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. Today I wanted to share one strategy that I have been implementing to help guide people in the use of their personal devices. As the “cell phone debate” continues at many levels, I strongly believe that: To assist with this, I have begun implementing a “device norm” conversation into the PD sessions that I facilitate. This conversation, based on the work of Dr. James Lang, serves multiple purposes. It can: To learn more, check out… Read More
Follow Friday – Blended Learning Practice MOOC
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. This week I want to highlight the collaboration between Athabasca University and the Commonwealth of Learning as they relaunch one of their popular MOOCs (Massive Open Online Course). While Manitoba has not experienced a mandated period of remote learning since January of 2022, elements of remote programming that were adopted during that period are here to stay! Most recently, we have experienced almost TEN snow days this winter where busses are not… Read More
Follow Friday – Blended Learning Practice MOOC
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 want to highlight the collaboration between Athabasca University and the Commonwealth of Learning as they relaunch one of their popular MOOCs (Massive Open Online Course). While Manitoba has not experienced a mandated period of remote learning since January of 2022, elements of remote programming that were adopted during those period are here to stay! In the summer of 2020 one of colleagues from Manitoba Ed recommended I participate… Read More
Online Teaching as an ICT Coordinator
*This post has been written as part of my journey as a Ph.D student through University of Regina The Covid-19 pandemic has changed A LOT of things for everyone; coordinators included. To say the adjustment has been easy would be a lie… I’m shared between all 16 of our school buildings and, whenever possible, I strive to visit every building at least once a month to support teachers, staff, and students with all things ed tech. Sometimes these visits are scheduled appointments but often they consiste of me stationing myself in the libary, common-area, or staff room and developing organic… Read More
WOW Wednesday – BLP MOOC Staff Participation
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, Myla Krauskopf from Winnipegosis Collegiate has teamed up with myself to provide further information about the Blended Learning Practice (BLP) MOOC that is starting up another round on January 16, 2022. The infographic, shared above, was prepared by Myla and shared out via our social media accounts to help provide context for other educators… Read More
Intentional Planning During Remote Learning
Every Monday I share a different ed tech quote on our Thompson Classroom social media pages for our staff to consider. Today kicks off yet another round of remote learning here in Manitoba. As we near the end of year 2 of the Covid-19 pandemic it is a safe assumption that a majority of our staff and students have experienced some form of remote learning, but not all. For new staff and students this could represent a new experience for them and it is also important to remember that every class is different. In the same way that you never teach a… Read More
Follow Friday – Blended Learning Practice MOOC
Every Friday I share what I believe to be a notable person/organization/school on our social media pages (linked at the top of the blog) to assist our staff in the development of their online Personal Learning Network. This week I want to highlight the collaboration between Athabasca University and the Commonwealth of Learning as they relaunch one of their popular MOOCs. As Manitoba transitions into ANOTHER round of remote learning, it couldn’t be more timely. In the summer of 2020 one of colleagues from Manitoba Ed recommended I participate in the Blended Learning Practice MOOC. This massive open online course is, “an… Read More
Remote & Blended Learning Resources for Educators
As our local Covid-19 situation changes we are seeing further restrictions put in place that impact education and our ability to have our students with us face-to-face. As such, we are seeing an increased need for information on Remote & Blended Learning Resources. While the majority of my blog posts focus on ed and ed tech resources I do a lot of curation that doesn’t necessarily get onto the blog; which is why I also provide a direct link to my curation platform of choice – OneNote. Please see a short video below showcasing how to find this resource in… Read More
Back to School Checklist
Welcome to a new school year! At the start and end of each school year I find it helpful to share out the following checklist that was inspired by a practice from when I was a classroom teacher. This checklist is designed to ensure the effective and professional use of various ICT elements and support your growth in the 2021/2022 school year. Please note that not all checklist elements may apply to you depending on your position within the division. The checklist itself has each task hyperlinked which leads to a tutorial or video providing more information on how to… Read More
Follow Friday – BYTE Conference
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. Being that it is the 3rd Friday in February it can only mean one thing…. it is time for the BYTE Conference! This conference holds a special place in my heart as it was not only the first large ed conference that I attended as a B.Ed student but it was also the start of my presentation experience. Since that time I have been able to attend 6 of the conferences (5 years… Read More