From thE PrEsidEnt’s dEsK


Get Your Head in the


Clouds! By Mike Oswalt


Typically the expression ‘your head is in the clouds’ is meant to describe someone who is unrealistic and impractical. Today, for very realistic and practical reasons, having your head in the clouds is just the opposite! Everyone who is using any type of Internet resource has their head in the clouds. Whether for personal uses such as social networking or sharing photos, or district uses such as email management, application creation and mass storage, Cloud Computing is not just a passing fad; it is a way of life.


MACULJOURNAL


Cloud computing has “opened doors for more flexibility, more space, more collaboration, and ultimately, more creative uses of Internet resources for educators to incorporate in their classrooms.”1


Anyone who has enjoyed


offsite storage or worked with others to create a document collaboratively from anywhere with Internet access knows the value of Cloud Computing. As I sit here writing this article I’m amazed at how many cloud-based applications I’ve used in the past 24 hours. I’ve accessed our county online data warehouse, reviewed the MACUL strategic plan that was collaboratively created by the MACUL Board and SIG leaders using Google Docs Spreadsheet, watched a presentation at a county superintendent’s meeting where a video on YouTube was


“Get your head in the clouds” continued on page 30


| Fall 2011


From thE ExECutivE


dirECtor BY RIC WILTSE


2011 Making It Happen Award Winner Announced


It’s my honor to announce Jo Ellen Miskowski as the recipient of the 2011 Making It Happen Award. Started in 1975 by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and awarded by MACUL since 2006, the award recognizes individuals for their commitment and innovation. Past winners included Jamey Fitzpatrick, James Wenzloff, Elizabeth Bauer, Ricki Chowning, Andy Mann, Bill Wiersma and last year’s recipient Bruce Umpstead.


Jo Ellen is concluding her 22nd and final year on the MACUL Board, a record unmatched by anyone over the 36-year history of MACUL. A MACUL member for 34 years, she has chaired the nominations and evaluations committees, served on the speaker/presenter, strategic planning, personnel, and exhibitor relations committees, assisted


“Award Winner” continued on page 30


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