Educational Technology at IU13

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:

We are looking forward to continuing our 1:1 forum discussions today.  Those who are coming to today's meeting have submitted topics that they would like to discuss.  All school district members who are currently thinking about implementing 1:1, piloting 1:1, or expanding their current 1:1 are welcome to attend.  This group is made up of Curriculum & Instruction Admin, Principals, Tech Directors/Coordinators, Tech Integrators, Media Specialists, and teachers.  Today's agenda is below along with the Open Spaces topics.

When is the last time you visited Discovery Education?  There are two newer features that I want to draw to your attention, Global Wraps and Board Builder.  Global Wraps are updated video segments of current events that are occurring all over the world.  Want to show some video footage of the State of the Union Address, the Polar Vortex, or the Olympics -  Global Wraps is your tool!  The latest one that was just uploaded is from 2/12/14, just two days ago, covering the US visit from the French President, US Farm Bill, US No Change for Immigration, and more from Switzerland, Syria, Russia, and the Marshall Islands.  Don't miss this great add on to your Discovery Education account!

PETE & C (Pennsylvania Educational Technology Expo & Conference) was an amazing conference this year!  I have attended for a number of years, but for some reason this year has made a much larger impact on me.  Could it be the incredible DEN speakers at the pre-conference DEN event, the amazing Keynote speakers each morning, or the countless sessions I attended where I learned so much more than I had know before I attended?  I am still trying to put my finger on what made this year at #pete2014 so different, but I must say, "What a ride"!  I was challenged, prepared, honored, impressed, and amazed at how many incredible educators were there willing to share, collaborate, investigate, and learn from one another.  Indeed, "Learning is social"! Thank you to all those who made #pete2014 a tremendous success this year.  This Storify sums up my adventure!