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 would like to highlight a brand new upgrade to our high school in Roblin, Goose Lake High: a new PC computer lab! Over the summer months the school renovated their old lab space and purchsed 25 new desktop stations for use in their Grade 9-12 classes including ICT and computer science. This addition brings the… Read More
#TechTipTuesday – Email Security
Every Tuesday 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 October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, all of the tips shared this month will tackle common cyber security concerns (both student-related and work-place related). If you missed our previous cyber security tips you can check them out below: secure passwords phishing emails Almost everything online is now asking you to create an account using your email address; I can’t even read the online articles from the Winnipeg Free Press without creating a “free” account to… Read More
Passwords Are Like Underwear
On Mondays I share a different ed tech quote on our Thompson Classroom social media pages for our staff to consider. As we progress through Cyber Security Awareness month I want to continually remind both staff and students about the importance of strong passwords. If you would like to review this topic I recommend a previous post from earlier this month: Password Habits Teachers Should Break How to increase security of staff and student passwords Tips on how to develop strong passwords Common classroom password habits that should be reconsidered
Timestamp 2:48… & My Hyperfixation on Multi-tasking
*This post has been written as part of my journey as a Ph.D student through University of Regina Is the Internet really a productivity tool or merely an endless series of distractions? I have to admit that I did NOT make it through this video before I picked up my phone… I know… not a good start. I am someone who has a multi-screen set-up in my office as well as additional tools such as my phone or tablet within reach as well. It is not uncommon for me to have a double-digit amount of tabs open (across multiple screens)… Read More
Follow Friday – GP Trojans
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. Gilbert Plains Collegiate has been active on social media via Twitter for many years but has recently given their online presence a refresh with a new Facebook page. Their new Facebook page, GP Trojans, is being used to highlight school events like: field trips extracurricular activities school updates examples of student programming community outreach events like fundraisers Their page allows them to reach a new group of stakeholders; I encourage you to follow… Read More
WOW Wednesday – Alyssa Watson
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. I would like to shine a light on Alyssa Watson from Ethelbert School. During a recent school visit I had an opportunity to visit her classroom and briefly visit during her lunch break. Her class has access to a class-set of tablets which are individually assigned to students to: increase accessibilty (they stay on student desks unless they… Read More
#TechTipTuesday – Phishing Emails
Every Tuesday 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 October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, all of the tips shared this month will tackle common cyber security concerns (both student-related and work-place related). If you missed last week’s post on password tips check it out HERE. What is a Phishing Email? Phishing emails are fraudulent messages designed to obtain sensitive information such as financial information, usernames, or passwords. These emails often include links which sends recipients to a website where they are directed to… Read More
PD on the Potty
Near the end of 2019 I implemented the idea of PD on the Potty following a podcast from Kasey Bell. This alternative method of professional development sees the inclusion of fliers placed in staff washroom facilities. Depending on the month these may include: divisional tech reminders upcoming PD opportunities tips & tricks program reviews social media recommendations and more! Not only do these fliers allow you to have a captive audience but they can provide a bridge for staff members who have technology as a barrier in their practice [for these individuals, emails, social media posts, digital resources, etc are inaccessible]. Here… Read More
♫ techy ways…. I need The Cloud to play ♫
*This post has been written as part of my journey as a Ph.D student through University of Regina This week’s blog post prompt includes the following: Postman wrote: “…We now know that “Sesame Street” encourages children to love school only if school is like “Sesame Street.” Which is to say, we now know that “Sesame Street” undermines what the traditional idea of schooling represents.” In a blog post, unpack the implications of this quote, particularly the idea that Sesame Street undermines traditional schooling. I would like to start off by saying: OUR PRACTICES SHOULD UNDERMINE TRADITIONAL SCHOOLING (yes, I do… Read More
Follow Friday – Canadian Centre for Cyber Security
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. With the month of October playing host to Cyber Security Awareness Month it seemed fitting to showcase the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS) as our first Follow Friday of the month! You can follow along with them on Twitter or through their website which includes: cyber security tips general info and bulletins notice of reported incidents to be aware of education and training resources and more You can review all of… Read More