All posts by Dani

Fresh Learning: Ed Tech!

What is my experience with Educational Technology?

-For a long time, I have been fascinated by the use of tablets for communication support in kids with disabilities. For several years, I have followed the story of Carly – an autistic person – who learned to communicate with the use of a computer. https://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=4311223&page=1

-My bonus daughter is a huge fan of the math learning game that she uses on her tablet at elementary school. It’s called Sum Dog! https://www.sumdog.com/cn/

-I have seen how some schools in Whitehorse make use of websites for building community and sharing learning adventures with parents. I think it’s a really cool way to get connected! Surely, it must instill a sense of pride and joy in children to show their work online to their parents and caregivers too!

-I follow some Facebook groups for teachers – one of my favourites is called “Teacher Memes” – It’s memes made by teachers trying to let off steam at the end of a long, hard day of teaching.

-Some of my classmates used Twitter in previous courses.. This one is new to me – I am open to learning.

-I use Facebook to stay in touch with family and friends. My Dad takes many beautiful photos of Yukon animals and landscapes. Here is a photo of an owl that he recently shared on Social Media:

Tony Gonda Images

What are my thoughts on Blogging?

-The best approach is to just sit down and write. Having a bit of an outline, or starting with a point form summary, seems to help me when I get stuck. Then I can just fill in the blanks for each topic!

-I feel relieved that I already have a blog set up from a previous course- it makes it easy to get started on making posts for this one! It’s also nice to have a written record of my learning experiences and journey.

-It helps me to write out my thoughts, and to articulate my ideas.

-I like the opportunity to share my thoughts and ideas with others in the class, to receive some feedback, as well as receiving guidance from the teacher.about:blankImageUpload an image file, pick one from your media library, or add one with a URL.UploadMedia LibraryInsert from URL

Little Spaces and Big Breaths: Making Room for Kids Yoga

A few years ago, I took a kids yoga teacher training at Semperviva Yoga Studio in Vancouver, B.C. I was only able to complete the first module of the training. I had hoped to return to complete the training, however, this studio and training program has now closed permanently due to the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Why I am doing this:

I love practicing yoga – in my life, with my kids, and for my work. I feel that I have a lot of skills yet to learn and practice when it comes to kids yoga!

Now is the perfect time to study, learn, grow and then put my new skills into action!

What are my plans to get started:

  1. Review the materials I already have. This includes a kids yoga teacher training manual, several books, and checking through my emails to see which websites I am subscribed to.
  2. Review online resources – preferably free or affordable. Any training program that I consider taking would need to be shorter in length, or learn-at-your-own-pace (due to time constraints of the course).
  3. Check in with other kids yoga teachers who are familiar to me – do they have websites? Would any of them (perhaps the ones I am already friends with) be willing to send me some of their favourite online resources

Goals:

-To create my own digital resource folder of kids yoga activities.

-Practice new yoga activities with my kids and friends at home

-Record Practice Teaching Videos to share with EDTC 300 classmates

-Create a Kids Yoga Channel on YouTube

Bonus Work:

I am currently in the process of renovating my basement. I think it will make a great space for shooting some sweet little yoga videos! If all goes well, I will try doing some recordings there for this assignment. The timing of this course could not be more perfect!!

…Now if only I had the time to take on video editing!

Person s hand forming heart
Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Pexels