Saturday, December 12, 2015

41 Technology Directors did a survey and here is the results of the wage study

Michigan Schools Survey November 2015 Mode $83,000.00 Median $78,000.00 Average $72,933.33 Min $43,000.00 Max $119,000.00

National Ed Tech Plan released on the same day ESSA was signed in DC (Dec, 10th)

National Ed Tech Plan released on the same day ESSA was signed in DC (Dec, 10th). The key principles of equity and achievement are central to the plan through building capacity in collaborative leadership teams. The new plan has easy to understand graphics and text aligned to the Future Ready framework. The plan is meant to allow for additional updates, research resources and leadership materials which provides a great framework for technology integration. PDF document of plan (they stated they will print no copies to stay on a shelf) http://tech.ed.gov/files/2015/12/NETP16.pdf Future Ready Leaders website http://tech.ed.gov/leaders/ Future Ready dashboards/framework http://dashboard.futurereadyschools.org/framework Future Ready Infrastructure Guide http://tech.ed.gov/futureready/infrastructure/ Funding Digital Learning http://tech.ed.gov/funding/ ESSA, NETP and Future Ready all mean equity and digital learning opportunities http://gettingsmart.com/2015/12/new-k-12-federal-education-bill-signed-into-law-esea-is-reauthorized/ 6 Ways NETP can close achievement gaps http://www.edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2015/12/6-ways-new-national-education-technology-plan-could-help-close-achievement-gap

Saturday, August 29, 2015

B. F. Skinner on education

B.F. Skinner Panel about "Beyond Freedom & Dignity"

No to Behaviorism in Classrooms

The psychology of self-motivation | Scott Geller | TEDxVirginiaTech

Why are so many of our teachers and schools so successful? John Hattie a...

What 60 Schools Can Tell Us About Teaching 21st Century Skills: Grant Li...

The 5 principles of highly effective teachers: Pierre Pirard at TEDxGhent

The power of student-driven learning: Shelley Wright at TEDxWestVancouverED

WatchGuard FireBytes! Integrating Active Directory

Introducing the Ruckus R 700 - 802.11ac access point

Ruckus SmartZone 100 Controller

Columbia Public Schools Rides a New Wave of Ruckus Wi-Fi

Lodi USD Gets Smart about Ruckus Gigabit 802.11ac WiFi

Reimagining Learning: Richard Culatta at TEDxBeaconStreet

School Sleuth: The Expert Files: Richard Culatta Part 1

School Sleuth: The Expert Files: Susan Patrick Part 1

The Expert Files: Richard Culatta - Part 6: Personalizing Education

The Expert Files: Richard Culatta - Part 9: Are Teachers Ready?

The Expert Files: Richard Culatta - Part 10: Technology: The Dos and Don’ts

The Expert Files: Richard Culatta - Part 7: Efficiency vs Deeper Learning

The Expert Files: Richard Culatta - Part 4: Producers vs Consumers

The Expert Files: Richard Culatta - Part 2: Is Technology a Silver Bullet?

The Expert Files: Richard Culatta - Part 5: The Digital Divide

The Expert Files: Richard Culatta - Part 3: Screen Time: How Much is Too...

Richard Culatta, Director of the Office of Educational Technology

Using Technology to Close Equity Gaps

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

2015 State Curriculum and Technology Directors Conference - August 12, 2015

2015 State Curriculum and 
Technology Directors Conference -
August 12, 2015

Registration closes August 6, 2015 for the 2015 State Curriculum and Technology Directors Conference sponsored by MACUL, MAEDS, MAISA, MDE, REMC, and TRIG:

2015 State Curriculum and Technology Directors Conference Agenda:

8:30 - 9:00    Registration
9:00 - 9:20    Welcome and Housekeeping, Auditorium
                 Mark Smith,  MACUL Executive Director
9:20 - 9:40    View on Michigan Education, Senator Goeff Hansen
9:40 - 10:30   MDE Perspective on the 2015-16 School Year
Venessa Keesler, MDE Deputy Superintendent of Educational Services,

10:30 - 10:50 Break/Networking

10:50 - 11:50 Breakout Sessions #1 (3 presentations)
  • Technology Rich Environments--Drama Room
Michelle Ribant, MDE  Director of 21st Century Learning
  • Student Academic Early Warning Systems--Band Room
Kathy Miller, Shiawassee RESD Director of Instructional Services
  • Balanced Assessment--Choir Room
Amy Scott-Kronemeyer, Sault Area Schools Director of Academic Achievement
Jason Kronemeyer, Director of Technology, EUPISD

