Skip to main content
For the Purpose Of...

For the Purpose Of...

By Kent ISD EdTech

Education technology is constantly changing and it can be difficult to keep up! Grab a cup of coffee and join hosts Ron, Keith, and Sarah for a 20-30 minute chat every month to find out the latest in EdTech that will improve your classroom.
Available on
Amazon Music Logo
Apple Podcasts Logo
Castbox Logo
Google Podcasts Logo
iHeartRadio Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

2.2 Talking STEM with Du Bui

For the Purpose Of...Sep 14, 2022

00:00
21:02
3.9 Trends and Ideas at MACUL 2024

3.9 Trends and Ideas at MACUL 2024

Episode 3.9 - Trends and Ideas at MACUL 2024

Ron, Keith and Sarah reflect on the trends and ideas coming out of the Michigan Computer Users in Learning (MACUL) conference. They’ll talk about shifting blended learning and the longevity of the AI tools we’re beginning to use.

Resources

MACUL Conference

Cornelius Minor

Gartner Hype Cycle

SchoolAI

Magic School

ChatGPT

Anthropic Claude

Perplexity

Neeva

Google and Apple Partner to Power Siri

Djo - End of Beginning

Michigan Learning Channel

3DuxDesign

MakeDo

Adobe Firefly

Professional LearningTouch Some GrassPodcast PDx

Find all of our events at bit.ly/iamedtech and don't forget to check out remc.org for more professional learning opportunities.

Podcast PDxA special thanks to our For the Purpose of… Podcast PDx community. Learn more and join at bit.ly/ftpo-pdx.

For SCECHs:What trends do you notice in education right now? How do they relate to the technologies you’ve heard on this podcast?

For Fun: Where do you keep up with trends? Technology, education or otherwise.

This podcast is a service of Kent ISD produced by Ron Houtman, Sarah Wood and Keith Tramper and edited by Keith Tramper. Our Theme Music is Neon Nights by Scott Holmes MusicOur Ad Music is Vienna Beat by Blue Dot Sessions



Mar 26, 202430:46
3.8 Supporting Adult Learners

3.8 Supporting Adult Learners

Episode 3.8 - Supporting Adult Learners

Join Sarah, Ron and Keith as they discuss tools that can be used to support adult learners. They also discuss their birth order and the upcoming MACUL Conference


Resources

Duolingo

Mango Languages

Kent District Library

Grand Rapids Public Library

Kahoot

Blooket

Quizziz

Notability

Goblin.tools

Linkedin Learning

GCF Learning

Trello

Google Keep

Bullet Journal - How to Craft a Better To-Do List


Professional Learning

The Kent ISD K-12 AI Summit - Save the Date for April 29, 2024! 

Find all of our events at bit.ly/iamedtech and don't forget to check out remc.org for more professional learning opportunities.


Podcast PDx

A special thanks to our For the Purpose of… Podcast PDx community. Learn more and join at bit.ly/ftpo-pdx.

For SCECHs: What are some tools or strategies that you use in your own learning as an adult?  

For Fun: Where do you fall in your birth order? What were the best and worst parts of that?


This podcast is a service of Kent ISD produced by Ron Houtman, Sarah Wood and Keith Tramper and edited by Keith Tramper.

Our Theme Music is Neon Nights by Scott Holmes Music

Our Ad Music is Vienna Beat by Blue Dot Sessions

Mar 05, 202428:24
3.7 Accessible Design

3.7 Accessible Design

Join Sarah, Ron and Keith to discuss the ways learning materials can be designed to be more accessible for learners. Hear about the teachers that had a significant impact in their lives and the first ever Sarah's Rant. 


Resources

Accessible Design Quicksheet

comicsanscriminal.com


Professional Learning

Student-Centered Learning Across Michigan (SLAM)

Find all of our events at bit.ly/iamedtech and don't forget to check out remc.org for more professional learning opportunities.

Podcast PDx

A special thanks to our For the Purpose of… Podcast PDx community. Learn more and join at bit.ly/ftpo-pdx.

For SCECHs: Which accessible design idea sticks out to you? How do you see it impacting your classroom?

For Fun: Who is one teacher who had an impact on you? Why?
This podcast is a service of Kent ISD produced by Ron Houtman, Sarah Wood and Keith Tramper and edited by Keith Tramper.

