News April 2015 A Publication of the Educational Technology Association

Take a Look INSIDE: Message from the President

The Election Results are In! Gregg Robke, ESU 4, Auburn, NE Find out if the candidates you voted for will be serving on the NETA Board of Finding Your Passion at Directors. the NETA Spring Conference See page...... 5 Top Reasons Why You Will Find Your Passion for Technology Take Hold of the ISTE Standards and Learning at the 2015 Spring NETA Conference: “We are living in a time where “stan- • A new venue! Omaha’s CenturyLink Center dards” feels like a dirty word, but the ISTE standards are a great tool to help • Adam Bellow and George Couros, our keynotes on Thursday us focus as educators.” and Friday! You’ll want to be sure to attend these keynotes to gather ideas on becoming a passion driven teacher! See page...... 11 • Leslie Fisher is back as a featured speaker both Thursday and Computers, iPads, SmartPhones, Friday to share her ideas and experience about technology in Oh My! the classroom! These five recommended apps from a • We welcome Monica Isabel Martinez as Thursday’s featured converted but previously reluctant speaker! smartphone owner will help you • We welcome teacher, librarian, and technology integration manage your classroom, improve specialist Shannon McClintock Miller as Friday’s featured student engagement and increase speaker! communication with parents. • The String Beans (http://www.thestringbeans.com/) will open See page...... 12 with some wacky and fun entertainment both days! • Over 190 breakout sessions presented by experts and educa- Ensuring Your Flip Doesn’t Flop tors with a passion for technology! You can find these listed on Have you considered flipping your our website (netasite.org) along with an interactive platform of classroom instruction? What does that the conference sessions. really mean? Find out, and get advice on best practices to insure your success. • Nearly 100 vendors with exciting new technologies for the classroom! See page...... 14 • Theopportunity to network with a few thousand other educa- tors who are as passionate about technology and learning as The Winners are Announced! you are! The complete judging results of the NETA Student and Teacher Contests NETA Conference Tips and Tricks! are listed. Find out who the winners are • Look over the session grid and pick all the sessions you are from the huge variety of the amazing interested in attending. Even if you pick more than one during entries. the same block of time, still select it. You can go back on our website and find handouts and presentation materials from See page...... 19 (Continued on page 13)

1 NETA News NETA Newsletter In this issue Published four times yearly. Finding Your Passion at the NETA Spring Conference...... 1 Contributions are welcome. Tip Some Cows...... 3 PO Box 484, Gretna, NE 68028 Phone (402) 540-1904 NETA Spring Conference 2015 Network Challenges...... 4 e-mail: [email protected] http://netasite.org Pre-registration Open Until April 3rd...... 4 Barcodes and QR Codes on Name Badges...... 4 NETA Officers and Board of Directors The Election Results are In!...... 5 ISTE 2015 in Philadelphia...... 5 Jason Everett...... Past President ESU 10 NETA Conference Site 2015...... 6 [email protected] Gregg Robke...... President Rise of the Cyber-Savant: Part II...... 8 ESU 4 The Reluctant English Teacher’s Guide to iPads and AppleTV...... 10 [email protected] Josh Allen...... President Elect Take Hold of the ISTE Standards...... 11 Lewis Central Community Schools Computers, iPads, Smartphones, Oh My!...... 12 [email protected] Darci Lindgren...... Secretary Board Explanation of Bylaw Changes...... 13 Lindsay Holy Family School [email protected] Ensuring Your Flip Doesn’t Flop...... 14 Rich Molettiere...... Treasurer Tips for Using Google Draw Successfully...... 16 [email protected] Excellence in Leading with Technology Award...... 17 Craig Badura...... Board 2015 Excellence in Teaching with Technology Award...... 18 Aurora Public Schools [email protected] Spring Conference Highlights and Information...... 18 Jackie Ediger...... Board 2015 The Winners! Complete Judging Results of NETA Contests...... 19 ESU 9 [email protected] CenturyLink Teachers and Technology Grant 2014 Final Reports...... 22 Patty Wolfe...... Board 2015 Calendar of Technology Conferences & Seminars...... 23 Cozad Community Schools [email protected] Membership Form...... 24 Nick Ziegler...... Board 2015 ESU 5 If you can share a success story related to technology in the classroom, or a [email protected] software solution review, we’d love to print it in a future newsletter. For Heather Callihan...... Board 2016 making the contribution, you will receive a 2015 Spring Conference T-shirt. Northwest Public Schools [email protected] Contact Julie Moore, phone (402) 540-1904 or e-mail executivedirector@ Tina Sauser...... Board 2016 netasite.org with a short summary to see if your story can be included in a Boone Central Schools future issue!❖ [email protected] Jason Schmidt...... Board 2016 Bennington Public Schools [email protected] NETA is an affiliate of ISTE—The International Angie Wassenmiller...... Board 2016 Society for Technology in Education. Concordia University [email protected] Matthew Lee...... Board 2017 Westside Community Schools [email protected] NETA Executive Officers and Coordinators Kristina Peters...... Board 2017 Julie Moore...... Executive Director Lynn Behounek...... Site Coordinator Nebraska Department of Education [email protected] Ralston Public Schools [email protected] Tom Rolfes...... Executive Liaison [email protected] Kent Steen...... Board 2017 Office of the CIO-NITC Lynne Herr...... Contest Coordinator Lincoln Public Schools [email protected] ESU 6 [email protected] Bob Goeman...... Co-Exhibitor Coordinator [email protected] Evi Wusk...... Board 2017 [email protected] Lucas Bingham...... Web Coordinator Peru State College Eliu Paopao...... Co-Exhibitor Coordinator School District 145 of Waverly [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

April 2015 http://netasite.org 2 NETA News Message from the President Elect Tip Some Cows Josh Allen Lewis Central Community Schools that you are providing to your with ideas, suggestions or tools for students and staff. you to take back and (figuratively) tip some cows in your district. Have you ever been cow If your staff moseys down the Many of the 2300+ in attendance tipping? How did it end up? Like hallway (like a cattle chute) and will be sharing on Twitter using Tommy Boy? You don’t have to plods into the training session, the #neta15 hashtag, allowing honestly answer that. give them a little shock by stepping thousands of others the opportunity outside of your own box. Make to attend virtually and “corral” new What’s the purpose of cow tipping? them get up and move around ideas and resources. Does it make a better steak? No, it during the session. Utilize videos. doesn’t. But, generally, it wakes the Make it interactive by modeling Tip your PD cow up with quite the shock. Kahoot or another tool to collect If you continually provide instruc- information. Heck—put blank tion for students the same way, day What is your school climate like? pieces of paper on the wall and let after day, regardless of the instruc- How excited is the staff you work them fill in what they want to learn tional method, most are going to with for the next in-service day? Or more about. I’m not claiming to eventually tune you out. Teachers early out? Are they going through have all the answers—I need to do are not much different than kids. the motions? Are there some cows a better job of this, too! Maybe I You cannot provide professional that need to be tipped? should’ve started this article with development the same way over “Hey, Josh!” and over again. They will begin to This isn’t an article to question tune you out. Hopefully, while you the weight of your staff. Nor is it New ideas or tools are at NETA 2015, you will make permission to knock any of them Many of the 198 breakout sessions connections and discover resources over. In fact, I strongly suggest and 54 poster sessions at the spring that will help you tip some cows ❖ doing NEITHER of those. And I NETA Conference will provide you back at your ranch. will not be held responsible for any injuries relating to that activity. Or any others. Nor do I condone actually trying to tip a live cow. Do things differently This article is, instead, a call for you who provide any sort of profes- sional development for others to start doing things differently. Math, reading, science, whatever. NETA 2015 is the perfect place to begin that journey. “But it’s a tech confer- ence,” you say. Well, yes, but it’s a technology conference that wants you to use technology to improve math, reading, science, whatever. Technology should not be a grandi- ose event in your schools. It should be an integrated part of the instruc- tion or professional development

http://netasite.org April 2015 3 NETA News NETA Spring Conference 2015 Pre-registration Network Challenges! Open Through April 3rd! We hope to see you at NETA on April 23–24, at Century- Link Center Omaha. Please make sure you have registered for NETA by April 3rd. Your registration needs to be done online by that date, faxed, or postmarked by April 3rd if sent via mail. After April 3rd, please plan to register onsite.

