Tuesday, November 7, 2017

8th Canadian EdTech Leadership Summit 150


“Designing Next Generation Schools for Today’s Students”

Congratulations Robert Martellacci on celebrating 8 years of bringing together education and technology leaders to share a vision of the future and engage in discussions focussing on next steps towards students achievement and well-being.

 Robert Martellacci is president of MindShare Learning Technology™ and Conference Chair of Canadian EdTech Leadership Summit. He is passionate about bringing together educators and technology providers to support student success from K-12 and post-secondary education.

 Since being the 2009/2010 Classroom of the Future Central winners along with Kamla Rambaran, Robert has become a regular guest in my class community; appreciating the value of seeing students in action. He takes time to connect with students, listening to their ideas that have been put into action, asking probing questions and responding in kind. I am honoured and humbled to have been invited as a new board member at MindShare Learning and look forward to discussions building upon the possibilities of promoting lifelong learning.

Below I highlight some of the awesomeness from inspiring leaders across education and technology providers. BUT first, let me put a spotlight on my students who joined me at the EdTech Summit…
As each of the speakers shared virtually or live on stage, my students attentively listened to the messages, making connections to their own experiences and reflecting on potential for changes in their own environments. Sure, I smiled every once in awhile as they turned to me and whispered, “Ms.T we are already doing this”, “Ms.T you have already set us up with these choices”, and “They are talking about our classroom”. However, our side discussions were more intriguing as they asked questions of clarification, “why are they saying only star students get to do things”, “what do they mean by pockets of innovation”, “why do teachers teach to the test” and “what does teaching and learning in silos mean?”


The truth is, in our class community along with Ms. Rambaran, we, teachers and students have been collaborating in creating a class space that is flexible; where each student has the opportunity to step up and lead at-school, within venues across TDSB and outside our school board. We work together to create learning experiences that are transdisciplinary, although at times focussed subject mini-lessons are needed to introduce new concepts or support of information. Students have comfortably moved between my class and Ms Rambaran’s class knowing that support is available between us and our students.


So, we whispered as the speakers continued and then, stepped outside when they were struggling with their questions. I asked them, “within our own school, how many other classes share a common learning environment as ours?” They took a pause and had to think about it. They did acknowledge that, they themselves had not experienced our learning environment in past years, but have noticed a shift in our school as more teachers were co-teaching and sharing each other’s spaces. This is true. A shift is happening… slow but a change is beginning in our school. We continued to share how change is hard and why some teachers, students and parents would be cautious pushing boundaries with risks and a chance for failure. We laughed at a slide that stated “don’t wait for permission” as we looked back on some activities that were messy, tedious and needed many iterations or our monthly (or more) excursions that were long, and at times needing more that one visit to gather information. All things that took time past the class time table or students took upon themselves beyond the school day. Activities that parents couldn’t relate to because it didn’t connect with their own learning experiences back when they attended school. My students appreciated that some days were unpredictable and that ‘lessons’ were flexible and adaptable to address the need at the time.



They were filled with more questions and ready to share their thoughts, which is why I was thrilled that Robert was open to have students join us at the EdTech Summit. Thank you to everyone who took the time to connect with them, ask questions and listen to their stories.


A few highlights of the day:

Master of Ceremonies Dr. Karen Grose, Vice President, Digital Learning TVO gracefully moderated a jam packed agenda filled with powerful thought leaders and inspiring speakers.


Keynote/Closing Note presenters:

Lord Jim Knight, Former Minister of Education, UK Government emphasized the importance to listen to and observe our students in action, with an emphasis on human skills that leverage technology. “We learn more about our students based on the questions they ask, rather than what we ask of them.”
Randall Fielding, Founder & Editorial Director, Design Share took us through a series of sketching our ideas by rethinking the learning environment. Focussing on creating collaborative learning spaces, flexible learning cycles with an emphasis on transdisciplinary learning. Learning becomes powerful as students create solutions to real problems in their world.  
Bridget Morales, CEO Natural Pod emphasized the importance of student needs in spaces that support well-being. Being intentional when creating experiences and learning environments that allows students to move, redesign and create.

Cross Canada Checkup made up of influential members across Canada including our own Peter Singh, CTO Toronto District School Board and Classroom of the Future Central Winners from Cedarbrea Collegiate Institute.

My students particularly enjoyed visiting each of the Makerspace Showcase booths highlighting the latest in EdTech innovations.

 Ideas are always pushed to new limits whenever I have the opportunity to meet up with inspiring educators and technology leaders like Sandra Chow, Lia DeCicco, Kevin Bradbeer, Marlena Rivett, Katina Papulkas, Stephen Hurley and David Carruthers.

