I am spending this week in Winnipeg taking part in software training via MERLIN on Power BI. This is part of the back-end of our divisional strategic plan in which we will utilize the Power BI software to connect to our divisional data, create visualizations, and publish reports. An overview of the course is included below as an image: Microsoft Learn (Educator Center) There are numerous training modules, both one-off courses and extensive learning paths, on the Microsoft Learn webpage that anyone can access. Microsoft Learn offers FREE, asynchronous, micro-credentials for all of the Microsoft programs (you can learn more… Read More
#TechTipTuesday – AI for High-Interest Texts
On Tuesdays, I share a Tech Tip on our social media pages to assist our staff in their use of technology as it relates to their role. When it comes to divisional- and school-based literacy goals, something that I see as a strategy in multiple situations involves high-interest texts. However, this implementation relies on access to these resources. While some schools have access to a variety of text sets, that is not always the case. We also know that it can be challenging to easily reach every interest and every reading-level. Enter AI! Regardless of what AI platform you are using, effective… Read More
BYTE 2024
On Friday I spent the day in Portage la Prairie for the 20th annual BYTE conference. This was my 8th year joining their team as a presenter and I am thrilled to still be a part of this fantastic event! If you weren’t able to join the event in person, and even if you did, I recommend scrolling back on Instagram and X/Twitter as many participants and presenters shared their learning throughout the day. You can find applicable posts by following the #BYTEMB hashtag or you can follow the BYTE Conference directly on X/Twitter and Instagram. The learning will also continue TOMORROW, February 21st with… Read More
WOW Wednesday – Sophie Thomas
On Wednesdays, I highlight some of our amazing MVSD staff on our social media pages. Every day our staff are using tech in new and exciting ways, are learning new skills, and are sharing ways in which ed tech is assisting them in their practice. This week I am excited to showcase an example of how our staff are using digital tools to strengthen literacy. Sophie Thomas, who currently has a Grade 7 French Immersion class at Mackenzie Middle School, is currently supporting their students with written and spoken language fluency. Sophie accessed both Immersive Reader and Dictate features within the Microsoft EDU… Read More
#TechTipTuesday – Office 365 Learning Tools
On Tuesdays, I share a Tech Tip on our social media pages to assist our staff in their use of technology as it relates to their role. As we continue our “I Love To Read Month” posts, I want to highlight some of the great accessibility tools built into the Microsoft Office 365 suite that all MVSD staff, students, and families can access. These tools can be one option in your literacy toolkit to assist users in their literacy skills in both classes and their professional roles. The following resources and tutorials can assist you in your understanding of what these can… Read More
Fair Dealing Week 2024
On Mondays, I share a different ed tech quote on our Thompson Classroom social media pages for our staff to consider. February 26th will kick off Fair Dealing Week 2024 which will run through the week until Friday, March 1st. With the next two Mondays being “No Classes” days in MVSD I wanted to make sure I got us thinking about this event today! The Fair Dealing Canada website describes this legislation as follows: “Fair dealing recognizes that certain uses of copyright protected works are beneficial for society. By placing limits on instances where copyright owners can require payment, fair dealing leads innovation, to… Read More
Follow Friday – BYTE Conference
On Fridays, I share what I believe to be a notable person/organization/school on our social media pages to assist our staff in the development of their online Personal Learning Network. February is here and that can only mean one thing…. it is time for the BYTE Conference! This conference holds a special place in my heart as it was not only the first large ed conference that I attended as a B.Ed student but it was also the start of my presentation experience. Since that time I have been able to attend 9 of the conferences (8 years as a presenter). You can read about some… Read More
WOW Wednesday – Laura Joss
On Wednesdays, I highlight some of our amazing MVSD staff on our social media pages. Every day our staff are using tech in new and exciting ways, are learning new skills, and are sharing ways in which ed tech is assisting them in their practice. This week I am excited to showcase another example of how our MVSD staff is utilizing generative AI in their role. Laura Joss, who currently has a K-2 class at Ochre River School, recently shared about her exploration into AI on their school’s Facebook page. In this activity, students worked on their descriptive vocabulary to share details… Read More
#TechTipTuesday – SORA Audiobooks
On Tuesdays, I share a Tech Tip on our social media pages to assist our staff in their use of technology as it relates to their role. One example of how digital tools can supplement your I Love To Read activities is through the use of ebooks and audiobooks. In MVSD, staff and students have access to SORA (formally OverDrive) which provides access to both ebooks and audiobooks. The platform also boasts a good list of accessibility supports such as font changes, read-alouds, text size, and more. Sora is also available in both browser and app format to increase access on-the-go! SORA- Browser… Read More
Safer Internet Day 2024
Originating in the UK, Safer Internet Day has been running for over 20 years in countries worldwide. The following description is provided direct from their website: “With a slogan of “Together for a better internet”, Safer Internet Day is a call to action for every stakeholder to contribute to a safer and better internet, especially for its youngest users. The past year has shown us first-hand the importance of ensuring that the largest possible number of children and young people are adequately prepared to handle digital technologies responsibly, respectfully, critically and creatively. Only then can they experience the digital world as a place… Read More