11:50 - 12:50 Lunch/Networking, Cafeteria

1:00 - 2:00 Breakout Sessions #2 (3 presentations)
  • Balanced Assessment--Choir Room
Amy Scott-Kronemeyer, Sult Area Schools Director of Academic Achievement
Jason Kronemeyer, Director of Technology, EUPISD
  • LEA Technology Planning Process--Band Room
Ann-Marie Mapes, MDE Technology Planning Coordinator and Communications Consultant
Diane Fleming, MDE School Improvement Consultant
Diane Joslin-Gould, MDE School Improvement Consultant
Karen Ruple, MDE Program Manager
Kathy Miller, Shiawassee RESD Director of Instructional Services
  • Online Course Data--Drama Room
Jamey Fitzpatrick, Michigan Virtual University, President and CEO

2:00 - 2:15 Break/Networking

2:15 - 3:15 Breakout Sessions #3 (3 presentations)
  • Logistics Updates to M-STEP & More--Band Room
Dave Judd, Division of Accountability Services, Director
Office of Systems and Integration
  • State Tech Plan--Drama Room
Michelle Ribant, MDE  Director of 21st Century Learning
  • MTSS/K-3 Literacy Systems--Choir Room
Laura Colligan, Ingham ISD Supervisor, Student Instructional Services
John Endahl, Ingham ISD Data Services Specialist

Click on Events and then use the drop down to find the 2015 State Curriculum and Technology Directors' Conference

Please share this invitation with technology and 
curriculum leaders who may be interested! 

    

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

2015 State Curriculum and Technology Directors’ Conference Micihgan

2015 State Curriculum and Technology Directors’ Conference Michigan
 
Video Trailer
https://vimeo.com/130422121

Please join your colleagues at the 2015 State Curriculum and Technology Directors' Conference on August 12. The morning will start with a continental breakfast and keynotes from MDE leadership including Vanessa Keesler and, we hope, the new State Superintendent. Three breakout sessions (and lunch) will round out the day.
  • Breakout session topics will include
  • State Technology Planning
  • District and school technology and school improvement planning process
  • Establishing and Operating Balanced Assessment Systems Leveraging Technology
  • Digital Content - Making the Most Of Available Resources, and
  • Personalized Teaching and Learning.
The $35 registration fee includes a continental breakfast and box lunch. SCECH's pending. Registration deadline: July 28, 2015.

For more information about this event contact Michelle Ribant @ ribantm@michigan.gov

Thank you to the following groups for making this event happen:

ISD Technology Directors
MACUL
MAEDS
MAISA and MSBO Technology Committees
MDE
REMCAM
TRIG

Saturday, June 20, 2015

MSBO Certification Program Michigan


Established in 1998, the MSBO Voluntary Certification Program supports the ongoing professional development of school business officials. The program is a mark of distinction that reflects professional achievement and demonstrates a person’s dedication to his/her profession. This voluntary certification program is sponsored by Michigan School Business Officials (MSBO) in cooperation with Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning (MACUL) and Michigan Association for Educational Data Systems (MAEDS).

MSBO.org

Thursday, June 11, 2015

The golden ratio

The golden Ratio can be found in many places in nature is this a coincidence or was let placed here in clear view for a reason for us to see?

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

What does technology enriched learning look like in the Google world

What does technology enriched learning look like in the Google world
(Click the image to enlarge)

classroom instruction with visually enriched learning

Are you trying to develop some new classroom instruction visually enriched learning this summer but can't find any good content. Here is a good selection of tools to help you. Check out this link. Click Here http://www.hippocampus.org/

Ensuring the Quality of Digital Content for Learning Webinar

Ensuring the Quality of Digital Content for Learning Webinar This webinar shared strategies for ensuring the quality of digital content, including exploring the specific quality-control challenges and opportunities associated with open educational resources. The content of the webinar stemed from SETDA's latest digital content policy brief, Ensuring the Quality of Digital Content for Learning.

SETDA Shares State Digital Learning Exemplars and best practices



SETDA Shares State Digital Learning Exemplars and best practices. Resources available to all of via the SETDA website that reflect many of the same topics that national and state organization are joining efforts around to support our schools.

http://www.setda.org/priorities/digital-learning/digital-learning-state-policy-exemplars/

Howard Gardner: Truth, Beauty, and Goodness Reframed

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Ed Purchases To Help Chromebook Shipments grow 27 Percent in 2015


Report: Ed Purchases To Help Chromebook Shipments grow 27 Percent in 2015
By Joshua Bolkan
05/27/15

Chromebook sales in 2015 will increase 27 percent over 2014 shipments to hit 7.3 million, according to a new forecast from market research firm Gartner.

