Tech Tip - Build With Chrome

Build With Chrome

In the theme of Makerspace, the tech tip for this week is Build With Chrome.  Build With Chrome is a website that allows users to build anything with Lego's.  Once built, the user can place their creations on a map for other users to see.  If you enjoy building with Legos or you have students that enjoy it, give Build With Chrome a try today!

Horizon's Report - Makerspaces

The past couple weeks we have touched on a variety of trends related to educational technology.  This week we will start focusing on a couple of the technologies that may have an impact in education in the next five to seven years.

The Horizon's Report outlines two technologies that can have an impact in one year or less.  These two technologies are the Bring Your Own Device movement and The Flipped Classroom.  Since these two movements are relatively well-known, we'll focus on the developments that may take two to three years to adopt.

The first of these movements is the Makerspace movement.  A Makerspace is a space to make things.

This space usually has the space, tools, and materials used to build something.  One of the real benefits to a Makerspace is collaborative learning.  Other people are in this same space building and each person has their own unique experiences and expertise.  These spaces pull learning from all content areas together to create something.  Wouldn't it be great to give kids the space, time, tools, and materials to build and see what they come up with?  If you ever have the opportunity to participate in a Makerspace, do it!  It is a very rewarding and fun experience.

7 Things You Should Know About Makerspaces

Will Steger Summer Institute

Summer Institute 2015

• 2 graduate credits (fee)
• 20 CEUS
• $75 Early Bird Rate

Please join us for our 10th annual Summer Institute for Climate Change Education, June 15-17, 2015 at the School of Environmental Studies in Apple Valley, MN. Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Reunite, learn from and network with past participants of Will Steger Foundation Summer Institutes for Climate Change Education.
• Hear from experts in climate science, climate change education and climate solutions.
• Engage with hands on activities that help bring climate concepts into the classroom and informal education settings.
• Learn about how the Will Steger Foundation curriculum supports language arts, social studies and science standards.
• Share how you have been implementing climate change education in your educational setting. (More information on how to apply below)

Click here for more information and to register.

MRVED Business

FACS Meeting
The Family and Consumer Science teachers gathered for their annual best practice meeting on Tuesday, March 24.  The group had the opportunity to tour CashWise Foods in Willmar and learn about the grocery business.  After the grocery store tour the group ate and shared ideas.  In the afternoon the group toured Mr. B's Chocolates in Willmar.  Overall it was a great day and much was learned.

Upcoming Meetings

April 8, 2015  MRVED Board (7:00 p.m.)
April 10, 2015  Community Ed
April 17, 2015  Title III Teachers
April 22, 2015  Superintendents' Council

May 8, 2015  Community Ed
May 11, 2015  Principals' Council/TAC Combined Meeting (NEW DATE)
May 27, 2015  Superintendents' Council

6 Ways to Be a Stronger Communicator (from Practical Business Training)
1. You don't always need to be "right." It's unrealistic to think you will never make a mistake. How you handle it says a great deal about who you are as a professional. Don't try and shift the blame or go radio silent, hoping no one will notice. Own your error, come up with a solution and apologize for the inconvenience it may have caused. This shows maturity and tells your boss you can be trusted to handle a difficult situation under pressure.
2. It's not necessary to one up your coworker. Friendly competition is healthy and challenges others to step up their pace.  Make every effort to congratulate peers on a job well done and keep the conversation focused on their success. Steer away from bringing conversations back to you and your own achievements.
3. You learn more by listening.  If someone is taking the time to offer you constructive criticism, mentor you, or give you a piece of sound business advice, take advantage of the opportunity to listen and learn. Jot down notes to review later.
4. Know-it-alls are annoying. If you are good at your job, there is no need to brag about your expert status. Your reputation will speak for itself loud and clear.
5. No one respects a gossip. Being part of the "in the know" crowd may seem exciting and fun, until you are the subject of conversation. Rest assured, if they are trash talking someone else with you, they are surely talking about you when you are gone. Avoid water cooler chit chat and aspire to be the person who can be counted on to keep their mouth shut. At the end of the day your associates will view you as a trustworthy friend and coworker.
6. Keep your language clean. Cursing in the workplace is a habit worth breaking. Even if your boss regularly uses curse words at the office, you can't go wrong by keeping a civil tongue. If tough situations bring out the profanity, find other ways to cope.