Plan now to find your way to CenturyLink Center Omaha, 455 N 10th Street, for an exciting two days to explore NETA…On the Move at the conference!❖

Don’t get caught having all of your devices powered on! Barcodes and QR Here are a few network of those in attendance does Codes on Name courtesy rules that we hope you make a big difference! Badges will remember and apply while at the Conference. 3. This year we have some Again this year your name continuing challenges and badges will have bar codes on 1. Having 2300+ people—active required commitments. them. This will allow exhibi- technology advocates!—in one Smartphone technology tors to easily scan your name facility is more than almost any allows users to set up a badge and you won’t need to wireless (WiFi) network can wireless hot spot using their complete forms to give them handle. We have contracted phone. Any such use of your information. When the a big Internet pipe. We are wireless hot spots during the exhibitors scan your badge, working with CenturyLink conference creates another these are the fields of infor- Center Omaha for extra access threat to the reliability of the mation they will receive: your points for room coverage. conference network system. name, organization, address, Please...don’t! phone, and e-mail. In addi- 2. Along with some upgrading tion your name badge will of the facility and management 4. Together, we can do this! have a QR code on it for of the network equipment, the We can keep the network exhibitors to use. conference participants (yes, at the CenturyLink Center including YOU) also need to Omaha stable and functioning At this point we do not know do their job—everyone needs to during this year’s NETA spring how many exhibitors will be careful and thoughtful about conference. participate in badge barcode WiFi dependent usage. Try to or QR code scanning. We stay with one device for doing We can work together to help anticipate that there will be all of your research, note taking, assure network capacity and quite a few since many have and communication. The reliability. Remember only you suggested that we add this ❖ cooperation and collaboration can prevent network storms! ❖ option.

April 2015 http://netasite.org 4 NETA News The Election Results are In! Announcing the New 2015 NETA Officers and Directors

Many thanks to all of you disburses all funds for NETA and Leaving the Board this Year who voted during the online keeps the board informed of the Jason Everett, Educational Service election. Thanks also to all of the status of all accounts. Unit #10—Jason will be greatly candidates on the ballot for their missed on the NETA Board. Congratulations to Jackie and Rich willingness to serve. All candidates Throughout his years of service, for being elected to these offices! were certainly worthy and you Jason has provided strong leader- will hopefully see some of them on Directors, Three-year term ship and challenged the board to the ballot again in the future! The think outside of the box. His great following people were elected. Craig Badura passion for educational technology Aurora Public Schools is evident in the many capacities he Officers Director 2018 has served on the NETA Board. Jackie Ediger Jason has worked with the website President-Elect and dedicated countless hours in the Educational Service Ann Feldmann leadership roles of President Elect, Unit #9 Bellevue Public Schools President and most recently as Past Director 2018 President. Our sincere thanks Jason ThePresident Elect serves for for all of your contributions to help one year in this position and then NETA grow to what it is today. moves into the role of the president. The president elect is responsible Patty Wolfe Would you like to serve? for helping to plan the conference. Cozad Community If you would like to be more active Schools in NETA by serving on the NETA Rich Molettiere Director 2018 Board of Directors, consider being Treasurer a nominee in 2016. Four Director positions are open each year, as Omaha North High Nick Ziegler well as the President Elect and Magnet School Educational Service either Secretary or Treasurer Unit #5 (elected every other year). Watch The Treasurer is elected every two Director 2018 years. The treasurer receives and for the call for nominees in the November newsletter. ❖

ISTE 2015 in Philadelphia NETA Registration and Housing Options

Plan now to attend ISTE 2015 provides Nebraska NETA members on June 28–July 1, 2015 at the a block of reserved rooms at a hotel, free breakfast. All accommodations Pennsylvania Convention Center! and an opportunity for a reception are subject to state and room taxes. Join more than 13,000 educators while at ISTE. from across the and To register for the ISTE Conference several foreign countries to attend ISTE organizers have reserved a or to reserve rooms, please go to the largest educational technology block of rooms for Nebraska NETA http://netasite.org and click on the conference of its type in the U.S. members in the Holiday Inn Ex- link for ISTE 2015. If you have any press Midtown, 1305 Walnut Street, questions about registration or NETA is providing a special ISTE Philadelphia, PA 19107. The rates housing for ISTE 2015, please 2015 housing offer for our members are $193 for a single room or $207 contact Julie Moore at 402-540-1904 ❖ through March 26, 2015. This offer for a double room. This hotel offers ([email protected]) http://netasite.org April 2015 5 NETA News NETA Conference Site 2015 Welcome to the CenturyLink Center Omaha Convention Center!

NETA members asked for more space at the conference so NETA... is on the Move! The NETA 2015 annual spring conference will be held at the CenturyLink Center Omaha Convention Center. This location offers easy access, state of the art facilities, and more produc- tive conference activities space. Location • 455 North 10th Street, Omaha, NE 68102 • http://netasite.org/ centurylinkcenteromahadirections Parking Conference attendees may park in Lot B or D. Parking cost is $8, cash only. Lodging accommodations NETA has agreements with three hotels in downtown Omaha for conference group rates: Hilton Omaha (connected to the Century- Link Center Omaha), Courtyard by Marriott—Omaha Downtown, and Hilton Garden Inn—Omaha Down- town. For more information, please check the NETA website: http:// Options Convention Center Parking netasite.org/neta2015hotelregistration Conversation Strand Graduation Credit for NETA Conference Food Choices • Held in Convention Center, Participants who attend both days of • Gourmet Coffee Cart room 209 the NETA Conference can earn one hour of graduate credit through Peru • Alexander’s BBQ • Come learn from the group State College. Interested participants • Taco Cart Registration will meet briefly with Gregg Robke • Register by April 3 or plan to on Thursday morning at 9:50 outside Concession stand located in register onsite of the Grand Ballroom, directly after Exhibit Hall: the keynote. Tuition is as follows: • Smoked Andouille Sausage • Located in Exhibit Hall Nebraska Residence—$177.75 • Chili Cheese Coney • Wednesday night registration per credit hour + applicable fees hours are 5:00–7:00 p.m. of $69.25. Non-Residence—$355.50 • Nacho Grandeo per credit hour + applicable fees • Jumbo Hot Dog Omaha of $69.25. To find out more about Omaha you • Nachos, Pretzels & Popcorn may visit http://netasite.org/ We look forward to welcoming you • Beverages visitomaha. to the CenturyLink Center Omaha! ❖ April 2015 http://netasite.org 6 NETA News CenturyLink Center Omaha Meeting Room Map

| The meeting room level of the CenturyLink Center Omaha offers 63,000 square feet of flexible meeting space all located on the second level. All rooms feature multiple outlets, telephone and data connections as well as in- dividual programmable lighting. The facility’s open, contemporary design allows for easy access to all areas.

