Michigan Learnport is a good resource for a wide variety of topics. I have found that this site is particularly good for technology teachers like myself because it has a large selection of technology related information. Often times it is difficult to find good curriculum resources for very specific computer -related topics. However, in MI Learnport I can find lessons on topics like: C#Programming, Visual Basic Programming, Creating Videos, Designing Websites, Social Networking, Online Safety, etc. These are all topics which are taught by myself or other teachers in our department.
I like that teachers are able to begin any number of courses within MI Learnport to get the training that they desire. It is a very simple and easy system to work with. Teachers can work at their own pace, skip to the areas they need to see, or even take classes for credit or continuing education credits.
All in all, the MI Learnport is a nice resource for teachers. I have found that it pays to check in on the site over time because it seems that the curriculum that is offered continues to expand and sometimes you find just the topic that you are looking for.
2. Social networking sites have many advantages and disadvantages in education. It has been my experience that most administrators and teachers view sites like Facebook and Twitter as a distraction to education, but as educators we need to start to evaluate the positive possiblities of these forms of media.
On the negative side, social networking sites can be a distraction to students and teachers alike if they are only used for chatting with friends or posting non-educational materials. However, on the positive side, Facebook is a direct connection to the majority of our students and even many of our staff members and that is a powerful media. If we use Facebook or other intermediary programs to forward information to the Facebook community then this can be a great tool for presenting information and enhancing education.
Currently my school uses Facebook and Twitter quite successfully in the Athletic and Marketing departments; however, we are still reluctant to use it in the classroom. I feel like this will probably change in the near future. I am finding that many 3rd party programs now allow educators to push information to these platforms and that is only furthering the case for using this tool. I think the bottom line for much of education is time on task and if educators send good information to students where they spend their time, then we will probably be more successful in bridging that gap between students and teachers. Additionally, it will help to bridge communication lines to parents as well.
Inside the classroom I believe Facebook will also soon have a role. The key for using Facebook in school will be classroom management and clear expectations. Not so different that using any other tool in the classroom.
3. Macul Space is a good resource for posting questions to other educators about things they are doing in the classroom or in their building. I saw several forums on topics about using technology in the classroom, implementing One-To-One, etc.
4. Macul is a great organization for teachers to learn more about using technology in education. In Michigan the Macul conference is offered yearly in either Grand Rapids or Detroit on alternating years. The cost to join the Macul group is $40 and the conference costs between $130 and $210 depending on the number of days attended.
The Macul conference is one conference that I always look forward to as an educator. Membership to Macul is necessary to attending this conference and I would argue that this conference helps to justify any of the conference fees and costs. I always enjoy this conference because of its technology sessions and because of all the vendors that attend. Teachers and participants have the opportunity to test new equipment, ask questions of vendors and presenters, and continue their professional development.
Membership to Macul also allows teachers to receive additional information and updates about development opportunities and educational news.
As a Macul member I also have the opportunity to share with other members online or to present my expertise at the yearly conferences. Up to this point I have not presented at the conferences; however, I am considering this option for the future. On bonus to presenting is that you do not have to pay your conference costs. Futhermore, you have the ability to share your own unique knowledge to other educators. Having a wide range of technology duties in my building I could present information from a teaching standpoint, a technology standpoint, or even for specific software programs or online tools.
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