#BRESA Tech Tips
October 2022
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.
October ideas for STEM integration:
- 3D Pumpkin Printing
- Fall Breakout EDU Puzzles--Kit and Digital Games Available
- Dash Robot Monster Mazes
- Interactive Fall Cards with Makey-Makey or Micro:Bits
- Pumpkin Lights with Micro:Bits
- STEM through Literature: Claymates and Stop-Motion
- Oculus: The Room Puzzle Game (Grades 7-12)
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.
iOS 16 Release
Attention, Apple fans -- iOS 16 is finally here. Read on to learn about some cool new features included in the update:
- Long press on a subject (person, animal, etc.) in a photo and crop out just that part.
- Grab text from a photo and use it anywhere you use text. Take for instance, a phone number.
- Can anyone say lock screen widgets!? There are a ton of widgets that you can add to your lock screen to make life easier for you. Think of this as a place to get info quickly at a glance.
- LIVE translation of text -- change text to another language or vice - versa instantly.
- Schedule emails to send at a specific time straight from the Mail app.
- Finally, the text to speech function has seen a TREMENDOUS improvement including appropriately adding punctuation to your voice typing as you speak.
- What else have you discovered in iOS16? We would love to hear how you are using Apple tools and features in your classroom.
Chromebook Tools
- Screencast App: Built directly into the Chrome OS is the ability for users to create screen recordings that save directly to Google Drive. For a detailed overview and step-by-step directions, check out this video from tech guru, Eric Curts at Ctrl Alt Achieve.
- Chrome Canvas: Also a built in app that can be used as a whiteboard for students to draw, solve math problems, brainstorm take notes, or label diagrams. Click here to learn more about using Chrome Canvas. If you do not see this app on your student devices, reach out and we can help you get it enabled for your environment.
Google Tidbits
- Read-Along: This new Android reading app is FREE and helps students learn to read as they record themselves recording different stories. Share this app with parents and learn more by visiting readalong.google.com
- The MiGoogle Conference will be held on November 10-11 in Pontiac. Back after a two year break, this conference highlights how Michigan educators are using Google tools to enhance their learning environments. Click here to submit a speaker proposal. Visit the conference website here.
- Interested in diving deeper into Google Apps for Education? Sign up here for weekly tutorials delivered directly to your inbox.
Twenty teams have convened to kick off our Fall esports season. They are playing Rocket League and Valorant while learning how to be healthy competitors. Our clubs focus on the career and college skills that fit in the esports ecosystem while still having students compete with other schools.
Our Fall Finals event looks to be EPIC! Come join us on Nov. 19 at the Hanson Ballroom on the campus of Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor. The event will kick off at 9am and will run until the victors emerge!
In the meantime, be sure to tune in to support our esports athletes this fall as they go for gaming glory! Games are held on Tuesday and Thursday at 3:45 p.m. Tune in to our Twitch channel (https://www.twitch.tv/swmiesports) to catch all the excitement!
The annual AT&T and MACUL Student Technology Showcase will take place at the Capitol on December 7, 2022. Learn more by visiting the STS Webpage and register your team by completing an application before November 1st. Student teams should consist of up to 4 students and 1 mentor. Reach out to Amy or John if you would like help coming up with an idea or help completing the application. We would love to see you in Lansing!
In honor of Cybersecurity Awareness month, here are some resources to share with your students and colleagues that may help them stay safe online and keep their data more secure:
- Common Sense Media Lesson: Don't Feed the Phish
- K-5 Family Tips for Privacy and Security from Common Sense
- Wizer Security Awareness Videos
- There are several free videos here. Scroll to the bottom of the page to find ones for families.
- 21 Things 4 Students: CyberSafety Lesson
- Google's Be Internet Awesome Interland
The METS Group is a wonderful organization designed to support educators in the effective use of instructional technology. Membership is FREE, and all are welcome. To be added to the Google Group, contact Dan Mares.
A Virtual Fall Rally is planned for the last week of October, and the METS Group is looking for topic submissions for video presentations. Accepted proposals will be compensated with an Amazon gift card. Complete the proposal form by October 5th.
MACUL has partnered with several other organizations to bring CS for Michigan 2022 to Grand Rapids on November 3rd-4th. Register now to attend this comprehensive conference and connect with other educators passionate about Computer Science education in Michigan.
Call for Speakers #MACUL23 closes on October 10th. Sign up today to present and share your knowledge with others. #MACUL23 will be held in Detroit from March 15th-18th. We hope to see you there!
October courses begin on October 3rd. There may still be time to enroll, so act quickly!
Next month's courses will begin on November 7th. Check out the offerings by visiting the REMC Professional Learning Website.
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.