The Exhibit Hall encompasses over 194,00 square feet of contiguous space which is divisible into three separate halls. NETA is using Hall A, allowing an expanded number of exhibitors in this large space. Each hall features a concession stand, restrooms and a show office.€

CenturyLink Center Omaha Exhibit Hall Map

NETA Exhibits

http://netasite.org April 2015 7 NETA News

implementations. However and Rise of the Cyber-Savant: Part II more importantly, the Computer By Chuck Riedesel & Leen-Kiat Soh, Dept. of Computer Science & Engineering Scientist is the one who discovers, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE creates, and refines these compo- nents in the first place!

The use of the term Cyber-Savant is intended to evoke the image of Driver, Auto Mechanic, or a genius problem-solver with computers, in addition to attracting Automotive Engineer? your attention to this article! We are all vaguely aware of such Driving a car requires some degree geniuses, but where do they come from? What is it that gives rise to of understanding of how a car works, these cyber-savants? Our contention is that Computation Thinking if only to recognize faults, capabili- (CT) is part of the answer, and that CT can be useful in numerous ties, servicing requirements, etc., but more mundane contexts, including teaching our typical crop of primarily a driver needs to learn how students. This is Part II of a two-part article. to operate (i.e. interface with) the automobile with sufficient skill to get around. Drivers Education courses Computer Programmer = “Introduction to Computer Science” are commonly available for provid- Computer Scientist? would be more optimal for a scien- ing this education and training. Is a Computer Programmer a tist. This course may employ Java Computer Scientist? Not necessarily. as an example language, but the On the other hand, an auto mechan- Most fundamentally, the computer emphasis is on concepts that are ic generally requires more education programmer uses a programming more universal. relating to the internals of a car— language as a tool to implement how the parts work together, modes an application on a computer. A Key distinguishing features of a of failure, diagnosis and replace- programmer knows one or more Computer Scientist’s education ment/repair, etc. He/she may need programming languages and is able include extensive logic and math- to be able to drive the car also, but to code using them, employing at ematics, especially as is found in in this role, the purpose of driving is least some degree of CT. A pro- Discrete Mathematics courses; for diagnosis and testing rather than grammer may have learned how to theoretical foundations that involve skill in negotiating the road. Being work with data structures (simple hypothetical models of computation up-to-date on technologies and types, arrays, classes, files, perhaps and the limits to what is computable; products, testing equipment, having pointers, linked lists, etc.) and Programming Language Concepts certifications to work with particular control structures (loops, selection, that explore more exotic paradigms products, etc. is essential to being functions, etc.), applying them to such as functional and logic pro- effective as a mechanic. Education a variety of applications on various gramming as well as object-oriented; may involve technical schooling and/ platforms. The programmer may be and Design and Analysis of Algo- or apprenticeship that is definitely able to identify places in the code rithms that explore computational beyond what is required for simply for patterns he/she has learned, complexity and strategies of solving driving the vehicle. However, this algorithms from a reasonable-sized hard problems. additional education would mostly repertoire, GUI elements, and more. not be applicable to automotive A couple of courses in a program- With this more rigorous education, engineering (next paragraph). ming language may be sufficient a Computer Scientist will have a education for a computer program- much more substantial repertoire Approaching an auto mechanic with mer to get a reasonable start. Unless of CT tools, constructs, and tech- a request to redesign the engine or the application requires it, a pro- niques from which to draw, assum- transmission for improved perfor- grammer’s education does not ing the task is to do problem solving mance will likely not be fruitful. If generally require extensive math- with a solution executable by a com- this is your objective, you need to ematics and logic. puter, with the tangible products find people (most likely a team of ranging from understanding and people) with substantially more A Computer Scientist must, of description of a problem to ideas education. Physics, chemistry, course, be able to program. But, underlying a solution, from theories advanced mathematics, mechanical whereas “Introduction to Java” to empirical data, from algorithms engineering, statics and dynamics may be a suitable first course for a to lines of code, from conceptual may all be needed. Automotive programmer, a more encompassing models to specific designs and (Continued on the next page)

April 2015 http://netasite.org 8 NETA News

(Cyber-Savant, continued) technology (hardware and principles, their hardware and engineers with baccalaureate (and software) to learn about other software designs, their applica- higher) degrees are the ones to call disciplines. For example, the tions, and their impact on upon. Interestingly, these engineers science teacher may use pre- society. may be so busy with their engineer- existing computer simulations ing that their knowledge of particu- to provide students with To further clarify the delineation, lar products and certifications to a better understanding of from the Standards, “IT is an applied work with them may be limited, specific physics principles, field of study, driven by the practical though if needed, could be quickly or an English teacher may use benefits of its knowledge, while brought up to date. Significantly, the word-processing software to computer science adds scientific and engineers are the ones who create help students improve their mathematical, as well as practical, the technologies and their accompa- editing and revision skills. dimensions. Some of the practical nying certifications! While educational technology dimensions of computer science are is concerned with using these shared with IT, such as working with These three job descriptions could tools, computer science is text, graphics, sound, and video. But be rewritten almost word for word, concerned with designing, while IT concentrates on learning replacing references to drivers, auto creating, testing, modifying, how to use and apply these tools, mechanics, and automotive engi- and verifying these tools. computer science is concerned neers with computer users, IT with learning how these tools are • Information technology (IT) is workers, and computer scientists/ designed and why they work. Com- “the proper use of technologies engineers respectively, and refer- puter science and IT have a lot in by which people manipulate and ences to cars with computers. common, but neither one is fully share information in its various Our way of life requires all three substitutable for the other. For forms.” While Information in various numbers: many need example, the complexity of algo- Technology involves learning to know how to drive, a smaller rithms is a fundamental idea in about computers, it emphasizes number are needed to maintain the computer science but would prob- the technology itself. Informa- vehicles, and fewer still are needed ably not appear in an IT curriculum.” tion Technology specialists to design new technologies. And not assume responsibility for select- surprisingly, each higher (more We see Computer Science as a ing appropriate hardware and cerebral) category requires deeper discipline with its cores in both software products, integrating and more extensive use of CT in science and engineering. In many those products with organiza- order to be successful in their work. ways it is a discipline that studies tional needs and infrastructure, how one could practice computa- and installing, customizing, and Sidebar 2: To Further Explore tional thinking more efficiently and maintaining those resources. Computer Science more effectively to solve complex Note that NETA’s Statement of • Computer science (CS) is the problems—ranging from algorithms Purpose states that it “exists for the study of computers and algorith- to software solutions to computer purpose of providing leadership and mic processes, including their hardware designs. ❖ promoting the application of tech- nology to the educational process. Its span of interest includes all levels and aspects of education.” However, many of NETA’s members also have strong interests in Information Technology (IT) and Computer Science. Here, we hope to delineate these terms.

