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 Alisha Thompson from Winnipegosis Elementary School (WES). Alisha teaches Grades 5/6 and has developed her own classroom website using Weebly. This website serves as an online hub for her classroom featuring: easy access to common classroom links including the WES main page, Office 365 login, & the class Team… Read More
Password Habits Teachers Should Break
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). You can check out the other Cyber Security Awareness Month posts here: Has my account been compromised? Last week’s Tech Tip Tuesday shared how to check if your email address has been used on any websites where there has been a security breach. If this check reveals that… Read More
Follow Friday – Dr. Eva Brown
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 Dr. Eva Brown, teacher educator at Red River College. I’ve followed Eva on Twitter for years and was pleasantly surprised when I had an opportunity to meet her face-to-face when I joined MAETL last year. Since that time, I’ve had multiple opportunities to get to know her better both through MAETL but as well as through more purposeful conversations via social media. Her accounts on Twitter and… Read More
#WOWWednesday – Maintenance Department
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 want to provide a shoutout to members of our team who help provide the supports so that our tech is accessible to the broader community. Beginning in April, as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic and suspension of classes, MVSD began offering free wifi via hotspots in all 7 of our MVSD communities:… Read More
#TechTipTuesday – Cyber Security Awareness Month
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). 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 gain access. It is no surprise that one quickly loses track of just how many… Read More
#MantraMonday – World Teacher’s Day
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 World Teachers Day and I’d like to dedicate this post to all of the teachers who go above and beyond for their kids, even when it isn’t convenient for themselves. My experience as a student is incredibly diverse ranging from meeting overwhelmingly positive and supportive educators to discouraging and rage-enducing. Luckily, I say with confidence that my overall experience trended positive, despite the small hurdles I encountered. Today I’d like to formally thank some of… Read More
Follow Friday – Thaddeus Bourassa
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 Thaddeus Bourassa, Instructional Coach for Louis Riel School Division. His bio states, “Thaddeus Bourassa holds an honours degree in psychology, a bachelor of education and a master’s degree in education. He is currently also recognized as a certified Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert. During his career he has spent time in early, middle and senior high including a project-based learning program. He continues to explore the possibilities… Read More
Orange Shirt Day 2020 – Indigenous Influencers
Today we wear our orange shirts as we honour those who experienced residential schools. For me, today at is a day to listen & learn as well as a day to recommit ourselves to move forward in the spirit of truth & reconciliation. I promise to acknowledge past & current injustice, support those affected by the trauma of systemic failures by the Canadian government & strive to do better. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kirsten Thompson – ICT (@thompsonclassroom) on Sep 30, 2020 at 6:45am PDT To learn more about Orange Shirt Day I recommend the… Read More
#TechTipTuesday – Data Usage
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. Let’s talk about data. When our students are in the classroom with us we are able to level the playing field. The infrastructure of our building can provide students with the same access to devices as well as the same access to connectivity. However, when we are talking about remote learning that playing field is replaced by the dynamic nature of our students’ individual home environments. At this time, any online programming is… Read More
Kids These Days : Chapters 1-3
Today is a divisional professional development day in MVSD. Although that looks different this year (no large gathering with all schools) the dedication to learning has not changed. This year we are focusing on the work of Dr. Jody Carrington through a guiding book study of, “Kids These Days“. We are starting today with Chapters 1-3 and will be progressing through the remaining 5 chapters through the school year. The following are my takeaways, reflections, and notes to guide my learning. (Re)connecting Back to the Beginning – Why You Chose This Holy Work of Educating Our Future Generations Main Takeaways… Read More