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.

A Day at The Anne Frank Project: Buffalo State College

Last Wednesday and Thursday I had the unbelievable pleasure to take part in The Anne Frank Project at Buffalo State College.   Pioneered by Drew Kahn and ably assisted by Co-Director, Eve Everette, this conference is now an annual fixture on the Buffalo State campus.  The conference is free and open to the public and has tons of thought provoking sessions built around Anne Frank's wish to change the world in meaningful ways.

"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world."-Anne Frank.

Drew has been on board with our "Understanding the Holocaust" project since its inception.  This year he offered us a unique opportunity to have our "virtual Annex" on display at the Burchfield Penney Art Center as a companion exhibit to The Anne Frank Center (USA)'s Timeline display.  I was so honored to have the project so prominently displayed in such a magnificent museum.  I would highly recommend going to this museum at any time.  It is breathtaking in its architecture, peaceful in its atmosphere, as well as, powerfully engaging in its artistic display.

Teachers Jill Pallante (with daughter Margeux) and Becky Moe helped participants understand how the program worked with their students.

This technology provides a bridge between the content that teachers want to convey and the technology skills that students possess. 

Working with a participant as they navigate the virtual environment.

Ready to present!

The entrance to the exhibit.  

NYSCATE Pre Conference Interview Katie Regan

My second pre-conference interview is with the dynamic and engaging Katie Regan.

I met Katie at last year's NYSCATE Conference along with #Ladygeek buddy Shari Sloan.  I was really impressed with their positive attitude and willingness to share.  I found there was a kinship right away.

Here's Katie!

NYSCATE Pre-Conference Interview 1

The NYSCATE Conference is an amazing 3 Day event that highlights the vast amount of edtech projects and programs that go on throughout New York State.  This ISTE affiliated organization is at the forefront of bringing together innovative educators.

I thought it would build some excitement to interview some of the hard working people that work behind the scenes to bring the magic of NYSCATE together.

My first two guests are Brian Blaszak and David Mileham, two friends and colleagues that are part of the 1-Hour session Conference planners.  Take a listen to what goes into this task and get a sneak peak at the trends that you should see at this year's conference.