With the start of a new month comes a new monthly ICT newsletter. These newsletters are designed to serve as an outreach to all MVSD staff and provide: general ICT updates (software changes, divisional ICT timelines, tech-themed holidays) upcoming PD for the month tech tips divisional highlights These newsletters are sent out to staff via our divisional email but are also shared out through our social media pages and divisional website. May 2022 ICT Newsletter by Kirsten Cali
#TechTipTuesday – #MBEdChat
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. This week I would like to highlight a community of Manitoba educators who have been sharing and learning together on Twitter using the hashtag #MBEdChat The brainchild of Zoe Bettess in Thompson, this hashtag has 9 years of archives sharing information, inspiring discussions, and helpful links from MB educators from across the province. Connecting monthly, the #MBEdChat network hosts influential educators for a one hour period in which participants can view or participate in accessible online professional… Read More
WOW Wednesday – Barker Elementary
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. Barker Elementary is no stranger to our WOW Wednesday series as they are a leader in the division when it comes to staff collaboration to benefit student learning. They have utilized technology to: digitally compile school data in their month-end reports host virtual school assemblies when faced with Covid-19 restrictions implement digital bookings for families during… Read More
#TechTipTuesday – Startup Tabs
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. Even if you would not consider yourself to be a “techy” teacher, you probably have a lot of “tech tools” that you are using regularly without realizing it. These include things like your professional email, attendance report software, digital grade book, etc. One tool that can streamline your morning routine, and ensure you have quick access to all of your tech tools, is the use of Startup Tabs. Startup Tabs allow you to set a… Read More
Follow Friday – Kelly Christopherson
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. Dr. Kelly Christopherson was first introduced to me via Matteo di Muro through our connections with Twitter ed chats and our Ph.D journeys. Kelly is an advocate for life-long learning and is the founder of both myPDtoday and the #SaskEdChat on Twitter. To get a sense of who Kelly is as an educator I recommend a podcast episode from the 832 Sips podcast. I’ve embedded a podcast player below for your convenience!… 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
Ethical Influences
*This post has been written as part of my journey as a Ph.D student through University of Regina This summary aims to provide a synopsis of my research interest as it currently exists. The work takes the reader through three topics to summarize my own experience and current understanding: 1. background context, 2. research problem, and 3. theoretical grounding. The paper will conclude with an overview of how three readings from the course have drawn my interest and will inform my work as I progress through this journey. Background One unseen benefit of the Covid-19 pandemic is that the… Read More
#TechTipTuesday – PDFs
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. I’m just going to go out there and say it, most teachers are hoarders! We love saving ALL the things because you never know when you may need it for this specific class, or that project, or that spirit-week activity. Digital files are no exception to this fact. Between curricular documents, blackline masters, third-party resources, shared files from colleagues, PD handouts…. this list goes on and on…. there are so many files! If they are… Read More
April ICT Newsletter
With the start of a new month comes a new monthly ICT newsletter. These newsletters are designed to serve as an outreach to all MVSD staff and provide: general ICT updates (software changes, divisional ICT timelines, tech-themed holidays) upcoming PD for the month tech tips divisional highlights These newsletters are sent out to staff via our divisional email but are also shared out through our social media pages and divisional website. April 2022 ICT Newsletter by Kirsten Cali
Follow Friday – Education Podcast Network
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 Spring Break which will run from March 25 – April 3. 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 spring walk… Read More