As someone who is passionate and truly geeky about the power of technology in education, I often hear from my fellow teachers, “I’m not really a techie person.” Now, I get where they are coming from because technology can be intimidating. Many times I’ve said, “I’m not really a math person.” I can “do” math […]
Technology
Jamboard – a Tool for Learning Together at a Distance
One thing that I love about working in the classroom with students is collaborative learning. When a student has an “ah-ha” moment and blurts it out and another connects what is said to something else, that’s when the learning gets even more exciting. These are the moments that can’t quite be captured when we are […]
Content and Copyright Considerations in Distance Learning
The move to distance learning has certainly had some pitfalls. On top of all of the programming changes and logistical considerations, we’re hearing horror stories of the inappropriate use of digital tools and teachers unintentionally violating copyright laws. It is crucial for teachers to make themselves aware of the privacy and security guidelines for their […]
Math In Real Life – The Yard Problem
As a child, I loved Math. Inherently, there was always something exciting about using what I knew to solve a problem. Whether through the use of a formula or by being able to apply a mathematical concept, for me the world of Mathematics was about finding answers. Now, sometimes it was a means to an […]
Hour of Code is Coming…Part 2
Last month I blogged about the Hour of Code which occurs during Computer Science Education Week. Little did I know that it would prompt further conversations geared around wondering whether or not an hour makes a difference. My post by no means was the be all and end all of coding or computational thinking but […]
Coding in Kindergarten
I have taught every grade from K-8 in some way, shape or form. I can say that without a doubt or apology I have more respect for Kindergarten teachers than any other grade level. Hands down. I have loved every grade I taught while I was teaching it. I was young and without children when […]
Holiday drama shows
Last month I posted about an opportunity for a halloween drama task where students used their short stories to make them come to life in our classroom. I wrote about the success of it and the interest amongst all the students in grade eight. So of course when the holidays rolled around again, I posed […]
Hour of Code Is Coming…
Every year, the beginning of December marks Hour of Code. While coding and computational thinking are important skills that have benefits when incorporated year round in classroom programs, this is an excellent time where classrooms around the world participate; empowering students in d the development of these skills. In this post, I’m highlighting 3 activities […]
Artificial Intelligence
Have you ever been looking at something on Amazon and then see advertisements for that exact product on your Facebook feed? Do you ever think about how “suggestions for you” on your Kindle or Netflix make it incredibly easy to click on the next book or t.v. series? These are little ways in which artificial […]