Many of those shipments are likely to be for use in education, which represented nearly three quarters of Chromebook sales in 2014.

"Since the first model launched in mid-2011, Google's Chromebook has seen success mainly in the education segment across all regions," said Isabelle Durand, principal analyst at Gartner, in a prepared statement. "In 2014, the education sector purchased 72 percent of Chromebooks in EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa), 69 percent in Asia/Pacific, and 60 percent in the United States."

In the U.S., that 60 percent share going to education is more than half again the 38.6 percent of Chromebooks sold to consumers and dwarfs the 1.1 percent share of the devices sold to non-education enterprises. That small percentage of devices is in spite of efforts by Google to increase business demand with improved offline access and functions for the netbooks.

"Chromebook is a device that can be considered by SMBs (small and midsize businesses) or new startup companies that do not have the resources to invest too much in IT infrastructure," added Durand. "Chromebooks will become a valid device choice for employees as enterprises seek to provide simple, secure, low-cost and easy-to-manage access to new web applications and legacy systems, unless a specific application forces a Windows decision."

Most sales of the devices, 84 percent, were to North America in 2014, and that will continue throughout this year and next, according to Gartner, with just more than 6 million shipments to the region predicted for this year and nearly 6.2 million in 2015.

EMEA will continue to account for the bulk of the remainder, increasing purchases of the devices from about 620,000 in 2014 to 866,000 this year and approximately 1.28 million in 2016.

"After Samsung's decision to exit the European Chromebook market and focus on tablets, Acer took the lead to become the number 1 worldwide Chromebook vendor in 2014," according to a news release. "Acer sold more than 2 million units in 2014. Samsung held the number 2 position with 1.7 million units sold in 2014 and HP, a late entrant to the market, was ranked number 3, with 1 million units, thanks to its strong connection with education partners."


About the Author

Joshua Bolkan is the multimedia editor for Campus Technology and THE Journal. He can be reached at jbolkan@1105media.com.

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Webinar: Leading a School of Innovation and Design

Propel Braddock Hills High School is integrating elements of design thinking, student-centered learning, passion-based learning and community involvement to create an environment that engages, supports and prepares students for the digital age. Co-principals Justin Aglio and Joe Oliphant present a one-hour webinar describing how they did it.




ISTE Standards

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

M-STEP Testing GISD

Michigan M-Step Activity Recording



Here is a video of how we recorded the M-Step activities. We do this so that if a student is absent the day of the activity that they will be able to watch the activity as the other students have and then take the performance task.
  • ProJive XLR Microphone Adapter for iPhone, iPod, iPad and Android Devices
  • Mic Optional Wireless Mic
  • http://www.istabilizer.com/products/istabilizer-tabmount
  • Tripod
  • Ipad

Technology Planning Process Update for Michigan Schools 2015

Technology Planning Process Update
As of 5/30/2015, the technology planning process is no longer housed in legacy MEGS. As the technology plan requirement has been eliminated from e-rate complaince, Michigan has been able to redesign the process. The new process is housed in the ASSIST platform, allowing for a meaningful, data driven plan that is integrated with existing school improvement processes. To allow districts time to acclimate to the new technology planning process, it will be rolled out over the next few years in a phased approach. Technology plans that expire 6/30/2015 will be due 9/30/2015. All districts participating in TRIG are required to have an annually updated, current technology plan. 
To clarify, USED had required technology plans under Title II Part D. This no longer exists. If Enhancing Education Through Technology (E2T2) funds return, technology planning may be a required component.  In Michigan, all districts participating in TRIG are required to have a technology plan.  Best Practices Incentives may also include technology planning. E-rate no longer requires a technology plan for Category 2 as of FY 2015.  
The accreditation process and various grants may still require technology plans. Technology planning should be integrated into the School Improvement Process and MDE considers technology planning to be standard best practice. 
Training is currently being held for the new process. Please see http://22itrig.org/activities/activity-two/technology-planning/ for details and registration.  
Word Document This is a Goal Building Template for private schools and schools/districts that do not participate in the school improvement process here. Districts that do use ASSIST for school improvement may also use this as a template before inputting goals, objectives, strategies, and activities into the ASSIST platform. 
In the FY2015 State School Aid Act, the Michigan Legislature included a best practices requirement related to technology planning for intermediate school districts (ISDs). More information at:  http://michigan.gov/mde/0,4615,7-140-6530_6605-258500--,00.html
The Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) was enacted by Congress in 2000 to address concerns about children’s access to obscene or harmful content over the Internet. CIPA imposes certain requirements on schools or libraries that receive discounts for Internet access or internal connections through the E-rate program – a program that makes certain communications services and products more affordable for eligible schools and libraries. In early 2001, the FCC issued rules implementing CIPA and provided updates to those rules in 2011.
If you have additional questions please contact Ann-Marie Smith, Technology Planning Coordinator and Communications Consultant, smitha24 at michigan.gov or 517-335-2775.

