Connected Educator Series

Earlier this month at the 2012 MACUL conference I was asked to sit on a panel of educators to share how we have integrated technology into our curriculum. The panel was assembled by Dan Spencer who is also the producer of the Connected Educator video series sponsored by REMC.

This series is being expanded to include even more great stories of educators from around the state of Michigan and the innovative things that they are doing in their schools. So far seven episodes are available. These videos can be viewed on iTunesU or REMC streamnet.

1.  Knocking Down Walls:  Connecting Students with Blogging - Nick Provenzano who teaches English at Grosse Pointe South High School explains how he and his students use blogs to make connections and build communities far beyond the walls of their classroom.  10:38 mins. 

2. Wikis in the Classroom - Amber Kowatch from Ludington's Franklin Elementary shares how her 2nd grade students use wikis to help them connect and reflect as they write. Amber gives some fantastic ideas about different ways wikis can be used at any grade level.  12:36 mins. 

3. Skyping. Connecting. - See how Kim Powell from Douglas Road Elementary in Lambertville uses Skype to connect her students to classrooms around the country, have conversations with authors of books they are reading, and learn from experts without even having to leave the classroom.  11:04 mins. 

4. Using iPads for Writing - When used the right way, iPads are an amazing tool for helping young learners. See how Ashley McDonald from Ludington's Lakeview Elementary uses iPads with her students to help them improve their writing. 10 mins. 

5. Google Apps in Education - Google provides far more free resources for classrooms than just web searches. John Sowash, a Google Certified Teacher and Trainer, from Southfield Christian Schools shares 10 ways to use Google apps in your classroom. 15 mins. 

6. Clearing the Path with UDL - Universal Design for Learning (UDL) provides a lens that educators can use to make content accessible for all students. See how Kit Hard from the St. Clair County RESA uses technology to "clear the path" for all learners. 19 mins. 

7. Video Story Problems - Bored by those dull story problems in your math or science books? Students complaining they'll never use what they are learning outside of school? See how Ben Rimes from Mattawan Schools creates video story problems to tie the real world into the classroom.14 mins.