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Internet Safety, What Are You Doing?

Please join us on Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 4:30 p.m. for our next NICE meeting at Meridian School, 2195 Brandywyn Ln, in Buffalo Grove.

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October brings a chill to the air and costumes that scare...but beware of the other scares lurking...online!  There’s no doubt that the internet has opened up a new world to teachers and students for teaching and learning in the 21st century.   But the internet also has it’s demons.  What is your school district, your school and/or you doing to combat the Internet demons and keeping students safe?

Dr. Robert Hudson, Assistant Superintendent of Aptakisic-Tripp School District 102 will share his district's “Digital Media Challenge,” where students created PSA’s on the topic of Internet Safety. We are interested in hearing your stories too!

Come enjoy good conversation and a free dinner as you compare notes, discoveries and ideas with your colleagues. Bring your friends...there’s safety in numbers!!!

So that we may get an accurate count for food ordering, please take a moment to RSVP if you plan to attend. Visit: http://tinyurl.com/nicemeeting

Shara-a-Rama Resources

Our Share-a-Rama meeting at New Trier was a great "welcome back to school" meeting where NICE members shared what they had learned over the summer. Here's a summary of websites and web tools mentioned.

Deborah Lazar, and Mary Ann Apple shared their use of "Weebly" for websites:
http://stemcellcontroversy.weebly.com/video-views.html

Judy Gressel shared her blog address, for lots of reviews of new items:
http://newtrierlibrary.blogspot.com

Be sure to read Judy's info on Google's Fast Flip for gathering current event info! There's even a mobile version for the phone. Visit:  http://fastflip.googlelabs.com

Judy also shared the updated version of "Did You Know" -- http://youtube.com/watch?v=6ILQrUrEWe8

Laura Montgomery shared a website just launched 9/14/09, which is a great resource for encouraging teens to read literature -- like movie reviews.
http://60secondrecap.com

Others also mentioned:
Librarything.com (great for book sharing)

Gail LeGand shared how she is using Camtasia Studio -- a screenshot capture program, to create screencasts. The latest version (6.0) allows adding captions to movies (think subtitles). For a free web-based program, try screencast-o-matic.com -- up to 15 min screencast. Or the open-source application named Jing: http://www.jingproject.com/

Caren Kimbarovsky shared her use of Voicethread for education. PowerPoint slides can be uploaded directly into Voicethread.
http://ed.voicethread.com/#u419614
Info on Voicethread for education can be found at: http://voicethread.com/about/k12/ ... Educator accounts are $10. New Trier has a school account. See: http://newtrier.ed.voicethread.com/
Annual subscriptions are $1 per student.
More examples can be found at: http://voicethread4education.wikispaces.com

Matt Stuczynski shared his Ning for his advisory students. New Trier has a tradition where each adviser visits the homes of the students. They are using a Google doc to set up visit days/times.
http://stuadvisery.ning.com

Jeff Shaw shared several links:
* An interactive list of Web 2.0 tools: http://go2web20.net
* 3D programming from Carnegie Melon: http://alice.org
* Newspaper "front pages" from across the world: http://newseum.org

If you can email, you can create a web page. Try http://posterous.com
Jeff's file from May... http://jshaw.posterous.com/

Anne Truger shared a tool to send a "bunch" of links to someone using "Linkbun.ch" -- an example:
http://linkbun.ch/el1y
    includes:
    http://trugertechtalk.wikispaces.com
    Beth Burke's Fantastic F.R.E.E. Resources
    http://jeopardylabs.com
    http://udltechtoolkit.wikispaces.com

Helen Lazzaro shared her use of Skype to interview Karen Brockney, the creator a great website for Photoshop Elements tutorials,
http://alibony.com/pse/index.php  (120 video clips under 5 min)

For additional Skype in education info, check out the Skype an Author wiki:
http://skypeanauthor.wetpaint.com/

Julia Kessel shared several links:
http://online-stopwatch.com/
http://classtools.net/education-games-php/fruit_machine/  (random student generator).
http://www.skritter.com/practice/
http://futureofeducation.edublogs.org/2009
http://show.mappingworlds.com
http://quizlet.com -- allows students to make flashcards... connect to friends in Facebook.

Vinnie Vrotny shared links for current events:
http://www.nytimes.com/intearctive/2009/07/31/business/20080801<metri (NYTimes subscription req.)
http://newsmap.jp

Announcements: Upcoming opportunities...

• Oct. 7 at Wilmette Jr. High.. dana boyd to speak:
  http://www.spirobolos.com/2009/10/danah-boyd-wilmette-junior-high.html
• October 9... first Symphony will be held from Space to Earth
• Howard Gardner will speak Oct 29, at New Trier East
• ICE Proposals are due 10/1/09
• NICE will host a Google workshop on Sat. Dec. 5 at North Shore Country Day School -- details to follow.
• NICE Mini-conference will be held at Stevenson High School on Jan 30, 2010 -- please submit proposals online!!

We meet on Wed. Sept. 30! Share-A-Rama!!

