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. January is recognized as Clean Up Your Computer Month and, as such, the month’s posts have been focused on this theme. You can visit all of these posts below: Naming Files (how to organize your files for easy use) 7 Tips to Clean Up Your Computer Organizing & Archiving Digital Records While the posts that were shared earlier this month covered how to clean, organize, and maintain your physical computer and personal/professional network, your digital footprint extends… Read More
Students Thriving Online
Every Monday I share a different ed tech quote on our Thompson Classroom social media pages for our staff to consider. Here in Manitoba it has been a full week since we welcomed the vast majority of our students back to our buildings following a period of temporary remote learning which ended on January 15th. While we continue to have some of our learners enrolled in remote learning as a result of medical accommodations or logistical constraints, almost all of our learners are now attending in-person. While this has been celebrated by many stakeholders we can’t ignore that, for those with access,… Read More
Safety, Security, & Student Data Privacy
*This post has been written as part of my professional growth plan through my #ISTE20 scholarship. 5 Questions for the Changing K-12 Cybersecurity Landscape Presenters: Amy Mandrier, Trent Redden Overview: “Hosted by AT&T. This panel discussion of cybersecurity experts explores how COVID-19 has changed the cybersecurity landscape on school campuses, identifies the top 3 cybersecurity risks for K-12, and details how to be better prepared before, during and after a cyber-attack.“ Main Takeaways: Top 3 cyber security risks identified as: 1. ransomware 2. phishing emails 3. DDoS attack Recommended that schools encrypt data, have a response plan, educate all users (staff… Read More
Follow Friday – Canadian Centre for Cyber Security
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 week I’d like to highlight the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security. Next week, January 28th, marks Data Privacy Day and, to prepare, I recommend following along with the CCCS on Twitter and via their website. In addition to general tips through their social media feed, their website includes: general info and bulletins notice of reported incidents to be aware of education and training resources and more Stay tuned for more information… Read More
WOW Wednesday – Whitmore Remote Learning Team
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 would like to highlight the Remote Learning Team from Whitmore Elementary in Dauphin. Whitmore worked diligently to reorganize their staff to best accommodate both their face-to-face learners and their at-home learners. Their staff dedicated time to multiple PD sessions with myself, as a group, and with other divisional supports and were even able to… Read More
Mantra Monday
Every Monday I share a different ed tech quote on our Thompson Classroom social media pages for our staff to consider. This week’s Mantra is: Today is known by many as, “Blue Monday“. For those who are struggling and need support, technology offers information and assistance from the comfort of your home.
Follow Friday – George Couros
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 week I’d like to highlight George Couros; speaker, author, and former classroom educator. I was first introduced to George’s work in 2012 while I was a student at Brandon University. Since that time, I have followed his work via his blog, social media, and through his books; he was even the facilitator of a PD session while I was teaching in TRSD. George’s blog, and Twitter presence, is a trove of information… Read More
#TechTipTuesday – Naming Files
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. January is recognized as Clean Up Your Computer Month and, as such, the month’s posts will be focused on this theme. Last week’s task covered 7 tips to start organizing your device. Following those steps, I now recommend we look at how your remaining files are named: When I was in the classroom I worked with Grade 7-12 in the areas of social studies, science, math, and sometimes areas such as art, health, or resource. As you… Read More
Why I Replaced Myself With A Machine
This afternoon I will have an opportunity to chat with the Internet for Educators class (#I4Ed) out of Brandon University. Our discussion today will build off of a shift in mindset that I experienced in 2017 while working on my M. Ed. This is a topic that I’ve been able to share a few times both with previous #I4Ed classes but also at the BYTE and Riding the Wave conferences. As we approach the one-year anniversary of a shift to remote learning; this mindset has never been more relevant for educators. It is my hope that this post will serve… Read More
Mantra Monday
Every Monday I share a different ed tech quote on our Thompson Classroom social media pages for our staff to consider. This week’s Mantra is: As I work with educators I am finding that it can be easy to get hyper-fixated on a particular tool (Teams, Seesaw, Forms, etc). This focus can create a tunnel-vision where educators are only seeing the features of that particular tool and end up designing their lessons around that tool rather than focusing on pedagogy and how particular tools can help address their learning goals. Even though our teaching environment may shift from the classroom to student… Read More