According to the CSTA K-12 Curriculum Standards, • Educational Technology can be defined as using computers across the curriculum, or more specifically, using computer http://netasite.org April 2015 9 NETA News The Reluctant English Teacher’s Guide to iPads and AppleTV

By Catherine Blankenau, Dorchester Public School

Commonly, English with their activity, simply connect Teachers are stereotyped as to the AppleTV and watch their the iPad can be used for something being stuck in the 80s: the 1880s. presentations live from your other than gratuitous selfies and We love printed copies of books, projector. lazy note taking? old-fashioned paper-and-pencil notes, and keeping a weekly Idea Sketch The camera app on my iPad tops journal. I pride myself on being Idea Sketch has two apps: a free my list of most frequently used tech-savvy, and recently, my school trial version that allows one presen- apps, not for the previously men- was generous enough to install tation, and a complete, unlimited tioned activities, but for use as a an AppleTV in my classroom. I’ve version for $3.99 titled Idea simple document camera. A always wanted one to help make Sketch+. This app is great for visual plethora of iPad stands for this my high school English curriculum learners and students who have exact purpose are available through more interactive, and to engage difficulty connecting ideas. Stu- Amazon.com and other online students with material in ways that dents create graphic organizers and retailers, and range in price from they may not otherwise experience flowcharts to organize information. $20 to $200 depending on how in a classroom often relegated to The ability to choose between many bells and whistles you want. the 19th century. This article will shapes, sizes, and colors allows Place your iPad into its holder, fire review a few easy-to-implement students the freedom to personalize up the camera, and away you go. applications for iPads and their graphic organizers to suit their AppleTV in conjunction. learning needs. Document cameras can be used for loads of activities, from modeling to Educreations An additional feature of Idea Sketch, previewing to showing off exem- even in its free form, is the option plary student work. It even brings to transform the student-created back the excitement of getting to graphic organizer into an outline write on the overhead projector containing their information. This (a joy that modern students often They say that the best way to is particularly helpful for those who don’t experience). make sure you know information have difficulty making the connec- is to teach it to someone else. tion between graphic organizers and Don’t say “No!” to an AppleTV or Educreations is a free app for the written idea expression. Idea Sketch iPad before you can try these iPad that allows students a wide is a wonderful way to analyze cause wonderful apps!❖ variety of creative ways to review and effect relation- and re-teach material to their ships, explore the classmates. This interactive white main idea and board utilizes text, pictures, audio, supporting details and video to convey messages in a of a passage, and PowerPoint-like format that many categorize informa- students will find immediately tion from a number familiar. of sources. Its uses are limitless! In the English classroom, Educre- ations can be used as a method of The Camera review for higher-order-thinking Whoa, slow down activities like illustrating scenes, there tech wizard. parsing plotlines, and explaining You mean to tell me the complex relationships between that the built in, characters. When they’re finished default camera on

April 2015 http://netasite.org 10 NETA News Take Hold of the ISTE Standards

Evi Wusk “If we can have the courage to take a step away Peru State College from lock-step classroom control, possibilities and engagement can open up.”

As we sat in the waiting room engagement can open up. We are Standard 4: Critical of the pediatrician, I was struck by living in a time where “standards” Thinking, Problem Solving, a little girl’s face. It was so alive, so feels like a dirty word, but the and Decision Making smiley…so snot and bugger free. ISTE standards are a great tool to How often are your students It looked very different from my help us focus as educators (http:// engaging with real issues in their children’s faces. www.iste.org/standards). community? Are there instances where your classroom engages My family had been struck with Standard 1: Creativity with a problem for which you Influenza A. In a sick way (parton and Innovation don’t have a pre-determined the pun) getting the diagno- How are students in your classes answer? What would it look like sis made me happy. Influenza A displaying creative thought and for your classroom to take on a sounds hardcore, like a real action? In what ways are they messy problem in the community diagnosis. Not just the flu, but given space for innovation? and make a difference? IN-FLU-ENZA. All of my whining In what ways could a teacher’s and complaining now felt justified. expectations be shifted to allow Standard 5: Digital Citizenship for a more diverse range of student How are you teaching your stu- The prescription was for Tami- projects that still meet the assess- dents to be good digital citizens flu. When we paid for it (and it’s ment criteria? and how are you modeling it? quite expensive), we didn’t realize Do your students understand the how difficult it would be to get my Standard 2: Communication societal issues related to technol- two-year-old to take it. After some and Collaboration ogy (legal and ethical behavior)? back and forth, we disguised it in Where are students in your room her chocolate milk. working together, not just in Standard 6: Technology groups where they divide a big Operations and Concepts Afterward she was sitting on the project into equal parts, but in Are your students engaged with couch with one of my mom’s quilts strategic sets where everyone technological tools and allowed spread across her lap when I heard brings a specific asset to the to troubleshoot problems when a gurgle. (I’m sure you can fill in group. How are students commu- they arise? the rest of the story.) nicating with one another outside of class to work on project-based If the standards are new to you, How often are we using technol- components? the questions above might spark ogy like this--disguising the same a conversation or get you thinking old same old in a minor techie- Standard 3: Research and with them. Let’s each dare twist package? What would it look Information Fluency each other to make one small like for us to really embrace the How do your students find infor- change with these in mind in the SAMR model and re-define what’s mation? Are they required to limit next week and then build from possible in our classrooms? searches to resources in the there. If we think small wins, physical library? How can they it can add up to big wins for our If we can have the courage to take better utilize Twitter to find students and who knows, it might a step away from lock-step class- information from current experts just be the needed medicine for room control, possibilities and in their field of research? How are what ails our classrooms.❖​ students taught to evaluate the credibility of online resources?

http://netasite.org April 2015 11 NETA News Computers, iPads, Smartphones, Oh My! By Heather Kostal, Wilber Clatonia Elementary School

For my 29th birthday, Remind I bought myself a smartphone. www.remind.com I had been dragging my feet for My extracurricular a few years—the sole reason was responsibilities include the monthly price tag attached to junior high volleyball and one-act this purchase. People had told me play. Communication with parents, the benefits of a smartphone players, and participants is impera- would outweigh the expense. As I tive. Remind has been a great way download yet another educational to make sure everyone is well tool, I am beginning to think they informed. When I started using were right. We use computers and this, I had to be on the computer iPads in the classroom. Maybe my because I was not the proud smartphone could play a beneficial Plickers owner of a smartphone. Now role in it, too. Here are the ways I www.plickers.com I can quickly and easily send a do and plan on incorporating my This is another app speedy, informative remind right smartphone into our school day. introduced to me from my phone. at TLC. I can create questions to Class Dojo show students. Using the print Youtube www.classdojo.com out assigned to them with its bit.ly/1cTWONO For the past three years, unique design, students show me Music has become a I have been using a clip their answer. With a quick scan staple to our transitions. up/clip down chart in my class- of my phone, I can see students’ When it is time to start math room. It has proven effective for responses. I know immediately meeting, I play music. When it is many students. However, this year which students answered correctly time for students to return to their I have a handful of boys that haven’t and which students answered seat, I play music. When it is time been motivated by this chart. After incorrectly. to clean up from Daily 5 and meet hearing about Class Dojo at TLC for the lesson, I play music. This (Technology Leadership Cadre Wunderlist signals that it is time to move offered at ESU 6), I have begun www.wunderlist.com from one thing to the next. When using it with them. Each of them For someone like me who transitioning from small to large has their own avatar. They can uses a lot of lists, this app group, I would tell students they either earn a +1 or -1. The pluses has been helpful. You create a list need to be cleaned up and seated and minuses are attached to a and add items to your list. As you by the time the music stops. The positive or negative behavior. While complete a task, you click on it and problem is that by the time I get some of the behaviors are self- it disappears from the list so you from the small group table to the explanatory, you are also able to can easily see what needs to be done computer, many precious minutes add additional comments. This yet. I plan on using this for Dibels have ticked by. My plan is to use has been a great record keeper progress monitoring. I want to a portable speaker with blue tooth for behavior. The boys are always create a list of students who I and my phone. Now I can start the curious on how many points they progress monitor for DORF and a transition music with my phone have. Hearing the sounds of the list for DAZE. After I’ve progress while sitting at the small group positive or negative is often a great monitored them, I can put a check table. way to get all of them refocused. by their name and it will disappear Because I have Class Dojo on my from the screen. Once I’m finished With all these wonderful uses for a phone, I don’t have to be at my with them all, I can bring those smartphone in the classroom, I’m computer to give students a + or -, names back to the list so I am ready glad I finally took the plunge and which has been very convenient. for the next time I progress monitor. purchased one. ❖

