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
Riding the Wave 2023
One of the best parts of May is definitely the Riding the Wave conference running from May 11-12. Situated in beautiful Gimli, Manitoba the 2023 theme is focused on, “unleashing your creative potential”, and will feature keynote David Usher who will be speaking to Creative Thinking: The Power To Navigate Disruption. This year I am presenting during two of the breakout session slots as well being able to serve as a learner while I take in 4 sessions. The following post is a summary of my experiences: Broadcast Your School News Live on YouTube “In the R360 Broadcasting Club, students in Grades 5-12 read… Read More
MAETL President – Round 2!
Today was a super exciting day as I not only attended, but lead, my first in-person AGM as we have been virtual since 2020. Since I joined the team in 2019 I had, unfortunately, never seen an in-person MAETL AGM and WOW; what a day! The morning kicked off with our formal business agenda running from 10am-12pm. One of our primary roles of AGM includes the election of our executive board and I am honoured and humbled to have been elected into the role of president for a second term with my partner-in-crime Troy Sigvaldason continuing to support us in… Read More
The Growing Pains of AI
On Mondays I share a different ed tech quote on our Thompson Classroom social media pages for our staff to consider. Calculators are going to ruin the foundational skills required for mathematics! Search engines are going to ruin the ability for student’s to find information in their libraries! Wikipedia is going to fill the world with misinformation! Are we sensing a theme here…… as we see troves of concerns along the lines of: AI is going to ruin all my assessment plans! In the words of John Finch (circa 2013), “we can either legislate out of the problem or educate out of… Read More
What You Don’t Know About Canva, But Should
This week I was invited to the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce Executive meeting that is held ahead of their AGM in Winnipeg. This group is comprised of Chamber executives from across the province and my first non-educator presentation ever! My involvement in this meeting was to deliver professional development as the kick-off to their multi-day event at the Victoria Inn and Conference Center. This audience is diverse in regard to experience in their positions, organization of their unique Chamber branch, client demographic, and familiarity with technology. Luckily for me, I have a working relationship with our local Parkland Chamber so… Read More
Follow Friday – #ETMOOC2
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. At the beginning of April I joined the #ETMOOC2 community (you can read my introductory post HERE) as a way to learn more about the field of AI. While we are officially half way through our journey, there is still time to jump in! This experience is very much individualized, with learners participating and accessing resources in a variety of ways. For those who are new to the ETMOOC community, this second… Read More