It has been an action-packed week here in MVSD as we welcomed the Data Dunkers team to our division! You may recall that I had an opportunity to learn about this program in the fall of 2023 as I attended a session at CyberSummit. At the time, I had made note of what a cool opportunity it could be for students, but they had shared that their work had been in major cities; of which MVSD is not. Fast-track to May at Riding The Wave and I was pleasantly surprised to connect with Katina and the Data Dunkers team again.… Read More
Reflecting on the Hour of Code – Year 5
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. I, of course, have to celebrate all of our students, staff, and volunteers who participated in last week’s Hour of Code events! The first Hour of Code event that I had an opportunity to plan in MVSD was in December of 2019. Since that time, our events have been held a variety of different ways (thanks Covid)… Read More
Follow Friday – Code.org
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. We are officially wrapping up Computer Science Education Week which ran from December 4-8, 2023. This event is an international movement designed to introduce students to the field of computer science, strengthen computational thinking and encourage creativity in the digital space. One way to introduce Computer Science Education Week, and keep the learning going all year long, is through an Hour of Code event! “The Hour of Code is a global movement reaching tens… Read More
#TechTipTuesday – Hour of Code
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. Day 2 of Computer Science Education week is underway and I wanted to highlight Hour of Code as an accessible way to bring coding into your classroom, regardless of if you are a beginner or a pro. Code.Org (who hosts the Hour of Code activities) is no stranger to this blog and yesterday I shared out more of my favourite coding activities, including curriculums for K-12. There are currently over 500 one-hour coding activities, available in 45… Read More
Computer Science Education Week 2023
On Mondays, I share a different ed tech quote on our Thompson Classroom social media pages for our staff to consider. Computer Science Education week is officially here! Running from today through to December 8th, this event is an international movement designed to introduce students to the field of computer science, strengthen computational thinking and encourage creativity in the digital space. I will be spending my week in a variety of MVSD schools doing coding events with over 400 students between Kindergarten to Grade 12. The following include some of my go-to resources for coding with students: Computer Science Fundamentals(Elementary) “Computer science… Read More
Follow Friday – Callysto
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 had an opportunity to sit in on a presentation that featured the work of Callysto which I thought would be a fantastic resource to share with teachers. I believe that this would be an opportune time to share our about their data science supports as our staff are already starting to plan out their activities for Computer Science Education week at the beginning of December. If Callysto is brand-new… Read More
WOW Wednesday – Candice Taylor
On Wednesdays 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. Earlier this spring I shared out information from LogicsAcademy regarding their MyFIT program which not only assists teachers and students with their ICT skills but also brings FREE devices into our classrooms! LogicsAcademy had been on my radar as Mike Washburn had visited our January MAETL meeting to share about their offerings so I was excited to push… Read More
#TechTipTuesday – VEX VR Robotic Playground
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. Next week, April 8-16, plays host to National Robotics Week or “Robo Week”. For those that are new to the field of robotics it can seem overwhelming, especially if you feel unequipped. “I don’t have robots for my students!?” With budgetary constraints and logistical challenges it can be hard to get the supplies necessary to feel prepared to participate in Robo Week. While your options may include loaning a Tech Kit from the PD Resource… Read More
Teach and Learn in a Digital World 2023
I’m kicking off my Spring Break with a roadtrip to Regina to take in the Teach & Learn in a Digital World Conference! Hosted by the University of Regina Faculty of Education, this 3-day hybrid event is designed to, “equip you with the knowledge, skills and confidence to implement digital skills in your classroom.” I am attending as both a participant and presenter and want to extend my thanks to Dr. Ehsan Akbari for asking me to join! The following post is a summary of my experiences: Masters of Makerspaces: Perspectives from Teachers in the Field “Join us for a… Read More
WOW Wednesday – Jodi Campbell & Yvette Bailes
On Wednesdays 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. At the start of February I put out a call for staff who were interested in participating in the spring coaching cycle. MVSD schools can sign up to participate in spring coaching cycles to empower students and teachers in their use of educational technology to support programming. Cycles can focus on educator training, student sessions and/or community outreach.… Read More