Our Theme Music is Neon Nights by Scott Holmes MusicOur Ad Music is Vienna Beat by Blue Dot Sessions

Feb 20, 202426:04
3.6 Artificial Intelligence - Special Episode with The LLCN Brief Podcast

3.6 Artificial Intelligence - Special Episode with The LLCN Brief Podcast

Episode 3.6 - Artificial Intelligence - Special Episode with The LLCN Brief Podcast

In this special episode, Sarah, Ron and Keith discuss Artificial Intelligence with Mark Raffler and Sarah Shoemaker from The LLCN Brief Podcast. They share their insights, resources and ideas about AI as it makes its way into our classrooms.


Resources

EdTech Cheer

Craft 

Teach AI toolkit 

Artificial Intelligence in Education 

AI Literacy Lessons for Grades 6-12 

Teach AI 

How Can Educators respond to students presenting AI-generated content as their own? 

The AI detection race is on! 

Which jobs will be most impacted by ChatGPT? 

These are the jobs most likely to be lost - and created - because of AI 

These are the jobs AI can’t replace

ChatGPT can now see, hear, and speak 

AI & Children:  Privacy, Trust, & Safety in the Digital Age 

Syllabi policies for AI 

Example Model AI policy for K-12 

AI in Education:  Michigan Virtual


Professional Learning

Find all of our events at bit.ly/iamedtech and don't forget to check out remc.org for more professional learning opportunities.


Podcast PDx

A special thanks to our For the Purpose of… Podcast PDx community. Learn more and join at bit.ly/ftpo-pdx.

For SCECHs: What is one benefit and one challenge associated with artificial intelligence in your classroom? 

For Fun: What AI tool do you wish existed?


This podcast is a service of Kent ISD produced by Ron Houtman, Sarah Wood and Keith Tramper and edited by Keith Tramper.

Our theme music is Neon Nights by Scott Holmes Music and the LLCN Brief theme music is Medicine by WinnieTheMoog.

Jan 30, 202448:01
3.5 Computer Science and Computational Thinking

3.5 Computer Science and Computational Thinking

Join Ron and Keith as they discuss computer science and computational thinking during Computer Science Education Month.


Resources

Self-Driving Car Traffic Jam

Construction Cones Disable Self-Driving Cars

CSEdWeek 

Impacts of Computing

Bulletin Article: CSEdWeek in Michigan: Bridging Gaps in Computer Science Education

CT4Edu

Micro:bit

Bee Bot

Dash and Dot

Sphero

EdTech Cheer

Hour of Code

99b Grant - Guidance Document

IET Grants

SCRIPT Workshops


Professional Learning ⁠EdTech Cheer⁠

Find all of our events at bit.ly/iamedtech and don't forget to check out remc.org for more professional learning opportunities.


Podcast PDx

A special thanks to our For the Purpose of… Podcast PDx community. Learn more and join at bit.ly/ftpo-pdx.

For SCECHs: What connections might you be making between computational thinking and the content you teach?

For Fun: What is something you've learned recently outside of your job?


This podcast is a service of Kent ISD produced by Ron Houtman, Sarah Wood and Keith Tramper and edited by Keith Tramper. Our Theme Music is Neon Nights by Scott Holmes MusicOur Ad Music is Vienna Beat by Blue Dot Sessions

Dec 18, 202332:04
3.4 Engage, Enhance and Extend with Liz Kolb

3.4 Engage, Enhance and Extend with Liz Kolb

Episode 3.4 - Engage, Enhance and Extend with Liz Kolb

Join Ron, Sarah and Keith as they talk with author and educator, Liz Kolb about the intentional use of technology in learning. Liz is the author of The Triple E Framework and will discuss how the tool can be used to improve learning outcomes. They’ll also discuss on AI’s impact on education on this GPT anniversary. 


Our Special Guest

Dr. Liz Kolb

Clinical Professor, Education Technology

Teacher Education Department at University of Michigan

@lkolb

elikeren@umich.edu


Resources

The Triple E Framework Website

Learning First, Technology Second

Learning First, Technology Second in Practice


Professional Learning

EdTech Cheer

Find all of our events at bit.ly/iamedtech and don't forget to check out remc.org for more professional learning opportunities.


