#BRESA Tech Tips
March 2024
Bring on Spring
March flew by with reading month, preparation for testing, esports finals and all things EdTech with the annual MACUL conference in Grand Rapids. We were so excited to see many friendly faces from southwest Michigan at the conference, and as you will read below, congratulations are in order for some of our very own educators and school districts who were honored with state-wide awards.
We hope you all enjoy a restful spring break and return ready for the final stretch of the school year. John and Amy will be out in districts much of April supporting maker days, facilitating AI professional learning sessions, and preparing for some exciting new projects on the horizon. We look forward to sharing those with you all soon and collaborating with you this spring. As always, please reach out with your Tech & Innovation needs--we are here to help!
The 2023-2024 esports season wrapped up on Saturday, March 23 at Lake Michigan College. Eleven teams from all across the area gathered at Lake Michigan College to celebrate their success, play some games, and crown the new league champions! Congratulations go out to Comstock and Buchanan for taking home the titles!
Padlet
Padlet is not a new tool, but it sure has added some cool, new features. While there are limits to the number of free Padlets you can create, the ease of use makes Padlet a solid choice for collaboration and sharing of ideas. Additionally, Padlet has now built in an AI image generator called I Can't Draw which offers a familiar space for those looking to try an AI image tool.
Suno.ai
Every wonder what it would be like if you could generate a song with just a few prompting words? Suno.ai is here to let you unleash your creativity. On the free plan, you can generate up to 10 songs PER DAY! Go surprise someone with their own custom song today.
PrintLab
We have seen an increase in interest in 3-D printing as of late. With that in mind, we wanted to share PrintLab with you. This is a website where you can go to get lesson ideas, learn how to use your printer, and find file inspiration. While it is a paid site, they do allow a FREE 7-day trial. This is great spot to go learn a lot of skills and enhance your prints!
The final meeting of year for SWM School Library Leaders will be held on Thursday, April 11 at Berrien RESA from 4:15-6 p.m. In celebration of School Library Month, dinner will be provided for all attendees. Programming will consist of updates from Common Sense Education. Summer reading opportunities and future collaborations will also be discussed. Please RSVP to the calendar invitation that will be sent to the Google group. If you would like to be included and have not been receiving our communications, please email Amy.
Sherman Lake
Back by popular demand, the Southwest Michigan MiSTEM Network is collaborating with REMC 11, 12E & 12W to bring Computer Science & STEM in the Outdoors to area educators this summer. Join us at Sherman Lake in Augusta, MI, on June 18 for a FREE day of outdoor learning and collaboration. Participants will receive a micro:bit robot, SCECHs, lunch and swag items.
Space is limited to 30 educators who will be selected via an application process. If interested in applying, please complete the application ASAP, as selected participants will be notified beginning April 29.
Teacher Con
Get ready to learn and engage with all things Computer Science this summer. Teacher Con, sponsored by the MiSTEM Network CS Action Area, GVSU and Code.org, is open for registration. Apply now for scholarships to attend July 8-12 in Bay City.
The following opportunities are available:
AI for Educators--More information coming soon!
Math Recovery--More information coming soon!
FREE Online Courses
- Applying Apps in Google Chrome
- Assessment Tools for the Classroom
- Creating Digital Breakouts
- Creating Instructional Videos
REMC is also offering a FREE AI series. The first session, Unveiling the Future: Fundamentals in AI begins on April 30 with a registration deadline of April 25.
Prisms VR
Middle school students at Lakeshore Middle School were able to experience the Prisms VR software this month! Students learned all about cellular structure through an activity designed to teach them about materials to help heal burns. The students were transported inside of a cell and able to experience each step of cellular replication up close. To quote many of them, "Oh wow, I am inside a cell!"
If this is something that sounds interesting to try as well, contact John or Amy and we can share more details with you.
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 found on the webpage.
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.
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