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Flipped Classroom Event Coming This April!

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FlippedCl

More and more educators are considering incorporating the concept of a flipped classroom in there schools. The learning ideology “flips” traditional teaching methods by delivering instructional content online and outside of class time. Then, class time is used to further analyze and explore the learned concepts individually or in groups. If you would like to learn more about this topic, CMLE has developed a libguide click here to read more=>

Event Materials

On April 12th, the Minnesota Educational Media Organization (MEMO) in collaboration with Total Information for Education Systems (TIES) and The Flipped Learning Network, are hosting an all day event titled,  “The Flipped Classroom and You.” Registration is $65, and can be discounted for groups of 6 or more.

Follow these links for additional information on the event, to register and/or to submit a proposal to participate as a presenter.

Check this out:

TIES Conference Summary: A CMLE Scholarship

The following was submitted by a CMLE scholarship recipient.TIES

Submitted by: Nancy Lorentz, Becker High School Media Specialist
The first session I attended this year at the TIES Conference was entitled “Need More Tech Support? Enlist Some Students!” by Mary Klauk from Osseo Area Schools. I enlisted student help when we went to 1:1 at Becker High School. Mary had some good ideas for me to improve my program –I should have the students trained to run our new auditorium next year, and students who are able to help substitute teachers hook up projectors, etc. I also need to do a better job of training students to create videos for me — concerts, tutorials, etc. all take up quite a bit of my time. She also has a Tech Crew member who supports the Robotics Club–Becker is just starting one up this winter and I have JUST the right boy for the job!

Simon Sinek was the Keynote on Monday: “Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action.” So inspirational! My favorite quote was “Technology has to solve a human problem. If achievement goes up, it’s the teacher using the technology and not the technology itself.” This is so true–I believe the value in putting the technology in the hands of every student is that it forces people to become better teachers–and THAT’S when transformational teaching happens!

My last session may have ended up being the most valuable to me. Two teachers from South View Middle School in Edina work together on a Challenge-Based Learning project called “Combating Apathy.” I’m hoping one of my next steps at Becker High School is to create a Challenge-Based Learning project with a class or classes–and this session gave me some awesome ideas on how to get started!

Thanks so much for helping me to be able to attend TIES again this year!

School Media Specialist

TIES Conference Recap by Holly Pringle: A CMLE Scholarship

The following was submitted by a CMLE scholarship recipient.hpringle

Submitted by: Holly Pringle, Becker Middle School Media Specialist

I just got home from the TIES conference in Minneapolis, and this year’s experience was, once again, amazing. I am so impressed with all the people who present at these conferences, and the wealth of knowledge that all comes together for the two days of TIES.  Unfortunately, a foot of snow in the Metro made getting to TIES “interesting” this year, but we made it in time!

The theme of the conference was “On the Move: Transforming Pedagogy with Technology”, and there seemed like a million sessions offered for a variety of needs & interests.  As was the case last year, my biggest disappointment was that there were so many concurrent sessions, I had to choose not to see some sessions that looked like they’d be great.  I wish conferences like this were in the summer (and cheaper!), so more staff from my school could attend.  The tech integrationists here would have loved a chance to see some of what I was able to.

Because the 8th graders in my school will be starting a 1:1 iPad project next year, I was interested in attending sessions by Apple, as well as sessions that talked about setting up, deploying, and managing large numbers of iOS devices, since that will be a large part of my job next year. I attended three different sessions about 1:1 deployments and I learned some new ideas, especially in regards to mobile device management.  I think I have a good handle on where I’m heading with this next year (what to do, and what not to do), and I’m glad to have met and networked with some folks who could be great coaches and allies if I have questions next year.

The highlight of the conference for me was the keynote address on the first day by Simon Sinek.  He did a great job addressing the fact that technology is great, but we should never use it for technology’s sake, but for the betterment of our kids….or the world.  After all, it’s all about human connections.  I love that that was the framework my conference began with, and I thought about the role of technology in regards to my kids…..and making their lives richer….the whole time.

In all, the TIES conference was worthwhile for me on many levels, and I’m so thankful CMLE made it possible for me to attend. Thank you!

