The Winnipeg Free Press recently reported on an incident related to “explicitly altered” images at a Louis Riel School Division school (story embedded below or found HERE). The images in question involved faces of under-age students that were manipulated using AI. My heart goes out to both the victims of these images but also those who created the images without a potential understanding of their impact. I am seeing a lot of comments in the online space surrounding the role of AI in this situation. The following are some of my initial thoughts: Technical Education I believe that society, students… Read More
WOW Wednesday – Shawna Prokopowich & Janice Mullin
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. This week I had the pleasure of starting my week at Ecole Macneill to learn and share alongside members of the Grade 4-5 team, Shawna Prokopowich and Janice Mullin. In full transparency, Ecole Macneill is one of our MVSD schools that I visit the least and this is because of the fantastic ed tech leadership in place within… Read More
Safer Internet Day 2022
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. Safer Internet Informational Graphics. (2022). Uploaded by Safer Internet Org. Available online at: https://www.saferinternetday.org/home Originating in the UK, Safer Internet Day is now celebrating it’s 19th year in countries around the world. The following description is provided direct from their website: “With a slogan of “Together for a better internet”, Safer Internet Day is a call to action for every stakeholder to contribute to a safer and better internet, especially for its youngest users. The past year… Read More
Youth Exposure to Prejudice Online
Every Monday I share a different ed tech quote on our Thompson Classroom social media pages for our staff to consider. This week I wanted to focus on a statistic as we prep for conversations tomorrow surrounding Safer Internet Day. This year’s Safer Internet Day theme focuses on how to do your part to contribute to a “better internet” for everyone. One component of a positive internet experience is digital citizenship and one’s ability to conduct their behaviour and interactions in a manner that is respectful and conducive to a positive experience for all involved. This includes both what you say and… Read More
February ICT Newsletter
February has started with an Alberta clipper that sees all of our divisional facilities closed (along with many of the school divisions in the province). 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 out through our social media pages and divisional website. February 2022 ICT Newsletter by Kirsten… Read More
Safer Internet Day
February 9th serves as Safer Internet Day for 2021. Originating in the UK, Safer Internet Day is now celebrating it’s 18th year in countries around the world. The following description is provided direct from their website: “With a slogan of “Together for a better internet”, Safer Internet Day is a call to action for every stakeholder to contribute to a safer and better internet, especially for its youngest users. The past year has shown us first-hand the importance of ensuring that the largest possible number of children and young people are adequately prepared to handle digital technologies responsibly, respectfully, critically and creatively. Only… Read More
Safety, Security, & Student Data Privacy
*This post has been written as part of my professional growth plan through my #ISTE20 scholarship. 5 Questions for the Changing K-12 Cybersecurity Landscape Presenters: Amy Mandrier, Trent Redden Overview: “Hosted by AT&T. This panel discussion of cybersecurity experts explores how COVID-19 has changed the cybersecurity landscape on school campuses, identifies the top 3 cybersecurity risks for K-12, and details how to be better prepared before, during and after a cyber-attack.“ Main Takeaways: Top 3 cyber security risks identified as: 1. ransomware 2. phishing emails 3. DDoS attack Recommended that schools encrypt data, have a response plan, educate all users (staff… Read More
Message to Parents/Families re: Virtual Play Dates
Friendly reminder from my position of Coordinator of ICT in Mountain View School Division. If you are arranging virtual play-dates for your children and their friends please do your research regarding the platform you choose to use. Many organizations are offering free services right now. Please remember that if something is free it is because you are the product. All school divisions in Manitoba are either operating on a Google platform or a Microsoft platform (and some have both). That means your child automatically has access to a free, secure, safe platform to use that will ensure confidentially, security, and insurance… Read More
Social Media for Parents
“TikTok? Instagram? Twitter? Facebook? Just what is social media and what do I need to know as a parent? This session is designed to inform parents/caretakers about social media and empower you to facilitate open conversations on how to use these tools safely & positively. “ Social Media 4 Parents. (2020). Uploaded by Kirsten Thompson. Available online at: http://fishbowlteaching.blogspot.com/ This evening I had an opportunity to learn and share with MVSD parents and guardians regarding social media. This project came as a result of conversations between the ORS PAC, school principal, and myself. We found that many parents were interested in… Read More
#TechTipTuesday
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. Did you know today is Safer Internet Day in the UK? It’s a great chance to visit their websites and check out their awesome resources! Today we will be using the stories feature on our Instagram/Facebook pages to share tips all day. Safer Internet Day. (Accessed 2020). Available online at: https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/