On Mondays I share a different ed tech quote on our Thompson Classroom social media pages for our staff to consider. During the third session of #ETMOOC2 – AI and You, Krissy Venosdal shared the above quote. Well actually, she shared an aesthetically pleasing version that was created using AI-assisted graphic design (see embedded Tweet below). I think this message is so important. Like anything we see online, work generated by artifical intelligence still requires the user to think critically about what they see and evaluate it against a set of criteria to determine authenticity and suitability. It can be assumed that… Read More
Follow Friday – Richard Roberts
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. I was first introduced to Richard when I started in my MVSD position in the fall of 2019. In fact, it was Richard who first reached out to extend an invitation to join MAETL. Since that time, Richard and I have had the opportunity to work together through various positions on the MAETL executive board: I served as his vice-president and we’ve continued this relationship as he supports me in his role as… Read More
WOW Wednesday – Laura Joss
On Wednesdays I highlight some of our amazing MVSD staff on our social media pages. Everyday 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 Laura Joss from Ochre River School. Laura, who would self-identify as “not techy”, actually models an excellent integration of purposeful technology at the K-2 level. One example of this is their use of the Learning A to Z (RAZ Kids) platform. This program is one tool in their traditional literacy programming… Read More
Empowering Educators: Leverging Technology as a Tool for Social Change
This evening I had an opportunity to attend the 2023 ManACE AGM which was held in Winnipeg. Our keynote was presented by Dr. Katia Hildebrandt who I had an opportunity to learn from during my EC&I833 course via University of Regina last fall. “Many educators are passionate about technology, but the challenges and complexities surrounding the integration of tech in the classroom can be a major source of frustration and stress for teachers. Unfortunately, this means that we are missing out on the tremendous potential that digital tools offer for transforming not just education but also the world we live… Read More
#TechTipTuesday – Koalluh AI
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. At our most recent #ETMOOC2 session I was introduced to Koalluh AI by Krissy Venosdale. If this program is new to you, their website describes it as: “Personalized, differentiated, and engaging stories — powered by A.I. With Koalluh, teachers can engage even the most reluctant readers — students create personalized, just-right stories based on their interests!” https://www.koalluh.com/ You can also check out the video introduction below:
Follow Friday – Tech Lasso Podcast
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. Here in Manitoba we are heading into the May long week which sees staff out of buildings until May 23rd. As we step back for an opportunity to recharge and connect with activities that bring us joy, I know that many of us are looking for easy and accessible PD opportunities. Podcasts can be the perfect way to build in both PD and entertainment as they can be played: while enjoying a… Read More
WOW Wednesday – Candice Taylor
On Wednesdays I highlight some of our amazing MVSD staff on our social media pages. Everyday 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. Earlier this spring I shared out information from LogicsAcademy regarding their MyFIT program which not only assists teachers and students with their ICT skills but also brings FREE devices into our classrooms! LogicsAcademy had been on my radar as Mike Washburn had visited our January MAETL meeting to share about their offerings so I was excited to push… Read More
#ETMOOC Session 3 – How is Generative AI Transforming and Disrupting Your Learning and Teaching?
Session 3 of #ETMOOC2 was held on May 17th. If you were unable to attend, the recording has been uploaded to YouTube (see embed below) and the slides notes are available via the Session 3 landing page. Session Notes John Spencer I have to admit I fan-girled a bit during this aspect of the night as, you know, John’s work is shared by myself quite a bit Teachers, and all users, are on a spectrum on their comfort-level with AI What does AI do well? synthesize information, generate fast responses It falls short at empathy and emotional intelligence, true voice, contextual… Read More
#TechTipTuesday – BYTE AI
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. If your newsfeed has been plagued with AI content but you are unsure of where to start, I definitely recommend BYTE AI! To introduce yourself to this tool check out the social media posts embedded below: I also went right to the source and asked BYTE AI, “How can teachers use BYTE AI in their classroom?” the response was as follows: There are many ways that teachers can use BYTE AI in their classroom! Here… Read More
Change Is The New Normal
On Mondays I share a different ed tech quote on our Thompson Classroom social media pages for our staff to consider. Last week I had the privilege of attending the Riding The Wave conference in Gimli, Manitoba which featured David Usher for their keynote presentation! A quote that we have heard for years now is, “the new normal”. While we all shifted in various ways during Covid, many sectors continue to find “normal” as if it is a destination we can arrive at; something that will remain static for us. The fact is that the goal posts are always moving. Whatever “normal”… Read More