Creative classroom technology uses on display at MEA/MACUL Student Technology Showcase in Grand Rapids
EAST LANSING, Mich., March 3, 2008 — Students from around the state will show how technology is helping them achieve in the classroom at the MEA/MACUL Student Technology Showcase on Thursday, March 6, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids.
Conducted annually at the Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning (MACUL) Conference, the showcase will feature a dozen of the state’s top student technology projects.
“The showcase gives students a chance to demonstrate how the latest technology is enhancing and assisting their education,” said Ric Wiltse, MACUL executive director. “It also gives educators a place to find new ideas for incorporating technology into the curriculum.”
Teams will be available to discuss their projects and the variety of technologies they used, ranging from PowerPoint to digital movie production to hands-on computer networking.
Students from Upton Middle School in St. Joseph will attend the showcase to discuss how they learned about the water cycle by developing PowerPoint movies, including creating their own music. Family and friends were invited to school to see the movies – and snack on popcorn.
“Sometimes you have reluctant learners who haven't made a connection with the topic, but if you tell them they’re going to make a movie and music, it gets them interested in the content,” said Upton teacher Joe Rommel.
Rommel has brought teams to the Student Technology Showcase for the past several years. “It’s important for kids to realize that they’re connected to a bigger world outside school,” Rommel said. “The showcase gives them a chance to show they’re experts and see what others are doing. And creating and collaborating in small groups teaches students great life skills.”
The Michigan Education Association (MEA) is sponsoring the showcase for the sixth time. MEA Secretary-Treasurer Peggy McLellan will be on hand Thursday to greet the students and teachers and to distribute recognition certificates to the teams. Later in the evening, MEA will be presented with the 2007-08 MACUL President’s Award, recognizing MEA’s contributions to furthering the use of technology to enhance teaching and learning in education.
“A strong academic foundation that includes experience with the latest technology is the key to preparing students for 21st century jobs,” said MEA President Iris K. Salters. “We are proud to support MACUL and, especially, the students and educators who use technology in the classroom every day.”
Below is the complete list of the teams and schools taking part in the event, listed in alphabetical order by city:
CITY |
SCHOOL NAME |
TEAM NAME |
Carson City |
Crystal Elementary |
S.O.C.K.S. |
Clinton Township |
Erie Elementary |
PowerPoint Projects |
Grand Rapids |
Kent Career and Technical Center |
Information Technology at KCTC |
Lapeer |
Mayfield Elementary |
Electronic Portfolio |
Haslett |
Murphy Elementary |
Multi-Media PowerPoints (2 teams) |
Lansing |
Our Savior Lutheran |
The Interrogation of the Landlord: |
Lansing |
St. Mary School |
Under the Sea |
Grand Rapids |
St. Stephen School |
Second Grade Clay Animation Stories |
Grand Rapids |
St. Stephen School |
State Projects |
Grand Rapids |
St. Thomas the Apostle School |
Kids Exploring with Technology |
St. Joseph |
Upton Middle School |
Technology Integration with Battle Creek Math and Science |