Podcast PDx

A special thanks to our For the Purpose of… Podcast PDx community. Learn more and join at bit.ly/ftpo-pdx.

For SCECHs: Which of the three E’s (Engage, Enhance, Extend) resonates with you the most? Why?

For Fun: What is something you notice about AI’s impact on education?


This podcast is a service of Kent ISD produced by Ron Houtman, Sarah Wood and Keith Tramper and edited by Keith Tramper.


Our Theme Music is Neon Nights by Scott Holmes Music

Our Ad Music is Vienna Beat by Blue Dot Sessions

Nov 14, 202346:10
3.3 Data Privacy

3.3 Data Privacy

Episode 3.3 - Data Privacy

Join Ron, Sarah and Keith as they discuss data privacy and how students and teachers can protect their data. They’ll also discuss ways they’re using AI at work.


Resources

logo.ai

DALL-E

ChatGPT

Canva Magic Design

NewProfilePic.com

Bard

Perplexity

Claude

Have I Been Pwned?


Professional LearningEdTech Cheer

Find all of our events at bit.ly/iamedtech and don't forget to check out remc.org for more professional learning opportunities.

Podcast PDxA special thanks to our For the Purpose of… Podcast PDx community. Learn more and join at bit.ly/ftpo-pdx.


For SCECHs: What steps do you take to protect your student’s data privacy? What about your own personal data privacy?


For Fun: How are you using AI in your work?


This podcast is a service of Kent ISD produced by Ron Houtman, Sarah Wood and Keith Tramper and edited by Keith Tramper.

Our Theme Music is Neon Nights by Scott Holmes Music

Our Ad Music is Vienna Beat by Blue Dot Sessions

Oct 26, 202330:02
3.2 The Evolving Role of the Teacher

3.2 The Evolving Role of the Teacher

Episode 3.2 - The Evolving Role of the Teacher

Join Ron, Sarah and Keith as they discuss how they see the role of the teacher evolving with the introduction and proliferation of new technologies. They’ll share how technology is impacting their role and their Plan B strategies (or lack thereof). 


Resources and References


Professional Learning

Find all of our events at bit.ly/iamedtech and don't forget to check out remc.org for more professional learning opportunities.


Podcast PDx

A special thanks to our For the Purpose of… Podcast PDx community. Learn more and join at bit.ly/ftpo-pdx.

For SCECHs: In what ways is technology changing your role in education?

For Fun: What is your Plan B?


This podcast is a service of Kent ISD produced by Ron Houtman, Sarah Wood and Keith Tramper and edited by Keith Tramper.

Our Theme Music is Neon Nights by Scott Holmes Music

Our Ad Music is Vienna Beat by Blue Dot Sessions

Sep 22, 202327:45
3.1 The Predictions Episode

3.1 The Predictions Episode

Episode 3.1 - The Predictions Episode

Join Ron, Sarah and Keith as they circle back to predictions they made back in early 2022 and make predictions for the 2023-24 school year.


Resources and References

Don’t Look Up

Outlander

Man-sized Bat

Drop Bear

Akihabara

Google Notebook

House Bill 99b

CT4EDU

MDE CT

CT in the UP

MiLEAP


Professional Learning

EdTech Cheer 2023

For the Purpose of Podcast PDx

Find all of our events at bit.ly/iamedtech and don't forget to check out remc.org for more professional learning opportunities.


Podcast PDx

A special thanks to our For the Purpose of… Podcast PDx community. Learn more and join at bit.ly/ftpo-pdx.

For SCECHs: What are your predictions for the 2023-24 school year?

For Fun: What's a dream destination you haven't been to yet, and what specific experiences would you want to have there?


This podcast is a service of Kent ISD produced by Ron Houtman, Sarah Wood and Keith Tramper and edited by Keith Tramper. Our Theme Music is Neon Nights by Scott Holmes MusicOur Ad Music is Vienna Beat by Blue Dot Sessions

Aug 25, 202328:44
2.13 Outside the Classroom with Mark Lyons
Jul 11, 202336:37
2.12 Future-Ready Students with Kelsey Krieger

2.12 Future-Ready Students with Kelsey Krieger

Episode 2.12 - Future-Ready Students with Kelsey Krieger

Join Ron, Sarah and Keith as they discuss how to prepare students for the future they will enter, not the world we’re currently in with Kelsey Krieger, 5th Grade Teacher at Byron Center Public Schools. They’ll also share where you can find them this summer.


Our Special Guest

Kelsey Krieger

5th Grade Teacher

Byron Center Public Schools 

kelseykrieger@gmail.com


Resources

Canva Magic Write


Professional Learning

EdCampGR is back!

Find all of our events at bit.ly/iamedtech and don't forget to check out remc.org for more professional learning opportunities.


Podcast PDx

For SCECHs: What is one way that you prepare students for a future beyond what we know right now?

For Fun (optional): What professional learning are you engaging in this summer?

Register now for Podcast PDx!


This podcast is a service of Kent ISD. It is produced by Ron Houtman, Sarah Wood and Keith Tramper.

Our Theme Music is Neon Nights by Scott Holmes Music

Our Ad Music is Vienna Beat by Blue Dot Sessions

Jun 20, 202330:29
2.11 Augmentative and Alternative Communication with Suzy Ruskusky
May 31, 202328:05
2.10 Mental Health and SEL with Chelsea Kittridge

2.10 Mental Health and SEL with Chelsea Kittridge

Episode 2.10 - Mental Health and SEL with Chelsea Kittridge

Join Ron, Sarah and Keith as they discuss the intersection of mental health, SEL and technology with Chelsea Kittridge, Mental Wellness Consultant at Kent ISD. They’ll also share some thoughts on the aging Chromebooks that made their way into the classroom during the pandemic.


Our Special Guest

Chelsea Kittridge

Mental Wellness Consultant

Kent ISD

chelseakittridge@kentisd.org 


Professional Learning

Doodle for your Noodle

With the demands of life that educators face in their personal and professional lives, it can sometimes be difficult to channel creativity into teaching and learning.  This course is designed to teach you the art of sketchnoting, a visual note-taking technique that combines drawings, typography, and symbols to create engaging and memorable and visually appealing notes.  By learning the fundamental principles of sketchnoting and how to apply them to your content, you will be able to build confidence and create visually engaging and effective visual representations of content that will help you remember and understand information better.

Find all of our events at bit.ly/iamedtech and don't forget to check out remc.org for more professional learning opportunities.


Podcast PDx

For SCECHs: What do you do in your schools to support student and adult mental health?

For Fun (optional): What are the things that you enjoy doing to support your mental health?

Register now for Podcast PDx!


This podcast is a service of Kent ISD. It is produced by Ron Houtman, Sarah Wood and Keith Tramper.

Our Theme Music is Neon Nights by Scott Holmes Music

Our Ad Music is Vienna Beat by Blue Dot Sessions

May 03, 202339:12
2.9 Reflections on MACUL 2023

2.9 Reflections on MACUL 2023

Episode 2.9 - Reflections on MACUL 2023

Join Ron, Sarah and Keith as they share some of the big trends and ideas that came out of the 2023 MACUL Conference. 


Resources 

MACUL Conference Schedule

Canva

Canva Create Conference 2023 

Adobe Product List

ChatGPT 4

Khan Academy with AI

DuoLingo with AI

Google Bard

The New Bing Search

#MACUL23 on TwitterKeith’s MACUL Workshop

GitHub CoPilot

Apple AR/VR Headset


Professional Learning

EdCampGR - August 15

Find all of our events at bit.ly/iamedtech and don't forget to check out remc.org for more professional learning opportunities.


Podcast PDx

For SCECHs: What is one trend in education technology that you’ve noticed lately? How do you feel about it?

For Fun (optional): What is your favorite edtech tool? Why?

Register now for Podcast PDx!


This podcast is a service of Kent ISD. It is produced by Ron Houtman, Sarah Wood and Keith Tramper.

Our Theme Music is Neon Nights by Scott Holmes Music

Our Ad Music is Vienna Beat by Blue Dot Sessions

Mar 30, 202327:54
2.8 Managing District Technology Implementation with Mike Hastings

2.8 Managing District Technology Implementation with Mike Hastings

Join Ron, Sarah and Keith as they discuss managing district technology implementation with Mike Hastings, an instructional technology specialist at Grand Rapids Public Schools. They’ll also share which insects are most like them.


Our Special Guest

Mike Hastings

Instructional Technology Specialist

Grand Rapids Public Schools

LinkedIn


Professional Learning

KETS Network

Find all of our events at bit.ly/iamedtech and don't forget to check out remc.org for more professional learning opportunities.


Podcast PDx

For SCECHs: What do you think makes your experience better when you have to start using a new tech tool?

For Fun (optional): If you could be any insect, what would you be? Why?

Register now for Podcast PDx!


This podcast is a service of Kent ISD. It is produced by Ron Houtman, Sarah Wood and Keith Tramper.

Our Theme Music is Neon Nights by Scott Holmes Music

Our Ad Music is Vienna Beat by Blue Dot Sessions

Mar 22, 202327:02
2.7 Technology Equity with Sheree Joseph-Bos

2.7 Technology Equity with Sheree Joseph-Bos

Episode 2.7 - Technology Equity with Sheree Joseph-Bos

Join Ron, Sarah and Keith as they discuss equity and technology with Sheree Joseph-Bos, the Diversity, Equity and Belonging Consultant at Kent ISD. They’ll ponder the impact of recent layoffs in the tech industry.


Our Special Guest
Sheree Joseph-Bos
Diversity, Equity and Belonging Consultant
Kent ISD
shereejosephbos@kentisd.org


Resources from Sheree
K Connect


Professional Learning
KETS Network

Find all of our events at bit.ly/iamedtech and don't forget to check out remc.org for more professional learning opportunities.


Podcast PDx
For SCECHs: How do you think technology impacts equity?
For Fun (optional): What do you think the impact of the recent tech layoffs will have on education?

Register now for Podcast PDx!


This podcast is a service of Kent ISD. It is produced by Ron Houtman, Sarah Wood and Keith Tramper.
Our Theme Music is
Neon Nights by Scott Holmes Music
Our Ad Music is Vienna Beat by Blue Dot Sessions

Feb 21, 202326:17
2.6 MACUL 2023, OERs and EdTech in Michigan with Gina Loveless

2.6 MACUL 2023, OERs and EdTech in Michigan with Gina Loveless

Episode 2.6 - MACUL 2023, Open Educational Resources and Educational Technology in Michigan with Gina Loveless

Join Ron, Sarah and Keith as they discuss the MACUL Conference, Open Educational Resources and EdTech in Michigan with Gina Loveless from the Michigan Department of Education. They’ll also take some time to talk about AI’s impact on the classroom.

Our Special Guest

Gina Loveless
Education Technology Consultant
Michigan Department of Education
MACUL Board President
lovelessg@michigan.gov
gina.loveless@macul.org
@glo

AI Resources
ChatGPT
Boomy
HotPot
ChatGPT Detector
Microsoft plans to add AI capabilities into every product
Build for Tomorrow Podcast

Resources from Gina
MACUL Conference
MACUL Conference Schedule
Map of Detroit near Huntington Place
Floorplans of Huntington Place
GoOpenMichigan
Michigan Department of Education OER Page

Professional Learning

Find all of our events at bit.ly/iamedtech and don't forget to check out remc.org for more professional learning opportunities.

Podcast PDx
For SCECHs: Choose One
1 - If you're attending MACUL 2023, what are you most excited to experience at the conference?
2- How are you using Open Educational Resources in your classroom?
3 - What role do you think educational technology plays in today's education systems?

For Fun (optional): How are you encountering artificial intelligence in your work? How do you feel about it?

Register now for Podcast PDx!


This podcast is a service of Kent ISD. It is produced by Ron Houtman, Sarah Wood and Keith Tramper.
Our Theme Music is
Neon Nights by Scott Holmes Music
Our Ad Music is Vienna Beat by Blue Dot Sessions

Jan 18, 202339:22
2.5 K-12 Computer Science Education with Cheryl Wilson
Dec 19, 202231:45
2.4 What is REMC? with Erin Hoekema
Nov 22, 202229:09
2.3 The Aftermath of the COVID Tech Surge with Jason O'Callaghan

2.3 The Aftermath of the COVID Tech Surge with Jason O'Callaghan

Join Ron, Sarah and Keith as they discuss the importance of district edtech specialists and the aftermath of the COVID edtech surge with special guest Jason O’Callaghan. They also share the apps they think are missing from K-12 education.


Our Special Guest: Jason O’Callaghan
K-6 Instructional Technology Specialist
5-Disc CD Changer Enthusiast, Pager Fan
jocallaghan@gpsbulldogs.org
@J_Ocally


EdTech Trends

  • 53+ EdTech Industry Statistics - Exploding Topics
    • The EdTech market is worth $254 billion
    • The EdTech market could reach $605 billion in value by 2027
    • The K-12 game-based learning market is expected to grow 20% per year through 2025
    • 87% of K-12 educators say their tech skills improved during the pandemic
    • 87% of K-12 teachers spent more time troubleshooting technology during COVID closures
    • 3 out of 5 of K-12 teachers plan on continuing to give online assignments after the pandemic


Events
Find all of our events at bit.ly/iamedtech and remc.org for more professional learning opportunities.


Share your thoughts and your killer K-12 EdTech Apps! Email us at edtech@kentisd.org or head to bit.ly/iamedtech.


This podcast is a service of Kent ISD. It is produced by Ron Houtman, Sarah Wood and Keith Tramper.
Our Theme Music is Neon Nights by Scott Holmes Music
Our Ad Music is Vienna Beat by Blue Dot Sessions

Oct 18, 202232:35
2.2 Talking STEM with Du Bui

2.2 Talking STEM with Du Bui

Join Keith, Ron and Sarah as they discuss STEM learning and their favorite places in Kent County with Kent ISD’s new STEM Consultant, Du Bui.

Get connected with Du
dubui@kentisd.org
@dueybui

Favorite Places in Kent County


Powerwash Simulator


Professional Learning Opportunities

Find all of our events at bit.ly/iamedtech and don't forget to check out remc.org for more professional learning opportunities.

Let us know what you liked and didn’t like about the new format! Email us at edtech@kentisd.org.


This podcast is a service of Kent ISD. It is produced by Ron Houtman, Sarah Wood and Keith Tramper.

Our Theme Music is Neon Nights by Scott Holmes Music

Our Ad Music is Vienna Beat by Blue Dot Sessions

Sep 14, 202221:02
2.1 Kicking off the 22-23 School Year!

2.1 Kicking off the 22-23 School Year!

Join Keith, Ron and Sarah as they prepare to jump into the 2022-23 school year. They’ll share their most recent recipes, some tips to kick off the school year and share their thoughts on good back to school PD.

Recipes


Back to School Trips


bit.ly/iamedtech

Find all of our events at bit.ly/iamedtech and don't forget to check out remc.org for more professional learning opportunities.

Register for KETS


Keynote Speakers

  • Consider the purpose of a keynote speaker
  • Consider how a keynote will help you reach your goals as a learning community
  • Consider your audience
  • Consider your own staff or local community members who could provide a keynote
  • Consider your teacher’s needs at the beginning of the year
  • Consider spending time building your community
  • Share your commitments as a leader


Let us know what you liked and didn’t like about the new format! Email us at edtech@kentisd.org or head to bit.ly/iamedtech.


This podcast is a service of Kent ISD. It is produced by Ron Houtman, Sarah Wood and Keith Tramper.

Our Theme Music is Neon Nights by Scott Holmes Music

Our Ad Music is Vienna Beat by Blue Dot Sessions

Sep 01, 202216:15
1.9 ProTECHting Our Students with Craig Steenstra
Jun 10, 202255:14
1.8 Student Privacy and Digital Citizenship
May 10, 202233:49
1.7 Computer Science Spotlight with Victoria Fleenor
Apr 27, 202248:04
1.6 Big Takeaways from MACUL 2022
Mar 30, 202231:23
1.5 Preparing for Conference Season
Mar 01, 202229:20
1.4 Professional Learning for Limited Attention
Feb 14, 202240:29
1.3 Computer Science Spotlight with Dr. Aman Yadav
Jan 31, 202252:58
1.2 Modern Learning Design
Jan 18, 202229:59
1.1 CS EdWeek
Dec 02, 202120:43