Please join your fellow educators on Wednesday, September 30 for “Share-A-Rama!”—an informal sharing of “what I learned this summer.” Did you attend a workshop? A conference? A webinar? A summer class? What ignited your learning this summer?

Come enjoy good conversation, and a free dinner too, as you compare notes, discoveries, and ideas with your NICE colleagues. Bring a friend. Guests are welcomed to our meeting on a one-time basis, and are then encouraged to join ICE to continue to receive the benefits of membership.

New Trier High School – Northfield Campus
7 Happ Road, Northfield, IL 60093
Meet in Room C234

Parking:  Use the lot on the west side of Happ Road. Walk towards Building C and enter at the North doors. C234 is on the left (past a classroom).

Registration and dinner at 4:30 p.m., meeting at 5:00

So that we may get an accurate count for food ordering, please take a moment to RSVP if you plan to
attend... Click here to RSVP for the Sept. 30 Meeting

Welcome back to school. Consider sharing at our NICE Mini-Conference!

Many of you have returned back to school, or will be returning in the next few days. As you begin to settle into your 2009-10 routine, consider sharing your expertise at our NICE mini-conference. Proposals are being accepted online through November 1.

NICE Mini-Conference 2010
~ Teachers Teaching Teachers ~

Saturday, January 30, 2010
Adlai E. Stevenson High School, Lincolnshire IL
8:30 AM to 1:30 PM

We are looking for session topics that show best practices, innovative, engaging, and pedagogically sound uses of technology in teaching and learning for all students. Presentations are 50 minutes long.

Share your experiences and expertise with your friends and colleagues. Please complete a separate form for each proposal.

Conference Chairs
Mary Ann Apple  applem@newtrier.k12.il.us
Tracy Murdach   tracymurdach@gmail.com

Mark Your Calendars for 2009-2010 NICE Events!

Greetings,
We interrupt your summer break for this brief update from your NICE Board.

Mark Your Calendars for 2009-2010 NICE Meetings

Your NICE Executive Board has set the meeting calendar for the 2009-10 school year.

The proposed dates, locations and topics are:

• 09/30/2009 at New Trier High School, "Share-o-rama"
• 10/27/2009 at District 102 Meridian School, "Internet Safety"
• 12/05/2009 (Saturday) at North Shore Country Day School, "Google Apps Workshop"
• 01/30/2010 (Saturday) at Stevenson High School, NICE Mini-Conference
• 02/23 through 02/27/2010 at Pheasant Run Resort, ICE Conference
• 03/18/2010 at District 28 Westmoor Elementary School, Topic "TBA"
• 05/05/2010 at Maine South High School, "Potpourri of Practical Programs"

Be sure to check the NICE Calendar website for event details and directions (you'll notice a few new meeting locations in the coming year).

Potpourri of Practical Programs Re-cap

NICE wishes to thank Maine South High School District 207 for hosting our Potpourri of Practical Programs on Wednesday, May 6, 2009! We had an excellent turnout in spite of the weather.

At this meeting we presented checks to our Mini-Grant awardees, elected the 2009-10 NICE Executive Board, and shared a variety of presentations:
* Elementary Web Resources, by Jeff Shaw
* Scratch, by Michelle Russel
* Flip Video Cameras for Education, by Jason Meltzer
* Digital Camera Tips and Photo Fun, by Charlene Chausis
* Google Greatness, by Anne Truger
* Twitter for Educators, by Judy Gressel & Matt Stuczynsk

Remember to check the NICE Resources website for presentation information.

Your 2009-10 NICE Board members are:

• President: Vinnie Vrotny
• President-Elect: Charlene Chausis
• Recording Secretary: Matt Stuczynski
• Treasurer: Jason Meltzer
• Newsletter Editor: Laura Montgomery
• Webmaster: Terry Slocum
• Mini-Conference Co-Chairs: Mary Ann Apple and Tracy Murdach
• Past President: Jeff Shaw

Thanks for your attention, please feel free to resume your summer activities!
See you in the fall!

What are YOU learning this summer?

I hope your summer is off to a good start! I wanted to be sure you know about the great deal from WIU for your summer professional development. You can attend Summer Experience at WIU (July 22-23) or Stevenson High School (August 4-5), AND learn online all summer through STAR-Online, for the low price of $140 -- a savings of $25!! The sooner you sign up, the sooner you can start learning! Hurry, this deal ends July 1, so sign up today!!

• Summer Experience offers you three 3-hour hands-on workshops worth 9 CPDU's on current and emerging technologies with meals, resources, fun activities, and the opportunity to make new friends during this year's ’50s theme:  Happy Days are Here Again! -- There will be some great raffle prizes again this year!

• STAR-Online offers you online, interactive, self-paced modules/courses that help all educators learn, use, and integrate current technologies and emerging topics in today's classroom.

To take advantage of this deal and register for both by July 1, 2009, complete the Summer Experience online registration form at http://wiu.edu/otep/summerexperience/JSP/registNorm.jsp
Be sure to check the Yes button to register for STAR-Online and include your ROE number in the appropriate field. 