 Canadian EdTech Summit, Ignite the Night, with Brian Aspinall and Jennifer Casa-Todd and friends was AMAZING! Yes, I stuck out the day into the evening because I was not missing a chance to listen to all these educators in one place, share their Ignite Talks. From 'Being really good at playing the game of school: We Must Do Better' by Jenn Giffen to 'TEDEdClubs promoting curiousity, creativity and community' by Will Gourley to 'What social media are you on and what will I learn about you' by Jennifer Casa-Todd and much, much more!

Anxiously awaiting the opening of MindShare WorkSpace before the end of this year! A co-working innovative space committed to nurture a partnering working community.

 A shout out to Stephen Hurley for providing live broadcasting of the day via voicED.ca #voicEdRadio.  



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Sunday, November 5, 2017

TDSB Google Camp 5.0


I know, it seems like not long ago that I posted about the awesome TDSB Google Camp 4.0 and …. here I am reflecting on TDSB Google Camp 5.0!

What could I possibly say that would be different than what I have already shared? Well, the awesomeness continues with educators intrinsically motivated with the spirit of life-long learning!

It was wonderful to have so many presenters returning and new presenters from across TDSB stepping up to share teaching practices, focussing on Global Competencies and leveraging technology.

TDSB Google Camp is a conference for TDSB educators by TDSB educators looking to build their Professional Learning Network beyond like-minded peers. The presentations ranged from hands-on workshops to inspire sessions from beginners to power users of G-Suite Apps. It is an opportunity to seek out stories and experiences from educators and students who struggled, persevered and reflected on taking ideas and putting them into action.

Keynote Speaker Tanya Avrith titled “The New Normal” focussed on teaching, learning and growing in a rapidly changing world. The importance to foster a culture of reflection continues to be invaluable as we consider how we have shifted our teaching practices for our Generation Z learners. “Children today will never know a world without technology”, and we must not teach the way we were taught. “We need to have our students share their learning using different modalities.” We must think about how we can reach our students and rethink what is best for our Generation Z learners in our classroom. During reflection and intentional planning/teaching questions ourselves: “What am I doing this?” and “Is this what is best for my learner?” But let us not forget that tech is only a tool that is constantly evolving. What our learners need most are passionate teachers! “Good teaching is good teaching. That’s what will transform your student's.” Truer words have never been spoken!


What an honour it was to present at the 5th annual Google Camp along with former students! True examples of student voice is provided when students have opportunities to speak to educators and be leaders in discussions or responding to questions on how we can all learn from one another. Global Competencies: Entrepreneurship & GSuite Apps: Students will be immersed in various Global Competencies as they explore design thinking, inquiry and reflecting on their learning. Our young entrepreneurs realize that their actions will impact students within the community by building awareness on various issues, while raising funds towards for a local charity. Check out my slide deck HERE. Check it out on Periscope HERE.

I could highlight awesome sessions, but really that would be too narrow as I was only able to check out 3 sessions live. BUT as I walked through the hallways from one session to another, I could hear the enthusiasm in conversations of teachers sharing their take-aways. I appreciated the honesty (& politeness) of teachers who left during sessions when they realized that they were not ready yet and found another session that fit their needs to get started and move forward. The day had something for everyone at all levels of the school board from Elementary to Secondary to Administration and a ‘fire-place’ discussion setting with Peter Singh, CTO. I admire educators who offered several sessions throughout the day to meet the needs of our guests like Arianna Lambert, Laura Collins, Kate Miles, Jason Trihn and Hella Richter-Glinos and many more!
What more can be said about the conference? During the Demo Slam and end of day prize incentives, it was still a full house of educators taking in every last moment! SLAM!

It is always an honour to be on a crew like the Social Media Crew with Shawn Spencer, Mahfuza Rahman and Tim Barker. Throughout the day Tweeting out from the @TDSB_TLT #TDSBCamp account capturing the learning, sharing, and ‘a-ha’ moments. Let’s not forget the sessions the were live-streaming via Periscope for educators unable to attend, to watch from the comfort of their homes. Check all this out https://www.pscp.tv/TDSB_TLT/follow.

With that, the day wrapped up and all the ‘behind-the-scenes’ Google Camp crew members of high school volunteers packed away equipment bringing an end to another successful TDSB Google Camp. Looking forward to TDSB Google Camp 6.0!

 Thank you Kevin Bradbeer, Carlo DiFelice, Shelley Lowry, Marlena Rivett, Peter Singh, Manon Gardner and TDSB_IT Services for the opportunity to be a part of the Google Camp crew.