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

School Technology Management Certification Courses April 28-30th 2015 MSBO Conference

Greetings! Technology Directors

Have you thought about getting your School Technology Management certification? Not sure where to take the courses. You can take them at the MSBO Conference. Here is some detail and it is not too late to sign up.

The MSBO Conference is at the COBO Center in Detroit this year, April 28-30, 2015. This is a tremendous opportunity to get some awesome professional development with many others from all areas of School Business and Operations.

Tuesday, the 28th, is preconference day and there is a Technology Leadership Preconference dedicated to technology topics. We have a great agenda for this day and you won't want to miss it.

In addition to breakout technology topics at the general conference, there are many classes that can expand your knowledge of school operations in general. From labor negotiation to dealing with difficult people, you’ll find many topics of interest. There is also the largest educational exhibit show in Michigan.

You can find the conference promo with all the details at http://www.msbo.org/annual-conference

Don’t hesitate to contact me directly with any questions. I hope to see you in Detroit

FarmLogs Farm Management App

Friday, April 17, 2015

Chromebooks in Michigan M-Step Testing

Michigan M-Step shows a strong showing with Chromebooks being used in year one testing. MDE looks to support Chrome Box and other chrome devices in future years further.

Test Session Counts:
Completed: 674,502
Not Started: 3,202,200

Sessions taken on:
Windows: 458,970
Chrome: 143,758
Mac OSX: 60,553
iPad: 7,420 

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Three Reasons Chromebooks Are Shining in Education

Mobile Computing

Three Reasons Chromebooks Are Shining in Education

For districts looking to get the most bang for their ed tech buck, devices that fall somewhere between tablets and traditional laptops can be just the right fit.

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Google to take education by storm a Chromebit at a time

Is this the first device that we could change the way that we educate our children at home for true anywhere anytime learning
Later this summer, Google and Asus are set to sell the Chromebit, a sub-$100 computer-in-a-stick that plugs into HDMI displays and runs Chrome OS. 
Google Inc.
In the coming months, getting Chrome OS will be even cheaper, but you’ll need your own monitor, mouse and keyboard. This summer, Google said it will launch a new computer-in-a-stick called the Chromebit. The device, which is a small dongle that plugs into a TV or computer monitor’s HDMI port sort of like the popular Chromecast TV streamer, will run full Chrome OS and sell for less than $100. (The actual price is undetermined at this point.) The Chromebit, a little smaller in size than a standard candy bar, will be built by Asus, Google said in a statement.

Google also announced that more laptops, ranging from $200 to $500 will roll out over the next few months as well, from companies including Acer, Dell, HP, Lenovo and LG. The $250 Asus Chromebook Flip, a computer with a touch display that can turn and swivel around to be used in a more tablet-like style, is also expected. Though its release date isn’t yet announced, a Google spokeswoman said it should go on sale in the next couple of months.

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

TRIG and Tim Hall Win 2015 MACUL President's Award



TRIG and Tim Hall Win
2015 MACUL President's Award

 On Thursday, March 19th, TRIG and Project Manager Tim Hall received the MACUL President's Award before a crowd of near 5,000 attendees at the 2015 MACUL Conference in Detroit. This award is given annually to those who have made an outstanding contribution to further the use of technology to enhance teaching and learning in education - we could not be more proud to receive it!

The accomplishments of TRIG are due to the cooperative efforts of many: the TRIG Steering Committee, the TRIG Consortia Leads,  the Consortium Advisory Committees, the TRIG Project Managers, the TRIG Activity Advisory Committees, Work Groups, Evaluators,the TRIG Operations team, the participating districts with SPOT purchasing, the T3 course participants, and the collaboration of many organizations. We would not have achieved the results we have so far without them all!

We would also like to congratulate the other MACUL award recipients of the day - Click here to see  the full list: MACUL Award Recipients.

GoGuardian: Chromebook Monitoring, Filtering & Anti-Theft for Schools

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Thursday, February 12, 2015

You Can Learn Anything

Khan Academy is on a mission to unlock the world's potential. Most people think their intelligence is fixed. The science says it’s not.

