The purpose of Point A to Point B is stated by its title - when it comes to technology, everyone is somewhere (Point A) and needs to go somewhere else (Point B). Whether it is a simple technology “Aha!”, or a major shift in pedagogical design, this site is meant to be an assistant in the process.
The author/owner of Point A to Point B, Michael Russo, is the Computer Teacher/Technology Facilitator at Heim Middle School which is part of the Williamsville Central School District, in suburban Buffalo, NY. A self-described “Nowist” (as opposed to “Futurist”), his primary mission is to help people harness the power of technology in the learning cycle.
Favorite Quote:
The best thing for being sad, replied Merlin, beginning to puff and blow, is to learn something. That’s the only thing that never fails. You may grow old and trembling in your anatomies, you may lie awake at night listening to the disorder of your veins, you may miss your only love, you may see the world about you devastated by evil lunatics, or know your honour trampled in the sewers of baser minds. There is only one thing for it then - to learn. Learn why the world wags and what wags it. That is the only thing which the mind can never exhaust, never alienate, never be tortured by, never fear or distrust, and never dream of regretting. Learning is the only thing for you. Look what a lot of things there are to learn.
~Merlin to Wart (Young Arthur) in The Once and Future King by T.H. White
My Motto:
A school is people, learning.
Recognition:
- Thinkfinity Field Trainer of the Month April 2007
- Thinkfinity (MarcoPolo) Field Trainer of the Year 2006
- MarcoPolo Field Trainer of the Month November 2006
- Interview in I.E. (Interactive Educator) Winter 2006 p.44
- MarcoPolo Field Trainer of the Year 2004
Conference Presentations:
- Digital Storytelling to Captivate and Motivate: NYSCATE Annual Conference, November 2007 (for the audio of this presentation, click )
- How Interactive Whiteboards Transform Teaching & Learning: Buffalo State College T6, June 2006
- MarcoPolo: Internet Content for the Classroom: NYSCATE Annual Conference, November 2003, 2004, 2005 and NYSCATE Souther Tier Conference, March 2005
- Technology Tools for the Music Teacher: NYSCATE Annual Conference, November 2002
Certifications:
- SMART Master’s Certified Trainer, July 2006
- IC3 (Internet and Computing Core Certification), June 2004
- Web Designer Certificate, SUNY Buffalo, August 2003
- MarcoPolo Certified Field Trainer, December 2002
Notable Events/Travel/Grants
- Grant: Smart Master’s Training Certificaiton, July 2006, Calgary
- NECC 2005, Philadelphia
- NECC 2004, New Orleans
- Grant: Jamie McKenzie Workshops @ NECC 2001, Chicago
- Grant: Camp Apple 1999, San Francisco