Part four of our Microsoft Series is focused on one of the most comprehensive tools in the Office 365 suite; OneNote/Notebooks/Class Notebooks. Think of OneNote as an online environment that allows you to organize and catalogue information from a variety of different mediums (text, images, audio, video) as well as embedded content from within Microsoft but also third-party platforms. Now, like I mentioned, the amount of options available through this tool is incredibly comprehensive so recognize that this post is a general overview of how you can learn more. With that being said, if you are… Read More
Microsoft Series Part 3 – OneDrive
In the third part of our Microsoft Series I would like to highlight OneDrive; which is really the glue that holds all of our tools together! Aptly represented with a blue cloud-shaped icon, OneDrive is Microsoft’s cloud-based file storage platform. One nice feature to recognize is that OneDrive stores their data within Canada (Quebec City and Toronto specifically) so your use of this feature helps to ensure your compliance in aspects related to FIPPA, PHIA, and PIPEDA. OneDrive Logo. (Accessed 2019). Uploaded by Office 365. Available online at: www.office.com What is OneDrive? OneDrive Professional Development OneDrive Presenter-led Training … Read More
Microsoft Series Part 2 – Office 365 Overview
In the second part of our Microsoft series I would like to provide a general overview of the Office 365 Suite, where to find professional development, and how these tools can be used in the classroom. It is important to note that the screenshots and information that I share are within the context of my position at MVSD; specific features may appear differently depending on your context. What is Office 365? The Office 365 suite, featuring more than ten associated tools/apps, can be easily accessed by selecting the “9-dot waffle” App Launcher in the top left-hand corner of… Read More
Media Literacy Week 2019
As we progress into October it means that educators can begin prepping for Media Literary Week! This event is running from October 7-11 this year and, if you’re new to this awareness campaign, Media Smarts describes it as, “Media Literacy Week is an annual national campaign hosted by MediaSmarts and the Canadian Teachers Federation to promote digital and media literacy, with activities and events taking place in classrooms, libraries, museums and community groups from coast to coast to coast. Whether you’re a community organizer, educator or simply an engaged online citizen, join us from October 7-11, 2019 to Break the Fake and remind Canadians… Read More
Microsoft Series Part 1 – Microsoft Educator Community
In 2017 I began my journey with Microsoft Edu professional development when TRSD rolled out their transition to Office 365. Being a Google-girl up to this point (I even hold my Google Educator Level 1 Certificate) my journey was initially touch-and-go. As I’ve familiarized myself with their platform I have become increasingly impressed with their initiatives and have completed the Microsoft Innovative Educator Training Academy and am working on completing my training hours this year. As we progress through the school year I’d like to facilitate a Microsoft Series that discusses aspects of their Office 365 suite, where… Read More
Follow Along with the MVSD Coordinator of ICT Journey
Here is where you can follow along and keep up-to-date on whats happening in the MVSD ICT world! FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/pg/Thompsonclassroom/posts/ TWITTER Playing around with my new @arloonapps AR chemistry app! After learning about oxides & building an Iron Oxide model I was rewarded with this awesome AR version which coincidentally fit perfect on my son’s P.T placemat #mvsd_mb #AR #edtech https://t.co/kfrozZNwtv pic.twitter.com/xuyNEOlHWm — Kirsten Thompson – Coordinator of ICT (@Thompsonclass) September 19, 2019 INSTAGRAM View this post on Instagram #MantraMonday Need support in the implementation of technology into your practice? I’m here to help! #mvsd_mb A post shared by Kirsten… Read More
New Adventures – Coordinator of ICT
Ah…. September. I don’t care what you say, when you’re a teacher September is always your New Years. New schedules, new routines, new goals, new people, new jobs…. yes, a new job! This spring, one-year into an 18-month maternity leave, I decided to pursue the position of Coordinator of ICT in a neighbouring school division and I was the successful candidate! Coordinator of ICT. (2019). Uploaded to Twitter by Kirsten Thompson – Coordinator of ICT. Available online at: https://twitter.com/Thompsonclass/status/1166136315974475781 When I wrapped up my M.Ed I knew that this would be the position I would eventually pursue… Read More
Challenges in Developing Student Digital Literacy Skills
As members of the future workforce and society, today’s students require guidance and education, in order to successfully navigate and utilize the digital world that they were born into. Educators are tasked with introducing students to new literacies that not only focus on skill development but also emphasize social practices in the context of short message service (SMS), multimedia messaging service (MMS), social networking activities, and mobile technologies (Wan, 2012, p. 1066). School-age children have a unique set of experiences awarded to them due to the digital age in which they were born. However, their birth date alone is not… Read More
Are You Using Twitter Chats?
Education is a life-long journey and this mindset is something that is best modelled by educators. I mean, how can we expect our students to develop a natural love for learning if we are unwilling to continue on the journey ourselves? School divisions regularly incorporate professional development throughout the school year but these are often sporadic and not necessarily aligned with each individual teachers’ interests; rather they often centre on a general theme or a specific divisional goal. While there are numerous conferences, classes, programs that educators can participate in to further their own education these… Read More
Whats New With ManACE
Earlier this week I headed into the city to attend the annual planning meeting for ManACE (Manitoba Association for Computing Educators). After serving on the board for the 2013/2014 school year I took a leave of absence to focus on my M.Ed journey. Now that I’ve graduated and am home on maternity leave I thought that this would be a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with this wonderful organization. Here are some of the awesome things you want to know about! 1 ) #MTSPDDay / SAGE Sessions – ManACE is the only SAGE group to offer PD opportunities across the province rather than centralized in Winnipeg or… Read More