Summary of Learning: Kipp’s Masterpiece Theatre Presents: Cato’s Journey
Okay, “masterpiece” is an epic exaggeration, but I thoroughly enjoyed creating this ebook using Bookcreator.com (highly recommend using it with students, too). Cato’s fantastical learning journey – with an easily identifiable (but unnamed) philosophical guide – mirrors my key learnings from this semester. Thank you, Dr. Katia and classmates, for the discussions, blogs, research, and…
Leaping Over Coding Gatekeepers and Other Hurdles
In Retrospect In a decade, my coding identity has run the gamut from disinterested secondary English teacher to invested facilitator. Cue flashback (because Xennials love saying “back in my day”)… Picture it: Wilkie, SK (middle of agricultural nowhere); the year is 2012. “Coding” is about to enter my lexicon. I teach Grade 8/9 English with…
Pear Deck: Test-Driven by a Fangirl
Will reiterating my love for Pear Deck sound like a broken record? I had nearly forgotten this love when Tuesday’s class reignited the spark. Kudos to Group 5! In my previous life as an Online Learning Consultant, I completed the Pear Deck Institute training to guide divisional implementation in the classroom and online. It was…
O Online Learning, Parting Was NOT Sweet Sorrow
This week’s topic – tools for distance and online learning – strikes a personal cord. Memories of my last 2.5 years as an online learning consultant cause an odd mixture of melancholy, anxiety, aversion, and pride to roll through my chest. Anyone in education over the last 3 years might feel a similar twinge. Love…
“My Mind is Like My Internet Browser…” Productivity and Presentation
If you’ve ever come across the well-known internet adage – “My mind is like my web browser: 19 tabs are open, 3 of them are frozen, and I have no idea where the music is coming from.” (Anonymous) – I’m confident the author was describing me. Regardless, it seemed an apt quotation for our debate…
Pivot, Pivot, Pivot: My Evolving Philosophy of Knowledge and Learning
PIVOT! PIVOT! PIVOT! A video timeline seemed in order for this week’s blog on my philosophy of knowledge and learning. You can view the entire timeline at Canva here. Here is an excellent Chrome extension I’ve been using lately for those needing subtitles. For those strapped on time, I have included a summary of the…
Off the Screen, Back Into the World
Allow Me to Introduce Myself… My pronouns are she/her and I am honoured to live on Treaty 6 land. In the last 13 years, I have taught every grade from 1-12, and for the past 2.5 years, I have been the K-7 Online Learning Support Teacher (OLST) for the Light of Christ School Division. I am…
Playing the Digital Footprint Devil’s Advocate
Make no mistake, despite how I debated Monday night, I am firmly in support of teachers and schools having a role in the development of children’s digital footprints. Of course, I wanted to see if I could convince myself of the opposite viewpoint…even just a little.
Hey Times Table, “Ya Basic!”
Another Monday evening and my brain is rumbling with all the new information laid out smorgasbord-style. Our first debate – Schools should no longer teach skills that can be easily carried out by technology (e.g., cursive writing, multiplication tables, spelling) – simultaneously had me questioning my reliance on unreliable tech while agreeing education needs a more innovative futuristic lens. Both sides presented such compelling, passionate cases I considered calling this: If My Blog is as Fuzzy as My Brain Right Now. I didn’t, and I’ll try to be clear as I outline the presented facts. For me, the question became: Does “basic” mean unnecessary? Let’s see what both sides have to say…
Mindful Tech, the Only Way Forward
DING DING DING! It’s Monday night and the first round of our debates is in full swing. In the PRO corner stands an impressively well-versed Megan and Brittney; in the CON corner, the intimidatingly well-researched Nicole and Daryl. The match in question? Technology in the classroom enhances learning.