March Madness
March 28-29

"It's not how big you are, it's how big you play." -John Wooden

I am hoping we’ve got your attention now.  Have you heard the news? March Madness 2019 will take a different look this year when over 2,000 teachers, administrators and other school officials connect, collaborate and share at the annual spring NETA conference.  You’ve seen it on social media, read it online and hopefully drank out of a beautiful coffee mug advertising the NEW dates of this Buzzer Beater Event!!  With more than 200 breakout sessions in two days, this conference is sure to “Cut the Net”.  

As your brackets are busting and your sweet 16 picks are turning into March Sadness, you have another chance to win your game.  A chance to team up with more than 2,000 educators across the state to learn, grow and elevate your game. In the words of John Wooden: “It’s how big you play”.  You will play big while you immerse yourself with others who are in it to win it, others who are ready to take their learning to Go BIG or go home.  You will play big as you Hustle with Heart and make the learning happen.

We’ve heard your suggestions and listened to your feedback.  We know The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra. We are giving a little extra and ready to make some shots.  So this fall, when you are giving your all… we hope you make the call! Join us March 28-29 in Omaha!!

Let the Madness begin!!

Tech is Nice and So is Pumpkin Spice...

Tech is Nice and So is Pumpkin Spice... Yes, I know you are reading a lot about pumpkin everything these days so why not connect that seasonal sound to some of my tech favorites!

To some of us coffee is coffee and to some of us tech is tech. However, there are those of us who anxiously await the seasonal coffee favorites such as Pumpkin Spice or Peppermint Mocha. Just like these seasonal trends, there are some tech related trends as well. Some tech tools or trends may seem like the regular coffee and some are that special treat or the Pumpkin Spice. Just to stick with the seasonal trend I will share Five of my "Pumpkin Spice" tech tools.

1. Google Keep: This is Google hidden gem and continues to amaze me. Google Keep has that hidden "spice" that helps keep my desk free of sticky notes, my phone organized with important reminders, and syncs on all of my devices. Google Keep allows me to take pictures, record my voice, color-code, send reminders,  share and track lists, notes, links and so much more. This tool has the "caffeine" I need both personally and professionally.

2. *NEW Gmail: The *New Gmail allows you to quickly take action on your messages. You now have options such as Snooze, Quick Reply or attachment preview. My move favorite new feature is the ability to use Calendar, Keep and Tasks right within mail. Yes, no need to open a new tab. This is like the whipped cream on my Pumpkin Spice Latte... It just hits the spot for productivity and workflow.

3. Seesaw: Nothing says top notch in everything like this student driven digital portfolio. The possibilities with this app are "steaming" and your cup never goes empty on ideas here. With the constant updates to Seesaw activities, the collaboration between teachers across the country, the various social media groups and the consistent support, the opportunities for student learning are endless. You just have to see it to believe it. Whether your students are in Kindergarten or High School, this tool will keep you craving for more. No need to watch your calories with this one... here's MORE.

4. Canva: A "must-have" creation tool. This tool allows users to easily create documents, flyers, social media posts, graphics, invitations, and so much more. Canva puts a lot of "flavor" into any shared creation. And if you want a little more check out their design tips and inspiration for everyone from beginners to professionals. If you manage any social media this tool is a must.

5. Flipgrid: This tool screams feedback and formative assessment. With Flipgrid all students have a voice. With teacher created question prompts, students have opportunities to share their opinion, their learning, ask question, provide examples and even give feedback to others. Flipgrid is spicing up the transparency and differentiation in student learning. Check out Fliphunt #fliphunt for even more “latte” learning

Just like my seasonal coffee favorites, technology tools come and go. It is always hard when a favorite retires or is replaced by a new one. Whether you are set on a few of your own favorites or looking for new ideas, I hope some of these turn out to be that "special treat" your tech tastebuds needed.