1. Using Technology & Social Media for Education Advocacy EPFP Washington Policy Seminar April 16, 2010 Elizabeth V. Elliott eelliott@mivu.org

2. The world is moved along, not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of tiny pushes of each honest worker. Helen Keller said …

3. Provides leadership by expanding, improving and innovating opportunities for K- 12 students and educators with high-quality online courses, tools and resources o Michigan-based 501(c)3 Corporation of 40 employees and a cadre of more than 100 online instructors o Established in 1998 by an act of the Michigan Legislature Michigan Virtual University

4. Online professional development portal for teachers o Michigan LearnPort (www.learnport.org)www.learnport.org o Established in 2003 and supported with ESEA Title II (A) Improving Teacher Quality funds o 20055,000 user accounts / 201056,000+ o 2005170 courses / 2010350+ o 2008 11,000 course starts / 200922,000 Technology is a Tool for Reform

5. Michigan LearnPort enables new, effective partnerships in online course development o Transition Planning Made Easier o #1 Course by Enrollments since release in 2008, taken by users across the state o Cost less than $10 per user to develop o Plan, develop and build on suite of seven additional courses underway Technology is a Tool for Advocacy & Reform

6. New, effective partnerships generate new uses of technology o Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) stepped into the virtual world on January 1, 2010 o 40+ members and friends online w/ headphones and microphones all day o I feel like a Jetson! Technology is a Tool for Advocacy

7. Second SEAC meeting on April 7, 2010 presented Early Warning Sign (EWS) Tool to combat dropouts adapted from the National High School Center (NHSC) Technology is a Tool for Advocacy & Reform

8. New, effective partnerships generate new uses of technology: Algebra for All o Wayne RESA, the University of Michigan, the Michigan Department of Education, the Math & Science Centers Network and MVU o Blended learning opportunity for 800 teachers to change the way Algebra is taught o Ning Technology is a Tool for Advocacy & Reform

9. I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do. Helen Keller also said …