TECHNOLOGY IDEAS

EDR 627Spring 2016

Tap into expertise of those using technology in your building (find out who the tech

gurus are and talk with them…find out what they are using, how they make the most of the tech you have). The informal sharing

can lead to some really easy-to-implement ideas!

Simple K12 is a great resource for free PD. In the last month they have had training sessions on Google hangout, Google Docs, and iPad apps.

Sign up to get their emails and you will be notified of the free sessions they provide (all

online learning). There is a webinar coming up on July 9 for Google doc training. Visit:

http://www.simplek12.com

• Let administrators know of ways that technology is being used and possibilities of what could be

done with more tech!

• Consider who could help your staff in trainings if your district offers limited training. Parents that are proficient with technology? Businesses that might provide a tech support person to do some

trainings for your staff?

Consider mini-sessions of training. In the College of Education we have lunchtime

“big bytes” that offer specific literacy topics. They are all provided by faculty

who are using that particular type of technology. For example, someone might provide training for us in Google docs, on

padlet, on synchronous classes, etc. These are generally one hour long while we eat

lunch. I have learned more from my peers than any other computer training!

If the whole school will not be getting an upgrade in tech, see if you can find some grants to apply for technology for your own classroom (even a ½ class set

of iPads would be great!).

Sign up to be a FREE member of MACUL (Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning) and receive all kinds of access to

technology resources, grant information including their state-wide conference opportunities. http://www.macul.org

• Consider attending EdCamp GR which is a free one day conference to get ideas from K-

12 educators in West MI on how they are integrating technology into their teaching and learning. This year’s EdCamp is being held November 5, 2016 at 8:30 AM at Kent Innovation High - on the Kent ISD Campus, 1655 East Beltline NE - Grand Rapids, MI

49525. More information can be found at: http://edcampgr.org/

If you need one Educational Technology Guru to follow, consider bookmarking this blog (Free Tech 4 Teachers! Richard Byrne updates his blog daily with all sorts of great

tutorials and tips on FREE technology resources.

http://www.freetech4teachers.com/