School Media Specialist

Paul Beckermann Selected as 2012 Outstanding Minnesota High School AV/Media Coordinator

CMLE’s Governing Board President, Paul Beckermann, has won another award for his outstanding service to students, faculty, and staff at Dassel-Cokato High School!! Congratulations to Paul for this exciting honor!

From Alpha Video….

Minneapolis, MN, December 14, 2012 – Alpha Video is pleased to announce that Paul Beckermann, Media and Digital Learning Specialist at Dassel-Cokato High School, has received the 2012 Outstanding Minnesota High School AV/Media Coordinator Award.

Beckermann was recognized for the effective and innovative implementation of audio, video and media technology. He has 18 years teaching experience as an English instructor plus seven years experience as the Media and Digital Learning Specialist. Some of his accomplishments include:

  • Acting as coach and advisor for DCTV – a weekly TV news broadcast, produced by students for students.  Paul_AVaward
  • Designed technologically equipped classrooms to include mounted LCD projectors, interactive whiteboards and updated computers with document cameras, microphones, headphones and an improved software collection.
  • District Trainer in Moodle.
  • Introduced eBooks to the school library collection.
  • Current President Central Minnesota Libraries Exchange.
  • Chaired or participated in numerous technology committees for the school district.

Beckermann received his award on December 9, 2012 at the annual TIES Education Technology Conference during the Technology Leadership Awards Banquet.  Scott Tronson, Alpha Video Marketing Manager, presented the award to him.

Commenting on the award, Beckermann said, “I have had the opportunity to meet other high school AV/Media coordinators from schools across the state, and I’m continually impressed with how they have effectively and innovatively implemented audio, video and media technology in their schools. Their leadership and hard work is helping to transform classrooms and to provide students and staff with the tools and training needed to be successful. It’s an honor to receive this award and to represent this great group of professionals.” He also thanked his wife, Pamela Beckermann, who works at the Dassel-Cokato Middle School as a Digital Learning and Media Specialist.

The program was sponsored by Alpha Video, CastNET, Bosch/ElectroVoice, Kramer Electronics, Samsung, Panasonic and VBrick.

About Alpha Video
Alpha Video & Audio has been a professional video systems provider and integration specialist since 1970. Alpha specializes in products, systems and services for video and digital media content creation, distribution and management. Alpha Video is headquartered at 7711 Computer Ave, Edina, Minnesota 55435. (800) 388-0008 or (952) 896-9898. www.alphavideo.com

School Media Specialist

TIES Conference Summary: A CMLE Scholarship

The following was submitted by a CMLE scholarship recipient.

 Submitted by: Deborah Disher, Holdingford Media Specialist

 The place to be on December 12 & 13th was the TIES Conference at the Hyatt Hotel in downtown Minneapolis.  Here you would have found 3,100 educators learning about new technology and what others are doing in their classrooms and districts.  I have attended TIES for more years than I would like to admit too, but it never fails to give me new ideas, renew my passion for technology, and motivate me to share ideas with staff and students.  This year was no exception.

 One of the most interesting things that seemed to come up in many sessions was that of a “flipped classroom”.  Where teachers tape their presentation and post to the web and students then listen to the presentations as homework.  During class time students do what would normally have been assigned as homework and the teacher is there to assist them.  Class time can also be used to go more in-depth.  I can see this being very beneficial, especially in math classes.  What a different way to think of teaching!  

 I attended a session on staff training that gave me some new ideas.  One idea I liked was what they called, “Speed Geeking”. During “Speed Geeking”, staff will spend ten minutes at different stations being introduced to some new tool.  After offering a “Speed Geeking” program it’s a good idea to offer a period of time for post-session discussion. During the post-session discussion, questions can be asked of staff attendees about what they learned, what they liked, whether the format of the class effective, and suggestions for improvement.  Later on, a follow-up can be done, asking if staff is using what they learned and if they need further help, advice, or assistance.

 I am anxiously awaiting our next staff development days so that we can try “Speed Geeking”. I also plan to setup up some after school sessions to share some of the other great ideas I learned.  All in all, the conference was great and I would encourage anyone who has never attended to try it next year.