Educational Technology at IU13

One of the popular Open Space Topics at our Tech Integrator/Media Specialists Mtgs this year has been Apps!  Which apps are you using to increase productivity, creativity, and collaboration?  Which apps are you using for formative assessment?  Many of us are involved in iPAD implementations at various levels, whether the special education department all received iPADS this year or one particular classroom teacher or grade level.  Or even, maybe your entire building received iPADS in an 1:1 implementation. Whichever might be your current scenario, we have a great day of collaboration that you don't want to miss.  IU13 IMS is announcing our first iPAD Collaboration Day on May 2, 2014 from 9 am - 3 pm at IU13 Conference Training Center.  We are partnering with Apple INC. for an inspiring, motivating, and collaborative day sharing best practices and apps when using an iPAD in the classroom.  This day will be a mixture of sit and reflect, and bring something to share with everyone in the true spirit of collaboration.  Imagine sitting with other teachers who teach the same grade level or subject as you do sharing the apps they like best for their classroom.  Imagine getting time to learn from one another sharing what has worked and what has not worked out so well while using iPADs in the classroom.  What a great day this will be!

Are you looking for some great FREE (IMS members) professional development to enhance your Technology Integration skills for your classrooms?  Perhaps, you are looking for some interactive workshops over the summer that you can use for trade/flex days.  Look no further! We are excited to announce the first IMS Summer Academy 2014! 

Discovery Education is so much more than a resource for videos! Come learn about the exciting features of Discovery Education including but not limited to the interactive Atlas, Board Builder, Assignment Builder, Quiz Builder, Writing Prompt Builder, Assessment Manager, and other resources. This workshop will be presented by an official Discovery Education trainer who is ready to help you learn and explore all the other resources Discovery Education has to offer.

With all the recent weather events and PETE & C, it seems like it has been a really long time since we have all been able to meet.  I am really looking forward to getting together for our next meeting on March 18, 2014 from 8:30-11:30 am.  In addition to sharing some IMS information for everyone, our March meeting agenda encompasses two additional speakers, Karen Oberly from IU13 Tech Services, and Greg Palmer the Executive Director from MAGPI.  Karen will share information regarding the Microsoft EES Agreement Highlights/Benefits and provide a Computer Fair update.  Greg is going to provide an overview of Internet 2 and MAGPI.  If you have not visited MAGPI lately, you will not want to miss this informative session.  In addition, Lyn Hilt from ELANCO, has some exciting PLC information to share with all of us during our meeting together.

Last month, we held a Canvas LMS Demonstration for all districts who are interested in learning more information about Canvas and seeking consortium pricing opportunities.  This month, we are featuring another LMS contender called Schoology!  Schoology is a LMS that has a much more social feel and look to its product.  We are offering a Schoology Demonstration at IU13 on March 17th from 1:00-3:00 pm.  Come learn and explore what Schoology Enterprise has to offer to personalize learning.  Check out the event flyer below: