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. February 2024 ICT Newsletter by Kirsten Cali
The Cell Phone Debate
Apple released its first iPhone in June of 2007, a tech milestone that was overshadowed for me by my graduation from high school. I had no K-12 classroom experience with a smartphone, although my trusty Samsung SCH-A670 was always close at hand. In fact, I was seven months shy of completing my SECOND university degree before I was able to afford my first smartphone (this moment was actually documented on this blog). And while I do not have experience as a youth-learner with a smartphone, I do have experience teaching in the K-12 system with students who have smartphones, experience… Read More
Cyber Summit 2023
New month – new PD adventure, this time in beautiful Banff, Alberta for the 2023 Cyber Summit! I was first introduced to this conference in the spring through our MAETL work with Brian Aspinall. Given our shared work in the AI space he suggested I explore the idea of attending Cyber Summit and I was thrilled when my proposal was accepted to be part of the 2023 event schedule. The following post is a summary of my experiences: Wednesday Keynote: Brian Aspinall “I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious” – Albert Einstein How do we create the… Read More
MTS/MSBA Workplace Safety & Health
Today I had an opportunity to take part in Workplace Safety & Health training provided through Manitoba Teachers’ Society and Manitoba School Boards Association. As the head of our ICT Department, I took part to ensure I can effectively assist our staff as they work between all schools and divisional sites. This information not only informs safe work judgments for our staff but also that our tech integration is being set up and maintained in a manner that is safe for all users. The following is a summary of my notes from the day: The WSH Act & Regulations for… Read More
AI In The Classroom – COSL – MTS PD Day
Today I had an opportunity to learn and share alongside the Council of School Leaders as part of #MTSPDDay. The following is a curated list of resources to support our discussion. Introduce Yourself to Artificial Intelligence AI In The Classroom – Fall 2023 – COSL by Kirsten Cali The above video is a TED Talk parody designed by using AI content creation tools. Full details on how this was created is explained HERE. John Spencer, creator of the above video, has a trove of AI information available across their platforms. Some notable pieces I have found valuable include: The Future of… Read More
Convergence Conference 2023
What better way to kick off the school year then with high-quality, inspiring, professional development! Last spring, MAETL reached out to various ed tech committees across Canada who were doing similar work to our organization and, through this outreach, we connected with ATLE out of Alberta. Our friendship was solidified when they sent a fantastic group out to the Riding the Wave conference in Gimli in May and it was decided then and there that we could reciprocate a visit to their Convergence conference in October. Myself and Troy Sigvaldason (MAETL VP and IT-extraordinaire) are taking in the conference, as… Read More
AI in the Classroom – CONVERGENCE
Introduce Yourself to Artificial Intelligence AI In The Classroom – CONVERGENCE by Kirsten Cali The above video is a TED Talk parody designed by using AI content creation tools. Full details on how this was created is explained HERE. John Spencer, creator of the above video, has a trove of AI information available across their platforms. Some notable pieces I have found valuable include: The Future of Writing in a World of Artificial Intelligence #ChatGPT We Can’t Predict How A.I. Will Change Learning #ChatGPT In a World of AI, Our Students Need Project-Based Learning No, Artificial Intelligence Won’t Destroy High School… Read More
Leader in Me
This year the MVSD Admin Council is continuing our work with the Covey Institute as part of our professional growth plan. Last fall we started with the 7 Habits and today we began a focus on the Leader in Me program. This post will serve as a summary of resources to document my learning journey through this session. Today’s end in mind: we will be able to use the principles and practices of Leader in Me Leader in Me is an evidence-based, comprehensive improvement model – develolped in partnership with educators – that empowers individuals with the leadership skills they… Read More
Follow Friday – MB Teachers Unplugged
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. Looking for accessible professional development to kick off the school year? Follow along with the new podcast from our local Manitoba Teachers’ Society (MTS): MB Teachers Unplugged! Launched at the end of June, their website describes the podcast as follows: MB Teachers Unplugged episodes feature MTS members, staff, and education experts supporting Manitoba educators’ wellbeing, collective bargaining, and professional development https://www.mbteach.org/mtscms/2023/06/01/mb-teachers-unplugged/ Podcasts can be a great way to build in PD as… Read More
PD on the Potty
Near the end of 2019 I implemented the idea of PD on the Potty following a podcast from Kasey Bell. This alternative method of professional development sees the inclusion of flyers placed in staff washroom facilities. Depending on the month these may include: divisional tech reminders upcoming PD opportunities tips & tricks program reviews social media recommendations and more! Not only do these flyers allow you to have a captive audience but they can provide a bridge for staff members who have technology as a barrier in their practice [for these individuals, emails, social media posts, digital resources, etc are inaccessible]. Here… Read More