Costa Mesa, CA. - Computer-Using Educators, Inc. (CUE) and the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) are proud to offer an exclusive, one-day conference for educational leaders dedicated to the new Common Core State Standards and Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium. The emphasis for this event is on blended and personalized learning, with Dr. Eric Mazur, Professor of Physics and Applied Physics at Harvard University, giving the keynote address on that topic.

“OCDE is delighted to partner with CUE to bring together a dynamic lineup of thought-provoking educators who will stimulate conversations around 21st Century Learning for our Orange County Leaders,” said Christine Olmstead, Administrator, Office of Academic Content, OCDE Instructional Services.

In addition to Dr. Mazur, featured speakers at the summit will include Dr. Barbara Nemko, Superintendent, Napa County Office of Education; Alan November, Educational Innovator, Senior Partner and Founder of November Learning; Catlin Tucker, Author and Teacher, Windsor High School Sonoma County; and Dr. Beverly Young, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, CSU and Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium Executive Committee.

"With California poised to implement computer-based adaptive assessments statewide in the next year, it is essential to provide the best possible preparation for school leaders" said Mike Lawrence, CUE's Executive Director, continuing, "partnering with OCDE, given their deep knowledge and expertise on Common Core, will give educators an excellent way to start the year off with their eyes open to the challenges ahead." 

The event will be held at the Costa Mesa Hilton, in Costa Mesa, CA. Registration for CUE members is $199 for the August 15, 2013 summit. Non-CUE members are $249, and new CUE members are $239. Lunch wil be provided for all registered attendees. More information about the summit can be found at: www.core13.org.

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About CUE
Ed Tech Professional Development is at the core of CUE's work. We are passionate believers in advancing student achievement through technology. By providing Ed Tech professional development to schools, districts, and local educators on the infusion of emerging technologies, we can help better prepare students for college and careers ahead. | www.cue.org

About the OCDE Instructional Services Department
The Orange County Department of Education strives to make a difference in Orange County Classrooms through World-Class resources, services and opportunities for parents, educators, students, and community members. The Instructional Services Division is dedicated to support professional development and student learning in Orange County school districts. Our purpose is to build the knowledge base and instructional expertise so that all students meet or exceed California Standards. We believe that change in practice only happens when educators learn and practice over time. Leadership Development, Instructional Technology, Teacher Development, Curriculum and Standards and Learning Support in prevention and intervention are the focus areas of our work. | www.ocde.us/InstructionalServices

CUE is currently seeking an independent consultant to provide editorial services for CUE's blog (blog.cue.org). The position will require 12-16 hours per month July 1 - December 31, 2013. Contract may be extended pending review. Compensation is competitive. Consultant will report to the CUE's Marketing and Programs Coordinator.

Duties will include:

1. Solicit original, engaging and relevant blog posts by prominent authors, including: CUE members, Affiliate and SIG leaders, leaders, staff, thought-leaders, featured speakers, industry experts, and more.
2. Work with CUE staff and volunteers to increase readership and engagement
3. Assist in initial (re)branding and outreach efforts for the blog
4. Edit 1-2 original posts per week, writing and securing permission to re-post pieces as needed
5. Collaborate with CUE's OnCUE Journal Editor, serving alongside them as advisors to the CUE Communication Committee

Successful candidates should have expertise in:

1. Editing
2. Writing on engaging topics in education
3. Educational trends
4. Social media and educational technology

CUE is currently seeking an independent consultant to oversee grant writing and development for the organization. The position will require 16-20 hours per month depending on grant opportunities, June 1 - December 1, 2013. Contract may be extended depending on success of grant development efforts. Compensation is competitive and negotiable. Consultant will report to the CUE Executive Director.

Duties will include:

1. Research grant opportunities related to several core CUE programs, including: Common Sense Media PD, Infinite Thinking Machine, Leading Edge Certification, Common Core Implementation, STEM Learning, Digital Publications, educational outreach and more.
2. Work with CUE staff and volunteers to lead grant writing efforts.
3. Assist in initial program and funding setup for successful grants.
4. Assist in evaluation of funded programs.
5. Produce quarterly report on activities.

Successful candidates should have expertise in:

1. Grant development
2. Educational trends
3. Non-profit funding
4. Social media and educational technology
5. Writing, editing and data analysis 
    



The Internet TV show for Educators Inspires Creativity and Innovation

Walnut Creek, Calif., April 30, 2013 -- Computer-Using Educators, Inc. (CUE) is proud to announce that the Infinite Thinking Machine™, its Internet TV show, has been selected as an Official Honoree in The 17th Annual Webby Awards in the News & Information Channel category. Winners will be announced at the star-studded ceremony on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 and will be broadcast on-demand on Wednesday, May 22 at WebbyAwards.com.

“We are incredibly honored to be nominated,” said Chris Walsh, Co-Executive Producer of the series. “Our goal has always been to provide educators, parents and students with fun ways to  innovate and ‘hack’ education around the world. We want our viewers to watch an episode and be inspired. The fact that we’re now nominated for a Webby award is just ridonculous!”

Dr. Ramsey Musallam, host of the show and high school science teacher, is thrilled as well: “The ITM model is really about inspiring people to think differently about teaching and learning, and this has clearly resonated with our viewers and the Webby judges.”

The show, now wrapping up its third season, has featured such topics as Blended Learning, Student Coding, the Maker’s Faire, Macworld, Video Blogging, Flipped Teaching, Mobile Learning and regularly includes “HackEd” segments on how educators and parents can rethink teaching and learning in our 21st Century world. The show is produced and funded by Computer-Using Educators and receives additional support from the K12 High Speed Network.

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About the Webby Awards

Hailed as the "Internet's highest honor" by The New York Times, The Webby Awards is the leading international award honoring excellence on the Internet, including Websites, Interactive Advertising & Media, Online Film & Video, Mobile & Apps, and Social. Established in 1996, The Webby Awards received nearly 11,000 entries from all 50 states and over 60 countries worldwide last year. The Webby Awards is presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS). Sponsors and Partners of The Webby Awards include: Google+, Yahoo!, Vitamin T, Live Nation, ShareThis, The Daily, Funny or Die, MLB Advanced Media, Mashable, BuzzFeed, Business Insider, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Guardian News and Media.

About the Infinite Thinking Machine

The Infinite Thinking Machine is an engaging Internet TV show for educators to inspire creativity and innovation. Visit us at: www.infinitethinking.org & @itmshow on Twitter.