 A shout-out to the TDSB Google Camp Committee I was proud to be a part of for making the day even more special with your support, attention to detail and all of the awesomeness that made this day great!


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Saturday, October 14, 2017

EdTech Camp 2017


The day started off quite early for a Saturday morning with dreary, dark, grey skies and pockets of rain. This was quickly replaced with warm smiles, high energy and enthusiastic chatter as soon as I entered Richmond Green S.S. in Richmond Hill, Ontario.


Kimberly Pollishuke and Jennifer Giffen, along with their @YRDSBdlrt EdTechCamp committee thought of everything! Greeters everywhere! iPads on the ready to greet and register guests who hacked their badges and then made their way to the photo booth! The cafeteria was set-up in the EdTEchCamp colours from signs to table top decor, stickers and more!
It was wonderful to connect with educators and students face-to-face that I have been following and learning from via Twitter! As well as reconnecting with educators & friends who I haven't seen in quite some time. A shoutout to all the TDSB presenters and guests who were there today!

Keynote Speaker Kevin Brookhouser captured our attention with a question "How do we motivate students to be problem solvers?" Focussing on the importance of providing students with opportunities to train their brain to overcome Functional Fixedness by instilling Autonomy, Mastery (not a grade) & Purpose. For students to learn beyond impressing their teachers and pleasing their parents! Creating a class community where students share bad ideas and fail... learning to work through their struggles and really be creative with their thinking. Kevin shared how he embeds Google inspired 20% time; doing passion work. Taking the culture of learning experiences from Teacher Centered to Student Centered to Audience Centered.
Then I had the utmost privilege to co-present with three of my former Grade 6 students: Student Voice via ePortfolios using Google Sites! A visual representation of students achievements, reflections and learning goals. Part of creating a pathway to success is to provide students opportunities and time in class for students to reflect on their learning, struggles and successes. This needs to be built within the classroom culture. Taking this path in an online digital environment that is organized, interactive, easy to build upon and accessible to students Google Drive tasks. Taking my students on a reflective journey and making learning transparent is important. Students have access to online manipulatives, video clips and various teacher/student generated challenges to discuss, share, document and provide descriptive feedback within Google apps (such as Google Docs & Sheets) and then reflecting on their learning goals in Google Sites ePortfolio.
ePortfolio Guiding Questions:
* What was the focus of the learning/task?
** What new learning did you gain and how would you use this new learning?
*** How might you further build upon your ideas or overcome challenges you encountered?
Students need to consider assessment for/as learning more valuable than assessment of learning; that learning doesn't end after a test, exam or culminating task.


Students own their ePortfolio!
Students build their digital presence beyond the classroom!
 
According to SociaLeadia author Jennifer Casa-Todd, by the end of high school, students should be able to google their name: “If I google search your name, what will I learn about you?” It is important for educators to model, guide and promote positive digital citizenship and responsibility.
Thank you @YRDSBdlrt for providing this forum for my students to share about their learning experiences!!!

I tinkered with arduino being provided with very much needed support from Richmond Green S.S. student leaders and Mr Alexander Laserson. This was followed by attending Austin Gagnier’s session on Coding K-8 where I finally had the opportunity to see him in action! More importantly, he introduced me to Coding with Chrome extension that I can use on my Chromebooks… thus allowing more students to code, test and then sync with our Sphero’s with less wait time!
The day wrapped up with a talented crew of educators competing in a DEMO SLAM for a year's worth of bragging rights. True entertainment, knowledge sharing and just a great time for laughs!

Congratulations Kimberly, Jennifer and the @YRDSBdlrt EdTechCamp committee for a great day!

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Sunday, September 17, 2017

Exhausted but Worth It

The week before school was spent moving into a smaller class space within the same school building and begin setting up for the new school year. I quickly realized that I needed to purge resources that were both dated and to make room for new materials. Going into my 21st year of teaching, I can confidently say two things: one, I have a whole lot of stuff, and two, I still get butterflies in my stomach in the days leading up to the first day of school.
During this week, I called all of my students' parents and invited them to visit our class space in the making. Yes, I know... it's summer vacation but knowing that several of my students anxiety is intensified in the days leading up to and including the first day of school, I have found this small get together to be both calming and productive. Throughout the week several students came by for about an hour to set up laptops/chromebooks, materials for centres, and co-plan a cooperative game to co-lead during the first few days of school.
I had the wonderful opportunity of meeting my students for the new school year during that last day of school of 2016-2017. During our short time together, they shared feedback: a space that they would be comfortable in as well as productive; they opened up about their apprehension towards using technology as a tool to share and monitor their own learning; and they hoped for opportunities to learn outside of the class/school building.
This invaluable feedback took our class space from being bare and overloaded with furniture to an open space with flexible seating and comfortable workspaces. We already have four excursions planned during the first few weeks of school ranging from visiting our local Public Library to visiting our local city parks to exploring STEM activities at YouthSpark. Students apprehension towards our class learning experiences leveraging technology is beginning to decrease as we discuss why we use certain tools to share, research and build upon our learning. They were excited to be introduced to our class Blog http://204inaction2017.blogspot.ca/ and class Twitter account @McM_MsT. Students were particularly nervous yet eager to the introduction of Google Classroom to access assignments, provide each other feedback and the ease of finding their online work.