April 2015 http://netasite.org 12 NETA News

(Passion, continued from page1) Board Explanation of Bylaw Changes each session. You can also contact the presenter to see Pursuant to Article XI, Section B of the NETA Constitution and Bylaws, if the session material(s) can The NETA Board of Directors, after much deliberation and conversations be accessed. Create a detailed with other ISTE Affiliates, do hereby submit the following Bylaw changes schedule of the sessions you for consideration by the NETA membership at their April 2015 General want to attend, either on your Meeting. calendar app or in an Excel document. In short, the proposed Bylaws and Policies and Procedures changes will indicate that the annual membership in NETA will cost $0, starting on • Get connected on Twitter and April 25, 2015, and all members who join at $0 will be accorded all the Facebook. Be sure to follow membership privileges, with the exception of the printed newsletter, which @yourNETA as well as the will be reserved for those members who attend the Annual Conference. #NETA15 hash tag. Anyone who attends a NETA event or visits the membership portal on • Follow other Twitter folks who the NETA website, will be granted membership providing they meet the are using the #NETA15 hash criteria to become a NETA member. tag. Be sure to favorite the sessions or topics that others Proposed Bylaw Changes are tweeting about. III. Membership • Create an Evernote notebook A. Membership is open to anyone who has an interest in adminis- for NETA 2015. Use your trative, educational, and instructional uses of technology and notebook to capture session who subscribe to the basic tenets of NETA as proclaimed in notes, pictures, website links, these Articles. and tweets; which can be sorted, B. Membership and membership privileges are not in any way searched, and linked to other limited by race, creed, sex, age, or religious belief. web tools. C. Three Two membership classes are recognized, with distinct • Be sure to check out the NETA privileges. social butterfly lounge, the poster/playground sessions, 1. Regular memberships can be held by individuals. and the differentstrands offered 2. Honorary members are to be elected by the Board of Directors. throughout the conference. This membership requires no dues. and will be nonvoting. Challenge to you 3. Student members must be full-time undergraduate students, My challenge to you as a confer- and will have all the rights and privileges of regular mem- ence attendee is to findone thing bers, with the exception of voting rights and receipt of that can change the way you do printed publications. things in your classroom, in your D. The membership year shall be from annual meeting to annual school, and/or in your district. meeting. Passion-driven teaching and learning is contagious! IV. Membership Privileges A. All members within a membership class claim identical privi- On a personal note, it has been an leges, except that the dues structure and registration fee sched- honor to serve as NETA president ules may reflect class sub-categorization. this past year, and I can’t wait to see what is in store for the future B. Members shall pay dues as established by the Board of Directors, of this organization. Please feel and only persons who have paid dues according to the currently free to contact me at any time established policy shall be considered members at any given time. regarding your NETA experience, C. Regular members, and only regular members All members shall questions, and/or comments. You have the right to vote in elections of officers, and in all matters can connect with me on Twitter placed before the assembly at the annual meeting of the mem- (@grobke) or email me: gregg.robke ❖ bership or through mailed balloting procedures. ❖ @netasite.org. http://netasite.org April 2015 13 NETA News Ensuring Your Flip Doesn’t Flop

...by removing some of the direct instruction involved in the Nick Ziegler, ESU 5 “ input phase you can move more quickly into the guided practice phase and provide more time for independent practice.”

One of the topics I enjoy presenting most by identifying the learning objectives before moving is the Flipped Classroom. This is because I feel the into an anticipatory set designed to both illustrate and Flipped Classroom, a form of BlendED instruction, is engage students with those learning goals. Next, the a prime example of how integrating technology can teacher facilitates an input phase in which she models significantly enhance educational practice. In SAMR the learning objective. Constant checks for understand- terms, the Flipped Classroom represents a significant ing allow the teacher to gauge student uptake of the Modification (if not a Redefinition) of instructional new concepts and inform the transition to guided practice. However, reaching toward Redefinition practice (“we do”) before moving into independent requires that you adhere to the research-based, best practice (“I do”). practices associated with sound pedagogy. Here’s how to ensure your Flip doesn’t Flop: The difficulty is that more often than not Independent Practice turns into homework. Am I right? Wouldn’t it Best Practices in the Traditional be nice to have more class time dedicated to the deeper and the Flipped Classrooms level application of our learning objectives?

Traditional Flipped This is the premise of the Flipped Classroom—that by removing some of the direct instruction involved in the In Class Before Class input phase you can move more quickly into the guided practice phase and provide more time for independent 1) Learning Objectives 1) Learning Objectives practice. However, a common misconception of the 2) Anticipatory Set 2) Input Flipped Classroom is that it involves solely providing students with educational videos to watch before 3) Input 3) Model coming to class! Just as you wouldn’t move directly into 4) Model 4) Check the Input Phase in the Traditional Model, it is not best Understanding practice to simply provide students a link to a Khan 5) Check Understanding Academy video! 5) Guided Practice 6) Guided Practice In Class The Modification of After Class Madeline Hunter’s ITIP Model 6) Anticipatory Set The Flipped Classroom leverages technology to modify 7) Independent Practice Madeline Hunter’s ITIP Model. There are many ways 7) Guided Practice to do this, but what follows is my recommendation. 8) Independent Providing Flipped content to your students will require Practice that you use a Learning Management System (LMS). If your district is paying for a professional license for Madeline Hunter’s ITIP Model a specific LMS, use it. If you are currently using a free First off, when I refer to the “Traditional” classroom, version of an LMS, or maintain/feel comfortable I am referring to the best practices associated with creating a class website, that would do as well. If not, student-centered, sound pedagogy consistent with I highly recommend Sophia.org (allows you to not only Madeline Hunter’s ITIP (Instructional Theory into import/upload videos—but also to create and house Practice) Model. In the Traditional classroom we begin (continued on the next page)

April 2015 http://netasite.org 14 NETA News

(Flip, continued from previous page) two groups: those who require remediation and those who are ready for independent practice. The group requiring remediation moves to one center and accesses the lesson’s online Flipped Content while you engage those who passed the assessment in a quick activity (i.e., shorter than it will take the reme- diation group to finish your Flipped Content) to provide guided practice before they are allowed to move into independent practice. After these students are on their way, you turn your attention to the group of kids that required remediation with the goal of getting them to independent practice as well. Flipped Classroom—Facilitating Redefinition In the words of Jon Bergmann and Aaron Sams (Flipped Classroom Pioneers), the most important question associated with Flipping your Classroom isn’t so much the minutia of the Tech associated with HOW to do it—but rather WHAT you are going to do with significant amount of time you have created for extended Independent Practice within www.zondle.com—create, share and play games your classroom. The purpose of this article was to provide you with a structure for the HOW—the WHAT is up to you. ❖ screencasts directly within the site). The bigger point is that you will need a place online for students to access your content.

In accordance with best practices, each Flipped Lesson begins before the students come to class. Each online assignment is prefaced with a concise written explana- tion of the Learning Objectives. Next, the student watches a Video that you, the teacher, have either created yourself or curated from other sources. Just as we wouldn’t attempt to provide much more than ten minutes of direct instruction in the Input Phase of the Traditional classroom, this Video should be no longer than ten minutes. The Video includes extensive Model- ing of the learning objective, as well as interactive Checks for Understanding. After watching the Video and having completed the Checks for Understanding (check out Zaption.com), the student practices applying the new concepts by playing an educational Game you have created or curated (Zondle.com = MUST, see image above). Booth 902

Once in the classroom, you begin with an anticipatory set similar to what you would use in the Traditional classroom that illustrates and engages students with the lesson’s learning objectives. Before continuing into guided practice, students are asked to complete a short assessment either within your LMS or via an online survey instrument such as Google Forms. This will allow you to quickly differentiate your class into http://netasite.org April 2015 15 NETA News Tips for Using Draw Successfully By Shelly Mowinkle

Edit and Enhance Word Art (Go to Insert Menu>Word Art Ideas to Get You Started

• Go to Insert Menu> Lines or Shapes • Multiple options for: • Shapes Are you looking for a way • Lines to unleash your students’ • Callouts creativity or maybe even • Equations your own creativity? Why not give Google Draw a try! I have found Google Draw to be very powerful. Use the Image Toolbar to Edit and Enhance Images Here are some quick tips and a few suggestions for unleashing the potential of Google Draw: • Create and Collaborate in Real Time • Create Graphic Organizers or Mind Maps • Create Brochures, Newsletters, Timelines • Create Blog Recolor Image—Multiple options available to recolor image Graphics Transparency—Change how seen or unseen the image is; move the slider from left to right Brightness—How bright or dark the image is; move the slider from left to right Contrast—Changing the separation between dark and bright aspects; move slider from left to right

(continued on the next page)

April 2015 http://netasite.org 16 NETA News

(Google Draw, continued from previous page) Use the Image Toolbar to Edit and Enhance Images Need More Download as—Want to use the draw you cre- Ideas? ated someplace else (web page, blog, etc.)? Download the draw as a .jpeg, .pdf, .png., or even a vector graphic.

Publish to the web—Publish the draw directly to the web with a link or embed it on a webpage. • Integrate with web tools When publishing with a link, this is NOT the such as Thinglink same link as sharing the draw. The publish to the web link makes content viewable to everyone. • Group Images—Go to Page setup—Customize the dimensions of Arrange>Group the page with one easy click. Go to Page Setup>Choose Custom>Set the dimensions. • Change order of layers— Go to Arrange>Order • Flip images/shapes horizontally or vertically❖

Bob Hastings, Gering Public Excellence in Leading with Schools Superintendent, remarks, “One of the things that Mickie has Technology Award most impressed me with during her time as the educational tech- nology facilitator in Norfolk has The purpose of the Excellence in Leading with Technology been her big-picture, outward Award is to recognize and honor an individual who has focus. By this I mean that Mickie demonstrated outstanding achievement in implementing has consciously developed a technology to improve teaching, learning, or administration. network of colleagues outside of This year’s winner is Mickie Mueller. her district that she consistently works with to improve the disci- pline and profession.” He goes Mickie Mueller learning.” She goes on to say, “Her on to say, “Mickie Mueller is an is the 2015 NETA exemplary leadership has strongly educational technology leader Excellence in assisted our district in moving who makes a huge difference in Leading with forward specifically in the area Norfolk, northeast Nebraska, Technology of technology.” throughout the entire state, and Award winner. across the country. Her impact Mickie is cur- Mickie is a Certified Google is not only far-reaching, but also rently an Educa- Trainer. She helped implement full of insight and valuable to the tional Technology Facilitator at a 1:1 Chromebook program at educational community. She excels Norfolk Public Schools. Norfolk Public Schools. Mickie at what she does and has presented at numerous local, we are all the Beth Nelson, Mickie’s Supervisor, regional and national conferences. beneficiary of says, “Her support to teachers in Bonnie Sibert and Beverly Newton her efforts and using technology as a teaching tool say, “Mickie has served as a role talent.” day in and day out is immeasurable. model for other technology teach- It is easy to request her presence on ers.” They go on to say she, “has Congratulations teams and committees because her unselfishly dedicated her time, Mickie! ❖ intentions are always for the best energy and talents to serving interest of the district and student students and K-12 teachers.” http://netasite.org April 2015 17 NETA News

above and beyond what is required Excellence in Teaching with of her as part of her continual growth, and her efforts to help Technology Award her students and colleagues.”

Brenda actively serves on the Aurora The purpose of the Excellence in Teaching with Technology High School Technology Commit- Award is to recognize and honor an individual who has tee. During her graduate work she demonstrated outstanding achievement in implementing was recognized as an ING Unsung technology to improve teaching and learning. This year’s Hero in which she received a grant winner is Brenda Klawonn. to help her students create iBooks. She has facilitated workshop ses- sions at Aurora High School and Brenda Klawonn to say, “Brenda is a true example of presented at multiple conferences. is the 2015 a ‘Connected Educator.’” NETA Excellence Craig Badura, colleague of Brenda, in Teaching with Colleague Nathan Larson remarks, says, “Our entire faculty reaps the Technology “Brenda has been and continues to dividends of her time and efforts Award winner. be, a leader at Aurora High School because of her willingness to share Brenda is cur- in terms of teaching with technol- her great ideas.” He continues by rently a Social ogy.” He goes on to say, “In the saying, “I am continually inspired Sciences teacher at Aurora Public eleven years that I have known by the ways that she seamlessly Schools. She is “an excellent exam- Brenda, her passion for education integrates technology into ple of a teacher who uses technol- and connecting with her students her social studies ogy as a tool to enhance instruction has been evident in all that she curriculum.” He and engage her students in learning. does.” In addition he says, “Brenda goes on to describe Miss Klawonn integrates technol- Klawonn is an outstanding educator her as an “inspiration ogy into her instruction on a daily who is absolutely a model for all of for others.” basis,” says Aurora High School her peers. She is a dedicated indi- Congratulations Principal Doug Kittle. He goes on vidual who spends countless hours Brenda! ❖

Spring Conference Highlights and Information

NETA...On the Move—April 23–24, 2015—CenturyLink Center Omaha

Keynote Thursday—Adam Bellow, Crossroads Keynote Friday—George Couros, Innovate. Create. Voice Featured Thursday —Monica Isabel Martinez, sponsored by Assistive Technology Partnership/Education. Featured Friday—Shannon McClintock Miller, co-sponsored byNebraska School Librarians Association Featured both Thursday and Friday—Leslie Fisher

NETA is utilizing a personalized online conference schedule for our 2015 spring conference! Powered by Sched, attendee’s will have the ability to browse the full schedule, search by strand or topic, plan out a customized schedule and connect with other attendees and presenters! Visit http://2015.netasite.org to get started today!

There are numerous session types to choose from including, lecture/demonstration, conversation, and poster/ playground sessions. Don’t miss the Makerspace Playground on Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to come and “play around” with CEENBot robots, air rockets, drones, 3D printing, wearable technology, Google Glass, Pico and Makey Makey boards, Raspberry Pi, Minecraft, codeing and an iOS photobooth.

