing. Registration is $59 and includes lunch. Detailed session information can be found here.
REMC Summer Learning
REMC will also continue to offer free online courses each month where participants can earn up to 10 SCECHs. Visit the REMC Professional Learning page for more information.
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.
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.
The Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation or sexual identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities.