11th Annual AT&T/MACUL Student Technology Showcase November 2 to Feature Demonstrations by Students Statewide
Students to demonstrate to legislators and the public how they are using technology to enhance learning

CHICAGO, IL, October 21, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Some 125 students from nearly 35 schools throughout Michigan will set up demonstrations to show legislators and the public how they are using technology to enhance learning at the 11th annual AT&T/MACUL Student Technology Showcase on Wednesday, November 2, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the rotunda at the State Capitol Building, in Lansing. Following an opening ceremony at 9:15 a.m., there will be three separate demonstration sessions, from 9:30 to 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Presented by the Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning (MACUL), and underwritten by AT&T, the 2011 Showcase will feature demonstrations such as:

• An electronic classroom where 30 students use mini-laptops instead of books for all of their core classes.
• Elementary students create compelling stories using digital cameras and Microsoft Photo Story 3 software on topics that include European explorers, anti-bullying and scientific methods.
• 4th and 5th graders compose a school Tech Force and meet weekly to do technology-related projects, share ideas and learn troubleshooting techniques.

The projects, which cover a wide variety of learning areas including science, mathematics, social studies and language arts, will feature student TV news shows, movie-making, computer-controlled industrial-like automations, handheld computing and Internet based educational projects and advanced graphics designs, and incorporate a multitude of technology tools such as VoiceThread, Animoto and Visual Communicator.

Ric Wiltse, MACUL executive director, says the projects clearly show how technology is impacting student learning. "In the 11 years we have presented the Showcase, we've seen a marked increase in the use of classroom technology," he states. "At the event, students and teachers not only learn and are inspired by each other, but they get to meet legislators from their districts. For many students, it's their first visit to the state capital."

"Every day, new and exciting opportunities to learn are made available to students as technology and Michigan's high-tech communications network expands," said Jim Murray, president of AT&T Michigan. "Expanded access to the Internet, new technology and high-speed mobile broadband connect students to each other and to learning like never before. It is an exciting reality with endless possibilities, and AT&T is proud to participate."

MACUL is an organization dedicated to bringing educators from all levels together to share their knowledge and concerns regarding educational uses of computers and technology. For further information about the Showcase, visit www.macul.org or call 517-882-1403.

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