Once WIU receives your payment with the Summer Experience confirmation page, they will register you in STAR-Online and email your user name and password.  You will have access to the STAR-online courses until August 31, 2009. 

Please share this with all your colleagues.  It truly is the best "Experience" you'll have all "Summer"!

Potpourri of Practical Programs May 6, 2009 at Maine South High School

Please join us at our final meeting of the year!

Wednesday, May 6, 2009
4:30 pm to 7:00 pm
District 207 Board Room

Presentations:
* Elementary Web Resources, by Jeff Shaw
* Scratch, by Michelle Russell
* Flip Video Cameras for Education, by Jason Meltzer
* Tools for Mobile Learning, by Tracy Murdach
* Digital Camera Tips and Photo Fun, by Charlene Chausis
* Google Greatness, by Anne Truger
* Twitter for Educators, by Judy Gressel & Matt Stuczynski

Directions to Maine South

Registration and a complimentary light dinner will begin at 4:30 p.m. ** Please take a moment to RSVP if you plan to attend (so that we may get an accurate count for food ordering).

Click here to RSVP for the May 6 Meeting

NICE 2009-2010 Slate of Officers
**********************************************************************
Also at our May 6 meeting, a vote is  scheduled for the proposed slate of officers for 2009-10:

President: Vinnie Vrotny
Past President: Jeff Shaw
President-Elect: Charlene Chausis
Secretary: Matt Stuczynski
Treasurer: Jason Meltzer
Newsletter: TBA
Webmaster: Terry Slocum
Mini-Conference: Mary Ann Apple
Mini-Conference: Tracy Murdach

Mini-Grants Awarded!
**********************************************************************
NICE Mini-Grants have been awarded and will be presented at the May 6 meeting.

Are you getting our NICE info?

Several years ago the NICE Board decided to move our NICE News to an electronic format, since the cost of printing and mailing was getting expensive. Since then, the money saved by "going green" has allowed NICE to allocate grant funding for educational uses of technology, as well as provide free dinners at our after school meetings.

The NICE News is published about 2 weeks prior to our NICE meetings and is available for download on the NICE website: http://chapters.iceberg.org/nice/news.htm. At publication time, an email message is sent to our members with highlights and a link to the online pdf version.

This month, we began using VerticalResponse, Inc., an email marketing company, to send our emails. VerticalResponse provides this service free to non-profit organizations such as ICE and NICE. The VerticalResponse system helps us to track how many members have received our message, and allows members to unsubscribe from future mails. Our most recent email news, announcing our May 6 meeting and slate of officers, was "bounced" from a number of school districts (including my own). Messages indicate "Northern_Illinois_Computing_Educ@mail.vresp.com" as the "From" address.

I contacted our network manager to inquire whether emails with this "From" address could be allowed through our email filter to our NICE members, and was advised to get the range of IP addresses used for the mailings. VerticalResponse sent the following information:

VerticalResponse sends all mail from mail.vresp.com in the following IP range:
209.66.113.62
209.66.113.63
206.57.6.62
206.57.6.63
206.57.6.143
206.57.6.144
206.57.6.145
206.57.6.146

So, if you are a NICE member who did not receive the most recent email message, please send this information to your network administrator.

April 25 at ICE-Cold

If you are not attending the DEN Virtual Conference on Saturday, Aril 25, you may want to join fellow educators at the ICE-Cold Mini-Conference, from 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m, at Lisle Junior High School, 5207 Center Ave. in Lisle, IL 60532. NICE member Sharon Sossin is presenting her popular session on "Digital Images to Creative Works of Art"!!

For details, click the ICE-COLD Blog link (located on the right sidebar of this page) or http://ice.typepad.com/icecold/2009/04/its-spring-mini-conference-time.html

Final NICE Meeting, 2009-10 Officers and Grant Winners

Potpourri of Practical Programs
**********************************************************************
Please join us at our final meeting of the year. We will meet at Maine South High School in Park Ridge for a  "Potpourri of Practical Programs."

Wednesday, May 6, 2009
4:30 to 7:00 pm
Details will be published in the April newsletter, in just a few weeks.

Directions to Maine South

Registration and a complimentary light dinner will begin at 4:30 p.m. ** Please take a moment to RSVP if you plan to attend (so that we may get an accurate count for food ordering).

Click here to RSVP for the May 6 Meeting

NICE 2009-2010 Slate of Officers
**********************************************************************
Also at our May 6 meeting,  a vote is  scheduled for the proposed slate of officers for 2009-10:

President: Vinnie Vrotny
Past President: Jeff Shaw
President-Elect: Charlene Chausis
Secretary: Matt Stuczynski
Treasurer: Jason Meltzer
Newsletter: TBA
Webmaster: Terry Slocum
Mini-Conference: Mary Ann Apple

Mini-Grants Awarded!
**********************************************************************
NICE Mini-Grants have been awarded and will be presented at the May 6 meeting.