Free Technology Training for Your School

Application deadline December 16

Technology teams can receive free training worth up to $8,300 to help educators in their districts become more skilled at using educational technology.

The Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning (MACUL) has received a grant from the Michigan Department of Education to train 70 teams (350 educators) at the school building level. In the MI-Champions program, teams of 3-5 educators attend the annual MACUL conference (one of the largest in the Midwest) in 2010 and 2011, receive two days of training in the summer of 2010, receive onsite coaching expertise, and a wealth of resources. MACUL conference registration, as well as travel and substitute teacher stipends are provided for each MI-Champion participant.

The purpose of the program is to develop the expertise of teachers to use technology to improve student academic achievement.

Some of the feedback from MI-Champion participants, as reported in the evaluation study from Eastern Michigan University:

Conference feedback:

"The conference provided me with new ideas about how to use technology in the classroom."

"I had never used some of the technologies that we were exposed to at this conference (netcasts, blogs, etc.) and I feel more confident in using them both for my own enjoyment and to assist students in learning content. It was definitely a worthwhile experience for me."

Summer Two Day Workshop Feedback:

“I enjoyed the wide variety of resources that I was provided with today. It was amazing how much I have learned in 2 short days.”

Overall Program Feedback:

"This is the best thing I have ever been a part of!"

"Thank you for treating us like professionals (lunch, stipend, paying for the MACUL conference, etc.). Being so "appreciated" makes us want to work even harder to make learning accessible to all children!"

For more information and to apply for the MI-Champions program for your school team, link to www.macul.org/grantsawards/michampionsgrant. Application deadline is December 16.