In today’s economy people are always looking to invest wisely. This same strategy applies equally to K-12 teachers who must get the best possible return on their educational investments. In other words, if you invest some of your time, talent, or treasure, do you substantially gain in your educational pay-out.

As a K-12 teacher, would you be willing to invest $5.00, together with two hours of your time, to gain the following:
- Opportunity to hear three, 20-30 minute, presentations from educators who share innovative ideas and strategies for engaging students
- Chance to meet and learn from like-minded K-12 educators who utilize technology to enhance their teaching
- Classroom-based activities that you or a colleague might be able to adapt for your own students
- Supper of pizza, salad, and refreshments
If you feel that the $5.00 investment, together with two hours of your time, is a fair trade, then I recommend that you attend the Manitoba Association for Computing Educators (ManACE) Technology Information Night (TIN) on Wednesday, April 18, 2012. This event will be held at Sargent Park School at 1070 Dominion Street from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm. If you are unable to attend, please pass this information along to other educators who may be interested. Better yet, print this full-size poster from the link at the end, and place it in your staff room to share this amazing learning opportunity with others.
This PD opportunity is open to all as there is no need to be a ManACE member. All that is required is that one register on-line to help organizers plan appropriately. Show up at the doors with your $5.00 and be prepared to be provided with both educational possibilities and pizza.
The following three interesting presentations will be shared:
Building Broader Minds with ‘Bee-Bots’
Presented by: Kathy Routhier, Winnipeg School Division
Many educators have begun to explore the use of robotics with students of all ages. Some robot hardware & software packages can be expensive to implement in classrooms. Others can come with too steep of a learning curve to appeal to younger students. But not Bee-Bots! Find out how Bee-Bots can challenge your student’s problem-solving and inquiry skills.
Teaching in a BYOD Environment
Presented by: Roy Norris, Louis Riel School Division
How would classroom teaching and learning change if your students were told they could “Bring Your Own Device”? What if this wasn’t just an opportunity – it was an expectation? What would you do differently as a teacher to provide meaningful opportunities for your students to leverage the power of the devices they bring to school with them? This presentation, by a Grade 9 teacher involved with Dakota Collegiate’s BYOD program, will address some of the opportunities & challenges encountered as Dakota Collegiate has broken new ground with their BYOD initiative this year.
“DS106″ – The ABC’s of Digital Storytelling
Presented by: Brian Metcalfe, Life-Long-Learner
Are you interested in powerful, creative ideas and activities to enhance your day-to-day teaching? If so, you need to learn more about a free, 15 week digital storytelling MOOC (massive, open online course) known as DS106. Participants, who enroll in this first year university course, are expected to engage in the learning process through creating, commenting and reflecting within their own blog. However, through sharing first-hand experiences and providing highlights of daily creative challenges and assignments in photography, audio and video formats, it is hoped that the audience will see the potential for adapting many of these creative projects to engage their own K-12 students.
Remember to register and attend. I’m sure that after participating in this Technology Information Night, you will leave knowing that your small investment has yielded a practical, and powerful pay-out.

Take care & keep smiling
Resources:
ManACE Memos – “Another ManACE TIN – April 18th in Winnipeg”
http://manacememos.blogspot.ca/2012/03/another-manace-tin-april-18th-in.htm
ManACE TIN Posters (in PDF format):
- Large Colour Poster (11″ x 17″) & Small Colour Poster (8.5″ x 11″)
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