Last Blog!

This week we had a synchronous online class where we discussed technology in the classroom and online education using the app Kialo. Kialo can be used as a tool in the classroom to foster conversation. 

Another neat feature of Kialo is the interactive pie chart feature. Kialo will take the results of your discussion and make them into a pie chart with red sections that represent the con points and green sections that represent the pro points. It also gives students a great visual to understand the distribution.

I could see this app being used in an ELA lesson to introduce a unit on debates. Kialo would also be a handy tool in group projects.

Andy McKiel

Today we had a Zoom conference with Andy McKiel, Curriculum Coordinator at St. James-Assiniboia School Division. He talked to us about "Deep Learning".



Andy talked about how our generation is so much more familiar with technology than his (or Mike's) generation. I can't help but feel like my technological literacy will pale in comparison to that of my students.

There were a few things that Andy brought up that I found really interesting, first being the 6 C's

The 6 C's

• character education
• citizenship
• communication
• critical thinking
• collaboration
• creativity

The 6 c's are all areas that can be tied to technology in the classroom. These are all ongoing conversations we need to have with our students so that they are familiar with the concepts. 

4 Elements of Learning Design

• new pedagogies (embracing new teaching techniques)
• learning partnerships (more student centered instead of teacher centered. Encourage student voice. Let go of control. Bring in experts. Connect students with the community)
• leveraging digital (support investments in technology. 
• learning environment (different kids of furniture, flexible seating. Different kinds of light. How to move outdoors.)

Michael Fullan 

Simon Breakspear - Start small. Failure is good. You learn by trying. How could students show what they know using technology? 

Harness the power, don't ignore it

Digital Citizenship

"You can't have the benefits of globalization without some of the responsibilities" -Bono 

Digital Citizenship goes far beyond how we're acting on the internet.

The world is moving more towards more sustainable and ethical practices. Often I think about the food I eat, the clothing I wear, the services I use and whether they have a positive or negative affect on the world. I have to admit, I never really thought about it when it came to my phone. 

This summer I worked at FortWhyte Alive. 

"FortWhyte Alive is more than just a nature centre, wildlife refuge, or a place for education – our 640 acres of protected urban greenspace is an award-winning destination for incredible outdoor experiences.
We connect humans with nature through a variety of unique programs and events that foster sustainability in our community, as well as offering every day nature exploration, outdoor recreation, adventure and discovery – leaving our visitors inspired, with a new and memorable experience, each time they visit.
Experience our passion for the outdoors and the things we care about – active people, a healthy planet, and a vibrant community."

While working there, I learned a lot about sustainability. Some of the initiatives from their 2015 Sustainability Plan include:

• Acquire Call2Recycle battery recycling boxes for all buildings (2014 - ongoing) 
• Develop educational signage to promote waste reduction program (2015) 
• Develop an internal e-waste recycling program (2015) 

*Aside*: The FortWhyte Alive website also has a ton of resources for educators. They have early , middle and senior years outdoor lesson plans on sustainability, the environment and Canadian history.

Throughout the center, I saw these initiatives in action, alongside a really neat composting program. Often we would get people coming in with bags of batteries to recycle, or folks calling with questions about where to recycle aerosol cans, markers and old technology. 

Recycle Manitoba is a great resource for figuring out where to dispose of certain items. 

It's super simple and user friendly. Just select the material, item and location and it will tell you where to go!

Thanks for reading,

Mme. Lamont

Survey Results!

Hey everyone! 

In order to post the cool graphic of the results, SurveyMonkey wants me to buy the upgrade. Not in the budget. So just imagine this information is presented in a fancy graphic. You can imagine a line graph, a bar graph or maybe even a pie chart if you want to get wild. 

Out of 7 total responses!

2 of you said you would allow cellphone use in the class "Only when I've given them permission. For educational or recreational purposes."

2 of you said you would allow cellphone use in the class "Only when I've given them permission and only for educational purposes."

3 of you said you would allow cellphone use in the class "Always, but with rules based on my discretion."

Thanks to everyone who participated!

Mme. Lamont