*This post has been written as part of my professional growth plan through my #ISTE20 scholarship. Sustaining a 1:1 program – insights from research Presenters: Dr. Andrea Beesly, Rebecca Griffiths, Linda Shear Overview: “1:1 programs bring initial excitement and, later, deeper learning opportunities. But sustaining and funding over time is a challenge. This paper shares insights on sustaining 1:1 technology programs in economically challenged K-12 settings, based on a large research study of an iPad program.“ Main Takeaways: Externally-funded projects have diminished benefits over time (fatigue, lack of funds, too long to continue momentum) How can this be avoided? ConnectED –… Read More
WOW Wednesday – MVSD Families
Every Wednesday 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 wanted to shift this practice and highlight our MVSD families who have stepped up to the challenge and are also learning new skills as they work to navigate the role tech plays in their children’s lives. Our Community Outreach program is back for our spring session offerings. This program has been designed to work… Read More
#TechTipTuesday – Microsoft Tasks
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. One silver lining of the pandemic is that it has increased our technology use to allow for more detailed collaboration and flexibility when we cannot be together in person. However, for me, it has resulted in a virtual to-do list that includes: email requests Team tasks shared documents via OneDrive calendar invites for virtual meetings It can be difficult to keep all of this straight but there are programs that are working to help streamline… Read More
We’re All In This Together
I somewhat cringed as I wrote this post title today because, even with the best intentions, this phrase has become somewhat triggering through the pandemic (and I’m on record saying this phrase multiple times). I decided to keep it, however, because it so often accompanies discussions between “leaders” and their team members. One thing that I hear often in the world of ed tech can be generalized as, “I just don’t have time to learn something new right now”, or, “I’m too old to add that in”. What!? I don’t recall hearing any teacher tell their students, “Now that you’ve… Read More
Universal Design for Learning/Differentiated Learning
*This post has been written as part of my professional growth plan through my #ISTE20 scholarship. 10 ways to use iPads to increase access and engagement Presenter: Cassie Frost Overview: “Discover 10 ways that an iPad can be used to increase access for students with disabilities. Methods for use in face to face and digital learning environments will be discussed. Learn about both internal accessibility features as well as iOS Apps for engagement and accessibility.” Main Takeaways: Assistive Technology “Any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve… Read More
Follow Friday – #MVSD_MB
Every Friday 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. This Friday I’d like to re-post content that was originally shared out in the spring of 2020. March is a crazy whirlwind for educators and it is often a time where we all find ourselves going a bit stir-crazy. Usually, the month is filled with spirit activities that help break up this time but many of those activities are not currently possible. Connecting and sharing with colleagues can help boost your spirit… Read More
#TechTipTuesday – Incognito Windows
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. Check out this tip in action via the TikTok video below:
Instructional Design & Delivery
*This post has been written as part of my professional growth plan through my #ISTE20 scholarship. Taking everyone to the top: from app-centric lessons to true cognitive engagement Presenters: Jessica Herring, Dr. Michael Mills Overview: “Apps usually become the focus of technology use in classroom learning, but in this session, you’ll learn how to take what might start as app-centric lessons and take them to a higher level of authentic, contextual learning and cognitive engagement.” Main Takeaways: App choices need to move beyond “this is cool” to “how does this help to meet or surpass curricular goals” “plant the seeds of… Read More
Follow Friday – Creative Commons
Every Friday 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. This Friday I’d like to close out Fair Dealing Week by highlighting Creative Commons. In their own words, “Creative Commons is a nonprofit organization that helps overcome legal obstacles to the sharing of knowledge and creativity to address the world’s pressing challenges.” You can learn more about Creative Commons and copyright licences in the YouTube video below: My most common-use of this organization is their CC Search tool which allows users to… Read More
WOW Wednesday – Sharon Thompson
Every Wednesday 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. February 22-26th marks Fair Dealing Week and Sharon, who operates our divisional PD Resource Centre, is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to Fair Dealing, copyright, intellectual property rights, and much more! You have most likely seen the resources she displays in her photo within your school buildings such as by photocopiers and printers, as well… Read More