For more information regarding the Spring Conference or NETA please visit http://netasite.org Please join us April 23-24th! ❖

April 2015 http://netasite.org 18 NETA News

Complete Judging Results of NETA The Winners! Student and Teacher Contests NETA’s Student Logo Contest The NETA Conference Logo Contest, based on the conference theme, NETA…On the Move, was judged by a subcommittee in December, 2014. There were numer- ous entries for each division, making the task of judging challenging but very enjoyable. Our thanks to Evi Wusk, Peru State College, for her work as the NETA Logo Contest coordinator. K–5 Winner: Gage Steinke, C. Ray Gates Elementary School—Sponsor: Deanna Hirschman  Overall Winner— K-12 NETA Conference Logo Contest 6–8 Winner: Anthony Pautz, Schoo Middle School— Danielle Shefke, Lincoln Public Schools Information Sponsor: Adam Schwaninger Technology Focus Program; 9–12 Winner: Danielle Shefke, Lincoln PS Information Sponsor, Steve Carr Technology Focus Program—Sponsor: Steve Carr

K–12 Digital Imagery Contest

K–2 Graphic Imagery 1st: Ivette Gonzalez-Medrano, Wasmer Elementary

3–5 Graphic Imagery 1st: Molly Rankin, Wildewood Elementary

9–12 Graphic Imagery  1st: Bethany Wilson, Aurora High School

(more winners on the next page) http://netasite.org April 2015 19 NETA News

(contest winners, continued) Kids, Coding, & Robots, OH MY! device. Winners will receive med- This grant project will use Dash & als. First place winning images are Dot robots along with iPad minis to displayed on the previous pages. lead kids through learning coding. ($1500) Grade PK-2 Graphic Imagery Teacher: Susan Prabulos 1st—Ivette Gonzalez-Medrano, School: Meadow Lane Elem. Wasmer Elementary; Sponsor, Laura Robinson ISTE Teacher Trek Contest 2nd—Laney Chmelka, Stolley Park Elementary; Sponsor, Taylor Bartu Teachers applying for the ISTE Teacher Trek Contest were to share 3rd—Jacque Sotelo, Dodge Elemen- how they use technology and how tary; Sponsor, Melinda Rother attending ISTE would strengthen Grade 3-5 Graphic Imagery what they already do in the class- 1st—Molly Rankin, Wildewood room. Expenses will be paid up Elementary; Sponsor, Corrie Suhr to $1800 to attend the upcoming conference, held in Philadelphia, 2nd—Kailey Walsh, Wildewood 6–8 Graphic Imagery PA, June 28-July 1, 2015. Elementary; Sponsor, Corrie Suhr 1st: Sarah Woodward, St. Vincent • Sarah Elger, Aurora High School 3rd—Julianna Hamilton, De Paul Elementary ($1800) Plattsmouth Elementary; Sponsor, Technology Grants • Brenda Klawonn, Aurora High Melanie Anderson School ($1800) for the Classroom Grade 6-8 Graphic Imagery The following worthy projects were • Matt Rosenau, 1st—Sarah Woodward, St. Vincent chosen for this year’s technology Norris Middle School ($1800) De Paul Elementary; Sponsor, grants for the classroom. Grant Mike Pflaum Thanks to Lynne Herr, ESU 6, for winners will submit updates on coordinating this contest. 2nd—Grace Thede, St. Vincent De their project during the next school Paul Elementary; Sponsor, year to the NETA newsletter and Free NETA Registration for Mike Pflaum will participate in poster sessions Teachers in First Three Years at the NETA spring conference of Teaching 3rd—Kaden Berge, Schoo Middle in April, 2016. Thanks to Angie School; Sponsor, Heather Steiner These teachers were selected Wassenmiller, Concordia Univer- through a drawing of entries, with Grade 9-12 Graphic Imagery sity, for coordinating this contest. each winner receiving a free regis- 1st—Bethany Wilson, Aurora High Ebooks and Audiobooks tration to attend the 2015 spring School; Sponsor, Sarah Wegenast for Checkout NETA Conference. 2nd—Rachel Shackelford, Sandy Students will be able to checkout • Jenny Jorgensen, Gates Elem. Creek High School; Sponsor, Crystal Ebooks and Audiobooks to advance • Megan Jorgensen, Schoo Middle Hassenstab reading, listening, and comprehen- School sions skills for all students. ($1500) 3rd—Logan Olson, Stuart Public Teacher: Brenna Barney • Leon Micek, Prairie Lane School; Sponsor, Brenda Larabee School: Bennington Elementary Thanks to Lynne Herr, ESU 6, for Thanks to Jackie Ediger, ESU 9, Electronic Portfolio coordinating this contest. for coordinating this contest. iPads will be purchased through this project. Students will upload K–12 Graphic Imagery Contest K-12 Open Class Contest projects, written papers, videos, For this contest, students could As NETA continually seeks to and iMovies in their individual digitally capture, create, enhance, develop contests that accurately electronic portfolios using the iPads or draw the image themselves (no reflect classroom uses of technology, to create a record of their growth clip art). They were permitted to the Open Class Contest was created, and experiences. ($1500) create their image using a digital and has been a very popular contest. Teacher: Ginger Bygland camera, image creation program, Winning students will receive medals. School: Boone Central Schools drawing tablet, or other digital (continued on next page)

April 2015 http://netasite.org 20 NETA News

(contest winners, continued) Thanks to Heather Callihan of The “Brand It” Contest Animation PK-4 Winners: Northwest Public Schools, for For this contest students could Hazzard Eilts, Dodge Elementary; coordinating the App Smash contest. re-design a logo for their school or Sponsor, Valerie Chmelka Infographics Contest district, create an original logo for a local area business or design an Blake Ruzicka, Engleman Elemen- We asked students to teach us with original logo for a school-based tary; Sponsor, Lisa Blase the use of Infographics by creating business. an Inforgraphic that highlighted Animation 9–12 Winner: their learning or showcased their Jake Mangels, Information Technol- curriculum topics. The winning PK–12 Winners: ogy Focus Program; Sponsor, 1st—Madi Leach, Garden County infographics may be published Brent Jarosz Jr. Sr. High School; Sponsor, Shauna throughout the year in the NETA Roberson Video 5-8 Winner newsletter. Erin Brockmeier, Westridge Middle 2nd—Nyabath Wal, Dodge Elemen- PK–5 Winners School; Sponsor, Shalee Lindsey tary School; Sponsor, Alma Gutierrez Anyssa Mendoza Perez, Dodge Video 9–12 Winner Elem.; Sponsor, Valerie Chmelka 3rd—Kara Barnhart, Garden Ruby Mendez, Crete High School; County Jr. Sr. High School; Sponsor, Miguel Pesina, Riley Elementary Sponsor, Linda Witfoth Shauna Roberson School; Sponsor, Barb Smith Other PK–4 Winner 6–8 Winner Thanks to Matt Lee, Westside Mariah Cobler, Dodge Elementary; Kolby Johnson & Kendry Community Schools, for coordinat- Sponsor, Lori Patsios Arrazcaeta, Madison Middle School; ing this contest. Other Category 5–8 Winners Sponsor, Audrey Loosvelt Zac Drapal and Mrs. Gutierrez’s 5th The Best Ideas Belong to 9–12 Winner Grade Class, Dodge Elementary; Someone Else Contest Jake Polesky, Fort Calhoun High Sponsor, Alma Gutierrez For this contest, teachers and School; Sponsor, Sara Wellman- pre-service teachers submitted a Josiah Rose, Dodge Elementary; High Horse great lesson integrating technology Sponsor, Jan Tell Thanks to Lucas Bingham, School into their curriculum. Thanks to Evi Wusk, Peru State District 145—Waverly, for coordi- College, for coordinating this nating this contest. PK–12 Winners contest. • Morgan Cook, Stanton New—What’s Your Impact? Community Schools App Smash Contest Video Contest • Shellie Meyer, Dodge App smashing is the process of This contest was open to Midwest- Elementary using multiple apps in conjunction ern PK-6 public and private school with one another to complete a teachers. Participants were asked • Lori Patsios, Dodge Eleentary final task or project. The winning to create a video that featured projects showed evidence of meet- students, showcased their work, Thanks to Tina Sauser, Boone ing state/national standards and and explained how technology has Central Schools, for coordinating used free apps. enhanced teaching and learning in this contest. their classroom. PK–4 Winners Congratulations and Thanks! 1st—Monica Evon, Bellevue 3–6 Winners Congratulations to all contest Elementary • Valerie Chmelka, Dodge winners for submitting high-quality Elementary 2nd—Donna Young, Centura entries. In some cases, the choices Public School • Monica Evon, Bellevue were very difficult. Thanks so much Elementary to everyone who gave their free 5–8 Winner time to judge all the contests, and 1st—Kim Steffen, Centura • Lynn Spady, Westgate to those of you who entered or Public School Elementary sponsored contest entries not listed 9–12 Winner Thanks to Kristina Peters, Nebraska among the winners. ❖ 1st—Colleen Childers, Grand Department of Education, for Island Northwest High School coordinating this contest. http://netasite.org April 2015 21 NETA News CenturyLink Teachers and Technology Grant 2014 Final Reports

