NYSCATE Pre Conference Michelle Okal Frink

Michelle Okal-Frink has been on the administrative cutting edge of educational technology for years and has ushered in each new trend with great insight.   She has been a true pioneer for the schools in Western New York who rely on her role in the WNYRIC organization.  Michelle has also been a part of NYSCATE in a variety of capacities, most recently as NYSCATE President.

Michelle has truly displayed amazing leadership and insight towards the ever changing educational landscape.  This year you can find Michelle working the presiders booth!

Coffee with a Geek- Interview with Erik Maeder

Just finished talking to colleague and friend Erik Maeder, Pioneer Central School District Technology Integrator.  I met Erik through our Technology Integrator Forum Meetings.  Erik is always a wealth of information and always willing to share, which is why I am connected to him in a variety of social circles from, Google Plus, to Facebook, to Goodreads.  (Erik is a voracious reader)

I think you will find his insights about future tech trends to be right on the money.

Thanks Erik!

Mission US-2 Thumbs Up

As many of you know I have been an advocate for making Social Studies, and in particular history, a more active and engaging learning process for students.  I have been following the Mission US Series for some time and am incredibly impressed by the content and learning quality of this program.  I would probably recommend this mostly for 4-5 Grades, yet there is definitely possibility to make this a more advance 7 grade US History piece as well.  The resources and teachers guides are high quality and well sourced.

Right now there are 3 developed missions.  The first involves the Revolutionary War, the 2nd Mission is about the Underground Railroad, and the 3rd is brand new and involves the Native groups of the Plains.

Please give this program a try.  Better yet, if you are WNY teacher contact me and I will help you get it set up and work with it.  I would love to offer help to get this program in as many schools as possible.

Here is the Link:  http://www.mission-us.org/

Check it out!

Connected Educator Month

I had the great honor of being asked to be a Google Hangout Panelist this weekend that was Coordinated by good friend and colleague Jane Wilde.  I'll let the Hangout do the talking!  Great group of people.