Our Connected Educator Series brings the ideas and practices of exceptional technology using Michigan educators right to teachers and administrators in an easy to access, easy to use, cost effective manner.  Access these videos directly from your desktop and play them at your convenience. Find the titles below and at REMC MI Streamnet and at MACUL MI Learning.  For more information contact: connectededucator@remc.org.

 13.  BYOD: Bring Your Own Device - We have heard a lot lately about BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) in schools, but will these be distracting toys or engaging tools for students. See how Gary Abud, a chemistry and physics teacher at Grosse Pointe North High School, has created a classroom culture where students are able to use their own cell phones, tablets, and laptops to connect and collaborate in ways they weren't able to before. 15 mins.

Connected Educator Series Videos

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. - 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.

8. QR Codes - QR Codes are popping up everywhere. All that is needed is a "smart" device and students will be able to easily access anything from text, to pictures, to videos, or even websites. See how Amy Baldwin from St. Paul Lutheran schools has her students create QR codes along with some other ideas you can use in your classroom. 12 mins.

9.  Video Assessment - There are times when watching a short, student-produced video will tell a teacher more about what students really understand than hour of grading papers ever could. See how Laura Bell from REMC 13 and Stockbridge High School has her students create their own videos in class to demonstrate understanding. 13 mins.

10.  Moodle: Minutes to Learn. A Lifetime to Master - With so much talk about blended learning, how do we keep online content organized in a meaningful way for our students? See how Pam O'Brien, a media specialist at Great Lakes Elementary and REMC 7, uses a learning management system called Moodle to connect with her students. 8 mins.

11.  Student News Teams: Letting Students Tell the Stories - Who tells the stories about all the great things happening in your school? See how Michigan teachers Brad Wilson, Greg Vieau (Michigan Center High School, REMC 15), and Mary Phillips (Dudley STEM School, REMC 12E) organize student news teams in their schools to let students connect with their classmates and communities through news stories. 15 mins.

 12.  Digital Storytelling: Explain It In Your Own "Words" - Having students explain something in their "own words" has moved beyond just paper and pencil. See how Karen Bosch, an art teacher and Apple Distinguished Educator, at Southfield Christian Schools allows her students to demonstrate what they understand using a wide variety of digital media sources. In this REMC Connected Educator Series showcase, Karen introduces several Digital Storytelling tools she uses in her classroom and shares other options students can use to tell stories using more than just words on a paper. 15 mins.