The CenturyLink Clarke M. the EDGE” (Educating the Digital Arduinos, Makey-Makeys, and Williams Foundation’s Teachers and Generation) provided iPad minis Pikoboards in science and math Technology Grant program awarded to a dozen high school students classes, “maker days” are held every a $15,000 grant to the Nebraska allowing them to publish a monthly 2–3 weeks during regular class Educational Technology Associa- digital magazine to highlight time to give students an opportu- tion. With these funds CenturyLink “innovative practices and transfor- nity to experiment with different provided classroom grants to mative technologies in and around tools.” He went on to write, the PreK-12 teachers who demonstrated the school community.” She noted Chromebooks, also funded through an innovative use of technology in in her final report, “The EDGE has the grant he received, have made the classroom. challenged these students’ writing the biggest impact. He stated, talents and developed additional “Teachers are utilizing web-based Five Nebraska schools were select- entrepreneurial and collaboration resources (Google Drive/Class- ed in 2014 to receive grant funds. skills since all mobile journalism room, That Quiz, EdPuzzle, Near- Projects have included the use of efforts take place outside of a pod) to enhance lessons and iPads, iPad minis, tablets, Makey scheduled class time.” You may promote research like never before. Makey Boards, Raspberry Pi learn more about their project at Prior to this expansion, a lack of boards, Chromebooks, and sup- http://tinyurl.com/followtheedge. direct access was a hurdle for porting items for each grant. Each utilizing web based resources.” project’s full mid-term report was Steve McCarville purchased Asus included in the NETA November Memo Pad HD 7 tablets allowing Paul Clark stated in his final grant newsletter issue. Their final reports students at Holy Name to interview report, “The primary goal of this have indicated their objectives are community members representing project was to provide 3rd–5th being met and they are continuing seven different cultures. Steve wrote grade students with hands-on, to move forward in a positive in his final report, “The purpose of computer-based STEM (Science, direction. this project was to increase cultural Technology, Engineering and awareness and to help the students Math) activities. The grant has Tablets Prevalent at Holy Name to embrace all the provided various computer- Tablet purchases were prevalent in cultures at the school and their interfacing circuit boards for the grants awarded. Deb Habe was communities.” He went on to write, classes of students to design and able to purchase iPads for Loup “The evaluations from the students develop projects.” Students at City Middle School students. Sixth showed a deeper understanding of Whitetail Creek Elementary used graders recorded their heartbeat cultures and an appreciation for the Scratch, Makey Makey or Pico before and after exercise in P.E. goals and objectives of the project. boards along with other materials class using an app on the iPads. Deb The students are now using the to create their projects. Paul went wrote in her final report, “The most tablets to enhance their Social on to write, “One word that would beneficial learnings for students Studies and Science Fair projects.” describe the student reaction concerning this project were that to using these boards would be they learned what their resting Makey Makey Boards, enthusiasm.” He would also like heart rate should be and how they Raspberry Pi Boards, and to thank the CenturyLink for could influence their heart rate Chromebooks providing this opportunity to his after exercise by how hard they Students at Jesuit Academy utilized students. ran during the warm up period.” maker-space tools acquired through the grant funds awarded Attend the poster sessions on their Katie Morrow purchased iPad through Mike Mansour’s proposal. projects at the 2015 spring NETA Minis with her grant funds. Her Mike wrote in his final report, “In Conference this April to find out grant project titled “Publishing on addition to using devices like more about each grant project! ❖

April 2015 http://netasite.org 22 NETA News Calendar of Technology Conferences & Seminars

Events of every type for educators, technicians & administrators

Innovative Education January 2016 Colorado (InnEdCO) April 2015 (Formerly Technology in Florida Educational Education T.I.E) Technology Conference Infotec (by the AIM Inst.) June 23–25, 2015 (FETC) Copper Mountain, CO April 21–22, 2015 January 12–15, 2016 innedco.org CenturyLink Center Omaha Orange County Convention Ctr, Omaha, NE ISTE Conference Orlando, FL infotec.org fetc.org Connected Learning. NETA Spring Conference Connected World. February 2016 NETA…On the Move June 28–July 1, 2015 Philadelphia, PA April 23–24, 2015 Texas Computer Education www.isteconference.org/2015/ CenturyLink Center Omaha Association (TCEA) Omaha, NE netasite.org February 1–5, 2016 Austin, TX www.tcea.org April 2016

2016 NETA Spring Conference April 21–22, 2016 United States Distance October 2015 CenturyLink Center Omaha Learning Association Omaha, NE (USDLA) ITEC (Iowa Technology netasite.org Education Connection) April 26–29, 2015 Conference St. Louis, MO June 2016 http://www.usdla.org October 11–13, 2015 Iowa Events Center ISTE Conference June 2015 Des Moines, IA www.itec-ia.org/itec-conference June 26–29, 2016 Denver, CO Nebraska Career Education website not yet available Conference (NCE) November 2015 June 2–4, 2015 iNACOL (International Assoc. June 2017 Younes Conference Center for K–12 Online Learning) Kearney, NE ISTE Conference November 8–11, 2015 nceconference.com June 26–29, 2017 Swan and Dolphin Resort San Antonio, TX Orlando, FL website not yet available www.inacol.org/symposium-2015

http://netasite.org April 2015 23 NETA NONPROFIT Nebraska Educational Technology Association U.S. POSTAGE PO Box 484 PAID Gretna, NE 68028 LINCOLN, NE PERMIT NO. 1180

Membership Form NETA Statement of Purpose: The Nebraska Educational Technology Association exists for the purpose of providing leadership and promoting the application of technology to the educational process. Its span of interest includes all levels and aspects of education.

Name Position Preferred Address City State Zip Home Phone Work Phone School/Agency Name Email

If you attended the Spring Conference in April 2014, one year of membership was included with your registration. If you would like to be a member, but can not attend the Spring Conference, membership dues are $25 .00 and are good through April 2015. Make checks payable to NETA. To become a member, please fill out the above form and mail with check to: NETA Membership ❑ I am a new member PO Box 484 ❑ I was recruited by this current NETA member Gretna, NE 68028 Address changes should be sent to the above address or emailed to: [email protected]