#B@CKCH@NNELedu

Joe Mazza has done it again. He has created yet another amazing and educational resource for @MCDPEL as well as sharing it with the masses. #B@CKCH@NNELedu can be found on iTunes or on the website.

#B@CKCH@NNELedu is a "scenario-based" podcast running about 25 minutes an episode, and it uses real scenarios from real principals. It is based on the idea of Serial, the insanely popular podcast from WBEZ Chicago. After listening to the episode, follow the backchannel on Twitter at #backchanneledu. At the beginning of each subsequent podcast, the principal of the previous scenario comes back, discusses what happened in the actual scenario, things that were discussed on Twitter and other backchannels, and then the new episode begins. It is really quite interesting, very fun to hear familiar names and voices, and especially to know that we aren't alone in this.

Be sure to check it out - you will not be disappointed.

Image Credit: http://midcareer.gse.upenn.edu/backchanneledu

#MACUL15

One of my absolute favorite things about conferences (besides the knowledge and new ideas of course!) is meeting up with my Tweeps (Twitter friends) in person. It sounds crazy, I know ;)

This past week, I was able to meet up with Brad Gustafson, Ben Gilpin, Bob Dillon, Tom Murray, Erin Klein, George Couros and a whole bunch of others for a great few days of learning and sharing. Kudos to the #MACUL team for all of their hard work and effort. It really is an amazingly well-run conference and we thank you for all that you do!

One of the best parts of the conference was the Makerspace set up in Cobo Hall. This Makerspace included circuits, a giant scrabble board, playing cards, a 3D printer, and a life-sized Jenga game (which of course we had to play!). Brad and I had a great time in the Makerspace and it was one of my favorite things I brought home with me.














My Kindergarten teacher was collecting objects one day for her students to create with. I thought this was the perfect time to introduce a Makerspace! It was not as technological as most, but they had a great time! Check out some of their awesome projects!

If you aren't signed up for a conference anytime soon, you really must find one. It is so worth the time and cost.

Creating a Mobile App for Your School - Yea or Nay?

Once your website is published, you want as much information at the hands of your families as possible. According to the Pew Research Center, in 2015 "nearly two-thirds of Americans are now smartphone owners, and for many these devices are a key entry point to the online world." So, do you create a mobile app or not?

In my last article, I mentioned that I utilize Wix.com for my websites. They have a really great mobile site that could, for all intents and purposes, replace the need for an app. If you have other things you want to add to it, or really like the simple look of a screen with icons on it, you may want to look into building an app.
I have used iBuildApp in the past, and currently use Infinite Monkeys. I switched purely because of the pricing structure. I really liked the simplicity of iBuildApp and would highly suggest it for a starter app. As mentioned in my last article - be sure to take advantage of embedding things - it will make updating the app that much easier!

If you have more questions on app building or what it can be used for, be sure to reach out! principalstager@gmail.com.



Blessings!


Image Credit: Tsahi Levent-Levi
https://www.flickr.com/photos/86979666@N00/7809646882/

Keeping Up Appearances...on your Website

Your website is one of the very first places people look to find more information about you. They may look to Twitter or Facebook, but chances are your website is where they will end up. Be it professional or your school it MUST be up to date! It can be daunting to try and keep it up-to-date all of the time, and that is not helpful for those who are busy already!

Here are a few tips on how to keep it up-to-date without losing your mind.

1. Make sure your website is easy to use. I have Wix.com which was a little cumbersome to set up but is extremely easy to update.

2. Put information in a Google Calendar and embed it. Then you're adding it in the calendar and automatically updating the website.

3. Pictures, pictures, pictures! Of yourself, your school, whatever. People LOVE photos, and you don't have to continuously update them. Put them in a slideshow and let it go!

4. Embed, embed, embed! (See the theme?!) If you chose to use Vimeo, Youtube, Google Calendar, etc. - embed it. There is no use in updating multiple things if you don't have to.

Of course, mobile apps are also fun, but I'll cover those in another article.

What are your tips for easy website upkeep?

Image credit: www.visualinspiration.com