Monday, February 9, 2015

VideoScribe on John Hattie's Visible Learning

Why are so many of our teachers and schools so successful? John Hattie a...

Professor John Hattie, has been Professor of Education and Director of the Melbourne Education Research Institute at the University of Melbourne, Australia, since March 2011. He was previously Professor of Education at the University of Auckland. His research interests include performance indicators and evaluation in education, as well as creativity measurement and models of teaching and learning. He is a proponent of evidence based quantitative research methodologies on the influences on student achievement. 
In his talk he presents results from his research on what really matters for the student achievements.
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)



Unpacking Formative Assessment, Dylan Wiliam

Dylan Wiliam unpacks formative assessment, discussing the five strategies that make up a smart formative assessment strategy: setting learning intentions, questioning, feedback, activating self, and activating peers.



Embedded Formative Assessment - Dylan Wiliam

Dylan Wiliam stresses the importance of formative assessment as a key process for increasing teacher quality whilst having the biggest impact on student outcomes. He looks at some of the popular initiatives that aim to increase student achievement, such as learning styles, and presents research that shows formative assessment practices have a much greater impact on educational achievement than most other reforms.



Mike Schmoker Webinar (Read, Talk, Write)

How to change education by going back to some basics Read, Talk, Write.



Sunday, February 8, 2015

What is the purpose of the MSBO Technology Committee?

The purpose of the MSBO Technology Committee is:
  • To provide a forum for discussion of issues of concern and/or interest to school technology managers and a mechanism for communicating those issues to MSBO and other member groups. 
  • To provide a mechanism for meeting the professional development needs for MSBO members responsible for managing technology in schools. 
  • To assist in promoting the efficient use of technology in schools, including creating standards for the management and application of technology. 
  • To serve as a resource for MSBO in helping all school business personnel understand technology in schools and how to use it properly and efficiently. 
AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
  • Planning and conducting meetings of the MSBO Technology Committee. 
  • Evaluating laws, regulations and practices relative to technology and its use in schools. 
  • Communicating with state and federal regulators, through and with MSBO, regarding technology-related matters. 
  • Assisting MSBO in planning professional development activities for technology managers and staff and all school personnel on matters related to technology. 
  • Other activities as deemed appropriate by the Committee, in collaboration with MSBO. 
  • Liaison with other organizations that serve school technology managers. 
  • Serve as a model for policy and procedures in school technology. 


To learn more about the MSBO Technology Committee here is a link to further information.


http://www.msbo.org/technology-committee

What Can Ed Tech Certification Do for You?

A variety of programs can help K-12 technology professionals boost their knowledge and prepare themselves for the expanding demands of their jobs.

http://thejournal.com/articles/2015/02/02/what-can-ed-tech-certification-do-for-you.aspx

Introduction to redesigned Admin Console

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

10 Best Innovations at CES 2015!

Intel Compute Stick Looks to Make Your TV Smart - CES 2015

Intel Compute Stick http://www.mobilegeeks.com Intel is looking to make your TV Smart with the Intel Compute Stick, it is running an Intel Quad Core processor the Z3745 with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. It is running Windows 8.1 with Bing and comes with an HDMI connector as well as a Micro SD 



What is a Chromebook - Explained

What is a Chromebook? Chromebooks are a very low budget laptop with Google's unique operating system on board. This video explains what Chromebooks are and in general its layout, overview, and what it can and cannot do. Hope this helps you.



LG Chromebase - REVIEW

LG Chromebase

LG Chromebase Unboxing & Hands-On

This looks like any interesting way to put a Chromebook OS in a computer lab.






Google Earth Pro is now free


Google Earth Pro is now free

Friday, January 30, 2015


Over the last 10 years, businesses, scientists and hobbyists from all over the world have been using Google Earth Pro for everything from planning hikes to placing solar panels on rooftops. Google Earth Pro has all the easy-to-use features and detailed imagery of Google Earth, along with advanced tools that help you measure 3D buildings, print high-resolution images for presentations or reports, and record HD movies of your virtual flights around the world. Starting today, even more people will be able to access Google Earth Pro: we're making it available for free. To see what Earth Pro can do for you—or to just have fun flying around the world—grab a free key and download Earth Pro today. If you're an existing user, your key will continue to work with no changes required.



Plan in 3D using Google Earth Pro

Whether you're planning a new office building or a trip to the mountains, check out Google Earth Pro and see how easy it is to visualize your world.

by Stafford Marquardt, Product Manager, Google Earth Pro