#BRESA Tech Tips
October 2023
October has been a busy month for technology and innovation at Berrien RESA. We apologize for the delay in distributing our October newsletter. Since our last publication, we have launched two Innovator Cohorts, conducted a REMC Resource Extravaganza, and hosted 30 other educational technologists from around the state for a two-day professional learning collaboration. In addition, we have visited several schools and classrooms, presented workshops and PD sessions around the state, and facilitated circulation of over 30 of our REMC resources available for checkout. We continue to look for ways to serve and inspire local educators. Please share your thoughts and ideas on how we can best support you. We are here to help!
The third week in October is recognized annually as Digital Citizenship Week offering educators an opportunity to explore and share resources around this important topic. Digital Citizenship Week began in 2010 thanks to a collaborative partnership between Common Sense Media and Project Zero. A plethora of resources and lessons can be found on the Common Sense website, including calendars of activities for all grade levels. Digital Citizenship can and should be celebrated all year long, so don't dismay if you missed the official week. John or Amy would be happy to come and help your school implement lessons any time of the year.
The final week of October is recognized as Media Literacy Week by NAMLE (National Association for Media Literacy Education) and highlights the importance of teaching ourselves and our students how to be educated consumers of the vast amounts of media around us. Visit the What is Media Literacy Week webpage to learn more and view the activities planned, as well as how to participate.
SWMI Esports is in full force! Our teams have been working hard to demonstrate their skills, their teamwork, and their collegiality. Esports is the great equalizer for all students and our teams are demonstrating that daily. As we look to the finals event that is upcoming on November18, I would encourage you to think about coming out to Lake Michigan College to experience the culture and community that esports spurs on.
Currently, Buchanan High School is leading in our Valorant bracket with Comstock right on their heels. On the Rocket League side, Buchanan is TIED with South Haven for the lead in that bracket. The competition is very tight and I assure you that our leaderboard will change between now and the finals.
As always, if you have questions about esports, or the esports league, contact esports@berrienresa.org.
The discussion around AI in Education continues to evolve with new tools for students and educators hitting our inboxes and social media feeds almost daily. In our conversations with teachers and administrators throughout the region, implementation and usage of AI varies among districts. Despite this variation, one need remains constant: the need for conversation and understanding around the implications of AI in schools. We will continue to provide resources in this newsletter, as well as be available to come to your districts and help facilitate conversation. Please reach out to Amy or John if you would like to connect on this important topic.
October AI Resources
ISTE Resources for Engaging with AI
Michigan Virtual Comprehensive AI Framework and Resources
Padlet of AI Resources from AASL Conference Session
In addition to the resources above, please make note of two more AI tidbits later in this newsletter--Diffit.me and information about the AI Summit that will be held in December at Michigan State University. We are hoping to coordinate a group of attendees from southwest Michigan and help arrange carpooling. If you are planning to attend, please let us know.
The deadline is almost here! The annual Student Technology Showcase sponsored by MACUL and AT&T will take place on December 6, 2023 in Lansing. We would love to see students from southwest Michigan represented at this event. Visit the STS webpage to learn more and register your team. Amy and John would be happy to help support you in taking a team of students. Applications are due by November 1, 2023.
FigJam
Diffit
Leverage the power of AI to adapt lesson materials for all students and create differentiated resources. Diffit allows teachers to search for lesson material by topic and grade level or input existing content and have it adapted to fit a specific grade level audience. in addition to adapted reading passages, the tool summarizes, pulls out vocabulary words, and creates a variety of question types to assess understanding. Create an account by November 1 to access premium features free for a limited time.
This is Sand
While not the newest site on the block, ThisisSand is a FREE fabulous resource that allows students to play with virtual sand to make sand sculptures similar to the sand art done in bottles. John has used this site for over 10 years and assures you the students find in enthralling. In addition to the building component, the site does make a soothing sand cascading sound that students find calming. (You may even find yourself on the site occasionally!) Try it! You won't be disappointed.
Are you working in a school library in Berrien, Cass or VanBuren county? Would you like to collaborate with other school library personnel and be paid for your time? Berrien RESA will be offering three formal opportunities for you to engage and connect with one another this school year. There will also be other informal meet-ups and a Google Group established for sharing and supporting one another. Mark your calendars and sign up to be on the invitation list. All library personnel are welcome to join.
2023-23 Meeting Dates (4:15-6 p.m.)
November 8, 2023 at Berrien RESA
December 14, 2023 at Location TBD
April 11, 2024 at Location TBD
CS for Michigan
Register now for the annual CS for Michigan Conference taking place in November at Oakland Schools. Day one will be held on November 2 with workshops in the morning and a leadership summit in the afternoon. The education conference will occur on November 3 and will offer a full day of learning with a keynote speaker and breakout sessions.
If you would like to attend this conference but need funding assistance, please contact Amy or John ASAP. We may be able to support your attendance.
AI Summit
Join MACUL and Michigan Virtual on December 13 for a unique opportunity focusing on all things Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. This one-day AI Summit is designed to stimulate your growth mindset, elevate your leadership, and help you discover unique solutions to effectively understand AI’s implications —now and in the future.
The event will be held at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing. Register soon, as spots are filling quickly.
REMC Courses
REMC continues to offer free online courses each month where participants can earn up to 10 SCECHs. Visit the REMC Professional Learning page for more information.
November courses will begin on November 6 and include the following options and MANY MORE:
- Designing with Google Tools
- Dynamic Presentations
- Media Literacy: Fake or Real?
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.
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.