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. Richard has been part of my PLN for a LONG time with their online resources (via their Free Technology for Teachers website) first appearing as part of my blog suggestions way back in 2013. Over the years Richard has moved from my RSS feed to social media feed with my interactions in 2024 occurring mostly on X/Twitter and YouTube. Richard’s work, in my opinion, does exactly what their current website title states:… Read More
World Password Day
The first Thursday of May plays host to World Password Day, a day dedicated to open conversations surrounding the strength and security of the passwords we use for our digital tools. Through the various ed tech roles I play in MVSD and provincially, the topic of passwords arises throughout the year as part of Cyber Security Awareness Month in October and Data Privacy Day in January. The following links and videos can assist in sharing information surrounding passwords: Password Habits Teachers Should Break How to increase the security of staff and student passwords Tips on how to develop strong passwords… Read More
May 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 through our social media pages and divisional website. May 2024 ICT Newsletter by Kirsten Cali
#TechTipTuesday – Manito Ahbee Aki
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. Launched in 2022, the Manito Ahbee Aki program is a world within Minecraft that was developed in conjunction with the Louis Riel School Division Indigenous Education team. This world takes place in Manitoba, prior to European colonization, and features three core lessons: Phase 1: Explore Manito Ahbee Aki Phase 2: Travel to Manito Ahbee (Petroforms) and Gather and Craft Phase 3: Design a Community and Establish Food Sovereignty In their own words, Manito Ahbee Aki… Read More
Follow Friday – Monica Burns
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. Monica Burns is a newer member of my Professional Learning Network (PLN) over the past 2 years as they caught my eye as I explored the topic of AI. They are a former classroom teacher, author, international speaker, and general ed tech extraordinaire! On their website, they share that their network is designed with the following audience: You are a teacher who isn’t sure how to make the most of technology… Read More
A Statement of Facts – Nice, Until It Isn’t
The following is a summary of facts that represent the environment I am currently operating within. This is not designed to encompass every document and piece of legislation in place within Manitoba but to provide context to the current situation. School Boards and Trustees in Manitoba There are no education requirements in place for an individual to serve as a school board trustee in Manitoba (School Boards and Trusteeship in Manitoba, 2022, p. 5) School boards MUST: “ensure that each student is provided with a safe and caring environment” “comply with directives of the minister” (School Board Member Handbook, 2024,… Read More
WOW Wednesday – Jodi Campbell
On Wednesdays, I highlight some of our amazing MVSD staff on our social media pages. Every day 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. One of our ongoing goals as a department is to increase our student capacity when it comes to our Office 365 environment, specifically at the elementary level. We are dedicated to helping ensure that our students have an opportunity to learn about this system in terms of access, navigation, program features, and accessibility/learning tools before they reach… Read More
Explore Earth Day with Minecraft EDU
On Mondays, I share a different ed tech quote on our Thompson Classroom social media pages for our staff to consider. Today is the 2024 Earth Day, a day dedicated to, “diversify, educate, and activate the environmental movement worldwide.” I am also conscious of the fact that technology, and by extension, the energy it requires to function is at odds with the environment. However, I am trying to work on aspects that are within my control. As part of this, I wanted to share some of the digital programs we have access to that support the mission of Earth Day. Check out… Read More
Follow Friday – AI Literacy Day
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. Friday, April 19th, plays host to the first annual AI Literacy Day designed to support students, educators, parents, and community members in their understanding of, “What is AI”. In their own words, This event will offer valuable lessons for classrooms and after-school programs, plus professional development opportunities for educators. With events hosted in local communities and national spotlight events, our mission is to promote AI literacy through education. https://www.ailiteracyday.org/ The organization’s website… Read More
#TechTipTuesday – Convert Documents to Presentations
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. One thing that I always struggled with in the classroom was student PowerPoint presentations. When offered the option of how students want to share their learning with others it was often a PowerPoint. Now don’t get me wrong, there is nothing inherently wrong with a PowerPoint; for many students it is a comfort medium. However, there are always those students who could spend WEEKS of class time on the design of the slides and not… Read More