The Central Minnesota Libraries Exchange (CMLE) is one of seven regional multitype library systems established to meet the needs of and share the resources of all types of libraries.
We love libraries, and are here to support them!
Have you heard of Oyster? It is an online service which touts “unlimited eBooks for just $9.95 a month.” Oyster, has a colorful, appealing interface, but I am not sold on the collection at this point. At this time, it includes 800 publishers and includes 100,000 books, some of which are already in the free public domain from other sites. It also currently runs only on iOS 7 devices (iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch).
Sounds and feels a bit like a Netflix experience, like streaming, although in fact the files are downloadable EPUBs, with DRM. Does Oyster pose a threat to libraries? Oyster’s biggest current drawback (IMHO) is the lack of very current materials; they don’t focus on new or “front list” titles (they shoot for a 90-day embargo). It is also unclear to me about the richness of the rest of the collection, but take a look, they are offering a free 30 day trial. Share your experience in the comments field. Read a blog post from ALA at Are there pearls in this Oyster? AL: E-Content, Jan. 20
Information and technology educators (we mean YOU) are expected to be leaders when it comes to navigating the new territory that is 21st century education, but how do you keep up with it all? By attending this one-day conference in the beautiful city of Duluth, of course! Join us to learn about the latest in technology integration, collaboration, digital resources and more. Our keynote speaker will be Mark Garrison, along with a variety of sessions on Common Core, Tech Integration, Collaboration, 24/7 Learning, Digital Resources, Digital Footprint and Responsibility and more.
We’re still accepting session proposals – this smaller venue would be a great starter-conference for those new to presenting or an easy setting for you veterans. Come share your knowledge!
Wireless is fast becoming the way to access applications and content. The challenge is in meeting the demand for access fueled by the proliferation of iPads, Android devices and a range of mobile handhelds. Explore the future of wireless technology with Xirrus CEO Shane Buckley.
Designed for > technology coordinators
> school administrators
> technical support staff
> network administrators
> technology integrationists
Plus more!
> “Unconference” for sharing, discussing and learning
> Leveraging social media for schools and districts
> Best practices for help desks
> Technology support tools
Choose from two hotels—St. Germaine or Kelly Inn
You will be given two hotel choices when you register. However, as hotels fill up, we will have to make assignments based on availability.
Cost: $275 for two days (including meals and lodging). Other registration options are also available.
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Dates are February 13-14, 2014
This e-mail has been sent to statewide technology coordinators and directors.
To get more details or to register, go to http://tinyurl.com/le5cyz5
Image by AJC1. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons’ licensing.
If you are registered in the 23 Mobile Things program, Thing 1 involves setting up a new blog, or refreshing an old blog! Whether you are new to blogging or you wonder how much you really know about blogging, the Free Technology for Teachers site offers a short guide to blogging terminology. For instance, do you understand the use of a permalink? Check it out here ; perfect your blogging skills to rockstar status!
The following post was submitted by CMLE scholarship recipient Paul Moe, Sartell Elementary Instructional Technology Specialist
TIES 2013 Conference – Fast Forward; Transforming Pedagogy with Technology
I would like to thank CMLE for accepting my scholarship application!
I had a very good time at the TIES conference and attended many excellent sessions. I was able to find several new iPad apps that we are currently using in our schools. I also attended a few sessions on how other districts are managing their iPads. I found that we are all going through a rapidly changing time, which makes it hard to manage these new devices easily. It was nice to see that even large school districts such as St. Paul are dealing with the same issues we are.
I was also able to make some connections with colleagues from other school districts and have started setting up some meetings to discuss our uses of Schoology. We are hoping to have a google hangout with a few other districts to share what’s working and what is not with Schoology and iPads. The evenings were also filled with lots of sharing on how things are going with iPad carts with a group from Grand Rapids. They are trying to decide on which device to purchase and had many questions about the iPads. I was also able to attend a social sponsored by Schoology where I was able to get some inside information on future updates and changes. As is the case with most conferences, I left with tons of new ideas but will focus on a few new apps and improving our use of Schoology.
Thank you again for the opportunity.
Partnering with libraries for visioning, advocating, and educating
