One of the amazing parts about being a teacher is that you are learning, too. There are so many options to explore. With a general never-ending to-do list, it can be hard to find yourself time to play with new pieces or parts of technology. It can be daunting! However, there are some small features […]
Skype in the Classroom
A hush falls over the classroom as the time approaches. The teacher turns off the lights and powers on the projector. The classroom is strangely silent, but there is a palpable excitement in the air as students bounce slightly in their seats in anticipation. Then comes the familiar ringing sound and a friendly face fills […]
Acceptable Use vs. Responsible Use: Promoting positive use of technology in and out of the classroom
As the school year begins, teachers will be working to establish and reinforce classroom norms and routines to help students start the year successfully and to help build a respectful and cooperative classroom culture. With increased access to technology across all grades, an ever important aspect of positive culture building is the ongoing discussion, modelling, […]
A Coach’s Perspective
So this is year two for me as an Educational Technology Coach and I felt the need to write this blog from my own success perspective. Let me start by saying “What a difference a year makes”! Last year being new to a new role I was on a steep learning curve and so were […]
Scanning Worksheets – Engaged Students?
Can we leverage digital to engage the student and allow them to access the curriculum in a different manner? In my role as Innovative Education Facilitator with a portfolio of Assistive Technology, I am often asked, “Can I scan a worksheet so Read & Write will read it to my students who aren’t reading at […]
Accessibility for All
The social model of disability is a powerful ideology that has shifted thinking, laws, and infrastructure worldwide. The notion that it is the responsibility of everyone in society to remove barriers for those with disabilities rings true in schools across the DDSB. A major impact of the introduction of Chromebooks is that all students […]
App Smashing with ELL Students
EdTechTeacher.org defines “App Smashing” as “The process of using multiple apps in conjunction with one another to complete a final task or project.” When teachers create assignments that require the use of multiple apps, it not only increases the engagement of their students, but it also allows them to learn about many new applications which […]
SHIFT-ing Our Professional Learning
Last year the DDSB embarked on an ambitious shift in our technology model and with it came a huge amount of PD offered on our new G Suite platform and many other new tools that have gone with it. Every secondary teacher in the Board was offered the opportunity for introductory training and the Innovative […]
No more marking and no more paper!
Recently I had a construction technology teacher ask me if I could help him simplify the hectic beginning to every semester. He explained how at the start of each new school year he needs to go through a ton of safety lessons and then quiz students on the tools and safety procedures. He would hand […]
Innovative Spaces
Is your classroom set-up to promote optimal student learning? Stand-up desks, wobble chairs, whiteboard tables, etc. are all being used to encourage students to take control of their learning. R. S. McLaughlin is taking this concept one step further and designing an outdoor space specifically to improve student achievement and engagement, while reducing anxiety and […]
Innovative Education 