Mantra Monday

Mantra Monday

Every Monday I share a different ed tech quote on our Thompson Classroom social media pages for our staff to consider.  

This week’s Mantra is:

Mantra Monday, people first
Mantra Monday. (2020). Uploaded by Kirsten Thompson. Available online at: www.fishbowlteaching.com

Monday is not only the start of a new month but also the start of a new set of Covid-19 restrictions across the province. Educators are currently working to accomplish their regular curricular goals ontop of:

  • addressing the complex mental health needs resulting from the pandemic
  • adjusting to new health guidelines
  • designing and participating in blended learning
  • completing assessments and writing report cards
  • planning virtual Remembrance Services
  • planning virtual Parent-teacher conferences
  • and much, much more!

While this time can be a source of stress for staff it is important to note that divisional supports, such as Coordinators, continue to be there to support educators in their practice. With that being said, I recognize that not everyone is prepared, or comfortable, with face-to-face visits. As such, I have been trying to ensure there are multiple ways for staff to get ed tech information and PD that is accessible to them.

Face to Face Visits

This option continues to be available for anyone who is comfortable. Our Covid-19 precautions include:

  • medical masks for all interant staff
  • signing-in at all visits for the purpose of contact tracing
  • use of sanitizer and distancing during meetings
  • disinfecting of equipment brought into schools
  • 1 school per 48hr period

Email, Phone, Virtual Meetings via Teams

Most of my discussions with school administrators occur via email or phone as it provides the flexibility required for their busy schedules.

Many of my school visits have no been via Teams which has worked very well logistically. The flexibility of this platform also means I can “visit” more schools that I normally would as I am not restricted by travel or Covid-19 precautions.

computer screen of Teams meeting, kicking off #me4dialitwk with a disucssion on using social media for advocacy projects
Instgram Story Screenshot @thompsonclass (2020). Uploaded by Kirsten Thompson. Available online at: www.fishbowlteaching.com

MVSD ICT Resources Notebook

This Microsoft OneNote file is considered the “one-stop shop” for all things Ed Tech in MVSD. It is divided into Sections and pages for easy navigation and is very much a “living” document that is updated weekly.

You can view this resource directly from the blog!

Social Media Posts

social media links for Kirsten Thompson Coordinator of ICT
Social Media Links for Kirsten Thompson Coordinator of ICT. (2020). Uploaded by Kirsten Thompson. Available online at: www.fishbowlteaching.com

There are several social media accounts tied to the ICT department. These accounts are designed to get ed tech information into the hands of educators in an accessible fashion.

Many of our staff are already on social media so we are trying to meet them where they’re at. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are all clones of one another and designed to reach a wide variety of demographics.

This blog builds off of the short social media posts and provides more detailed context, links, resources, etc.

Our YouTube channel features more in depth tutorials and community resources while TikTok is more humourous.

PD on the Potty

The perfect venue for a captive audience!

New “tissues” of our PD on the Potty fliers are distributed to schools once a month and are hung up by building secretaries.

You can read more about this project HERE.

pd on the potty
PD on the Potty. (2020). Uploaded by Kirsten Thompson. Available online at: www.fishbowlteaching.com

Monthly ICT Newsletter

ICT Monthly Newsletter
ICT Monthly Newsletter. (2020). Uploaded by Kirsten Thompson. Available online at: www.fishbowlteaching.com

Our department sends out a monthly newsletter to the email of our staff members. The format of this communication changes slightly from month-to-month but usually includes:

  • introductory message
  • month at a glance
    • (tech events, divisional tech updates, etc)
  • upcoming tech PD
    • (both local and those from outside organizations)
  • 1-2 blocks highlighting timely topics
  • check it out
    • highlight on divisional ed tech resources
  • contact information

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