March 20– Detroit, MI – Bill Wiersma, Special Interest Group Liaison for the Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning (MACUL) was honored with the coveted Making It Happen award for his contributions to the successful integration of technology in education in K−12 schools.
While attending the 33rd Annual Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning (MACUL) conference in Detroit, Wiersma was honored by MACUL, for his dedication to education and successful integration of technology in the classroom. The Making It Happen program has made a commitment to work with U.S. state and national organizations and conferences to identify individuals who are truly Making It Happen within their respective state or region and to recognize them publicly.
During the award ceremony, Bill Wiersma was described by Ric Wiltse, MACUL Executive Director, as a tireless champion for the use of media and technology to improve student learning. “Bill’s service to MACUL and the Michigan educational community is outstanding,” Wiltse stated.
Successful integration of educational technology requires a common passion, initiative and pledge that can best be summarized by the Making It Happen Formula of Success.
The eight components of the Formula of Success are:
1. Educators [those in the field of education] who apply available technology now
2. Move forward and don’t look back
3. See students as real people
4. Teach through relationships - inspire, encourage, nurture 5. Recognize that further change is necessary, but understand that it is a process 6. Realize that teacher empowerment is the key element to technology integration 7. Expect success 8. Motivate through awareness and access to information
Wiersma joins a prestigious group of Making It Happen honorees, including classroom teachers, school principals, district superintendents, legislators, governors, and even former Secretary of Education, Richard Riley.
About Making It Happen
Founded in 1995, the Making It Happen program highlights the dramatic role educators are having on the learning process by using technology and rewards those individuals for their commitment and innovation. To date, more than 260 individuals have been awarded this recognition. The impact of this program has been felt at numerous conferences around the country. The focus of the Making It Happen program is on current practitioners, highlighting their significant contribution and encouraging them to continue their work. Making It Happen recipients are in the classroom, making it happen for learners everyday.
About MACUL
The Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning (MACUL) is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization established in 1975 dedicated to bringing educators from all levels together to facilitate the sharing of best practices of technology to enhance teaching and learning. Its 3,000+ members come from Michigan, neighboring Midwest states and Canada. MACUL is an organizational affiliate of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). Find out more about MACUL at: www.macul.org or call 517.694.9756.
About ISTE
The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is the trusted source for professional development, knowledge generation, advocacy, and leadership for innovation. A nonprofit membership organization, ISTE provides leadership and service to improve teaching, learning, and school leadership by advancing the effective use of technology in PK-12 and teacher education. Home of the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS), the Center for Applied Research in Educational Technology (CARET), and the National Educational Computing Conference (NECC), ISTE represents more than 85,000 professionals worldwide. We support our members with information, networking opportunities, and guidance as they face the challenge of transforming education.
Visit www.iste.org or call (800) 336-5191 to learn more about ISTE and its new initiatives -- including the next generation of NETS for Students, Teachers, and Administrators.
ISTE® is the registered trademark of International Society for Technology in Education.
About MACUL
The Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning (MACUL) is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization established in 1975 dedicated to support the use of technology to enhance teaching and learning. Its 4,000+ members come from Michigan, neighboring midwest states and Canada. MACUL is an organizational affiliate of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). Find MACUL on the World Wide Web at: www.macul.org
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