The first day of school, students arrived with smiles as they met up with friends in the school yard.

 Our morning began with us being locked out of our classroom (wink, wink) when I realize that I have mistakenly placed my keys in the BreakoutEDU box. The students were up for the challenge of solving “Oh, The Places We’ll Go” to retrieve the keys! Why would I do this on the first day…. for FUN of course. This was an opportunity to let the students know that I will make mistakes and will ask for help from others. What I needed from them was to work as a team to unlock the box for the key to our class space reveal! It was wonderful watching all 26 students working within their teams to solve the puzzles and piece together clues, each team taking turns to unlock a lock from the BreakoutEDU box. What I saw was teamwork, I heard words of encouragement and this all made me even more excited to begin our learning journey together.

On Thursday evening, #tdsbEd Twitter chat (co-moderated by Larissa Aradj and Arianna Lambert) was abuzz with how many educators set-up their class space and established class routines around student voice, choice and needs. This reaffirms the value of building upon the feedback and revisiting student needs to create a space that is safe and promotes creativity. Check it out in the archives Your Learning Environment.

At the end of the first week of school, I make a phone call to all my students parents sharing one cool things I learned about their child and inviting them to our Curriculum Night.  I have done this for many years and when I read this, among many other ways to invite Parents into the class community in Kids Deserve It by Adam Welcome & Todd Nesloney; it just reinforced that need for positive connections between teachers, students and parents.

BUILDING OUR CLASS COMMUNITY

Several other icebreaker activities were held throughout the day, co-lead by a student in the class. Students also completed a questionnaire based on George Couros’, Five Questions to Ask Your Students To Start the Year allowing me to better understand my role and their needs.

As the days go on, we continue to establish our routines and guidelines based on trust and respect. We have begun discussions around a Growth Mindset, our flexible seating guidelines were created, we used Tribes to design posters for our 4 Class Agreements: Mutual Respect, Right to Participate/Pass, Attentive Listening and Appreciation/No Put-Downs. As we continue to build our class community, students designed Motivational Posters to the question: “What does success mean to you?” These will decorate our walls and inspire us throughout the school year. Over the next few days, students will design our bulletin boards with messages for Growth Mindset and another focussing on You Matter statement (inspired by Angela Maiers).


I truly believe that investing the time to build a class culture of trust, respect and community that students will feel safe to take risks, go on learning adventures and produce some amazing pieces of work that they have received feedback and reflected on with pride. Yes, there will be ongoing reminders and refreshers of all the community building throughout the school year... but this far outweighs back-peddled, minimizes power struggles and focusses on the well-being for both students and teachers.


Our class Curriculum Night was a success as students offered tours of our class community set-up, centres, materials & equipment use and shared how we model positive social interactions. Building a positive partnership between my students, parents and myself is an integral part of students recognizing that we are all in this learning journey together.

What better way to end the week than participating in the International Dot Day activities! Colouring pages, building drawbots and a Dot Day BreakoutEDU!
I can’t wait to see what the rest of the school year brings!


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Tuesday, August 22, 2017

TDSB BT Summer Institute 2017


With the new school year just around the corner, let's not forget that it is still summer vacation, yet several educators from all levels of the board came together and hosted another successful Beginning Teachers Summer Institute to a full house!
I would like to thank and congratulate Jennifer Watt, Heba Noureldin and David Hawker-Budlovsky from Teachers Learning and Leading, who provide ongoing support to TDSB Beginning Teachers and their mentors. The question to keep in our minds that was posed by Jennifer truly reflects the importance of our role as educators and that yes, our actions, bias and perspective is political and that we need to not only be aware of this but how it affects our teaching pedagogy: "How can you influence others to positively impact your school community?"

Resources are available through TDSB AW bit.ly/2wgtnpY. Sessions offered today offered opportunities to listen, discuss, reflect, get hands-on and build PLN; ranging from Culturally Relevant Pedadogy with Farah Rahemtula and Sharla Falodi to Engaging Students as Assessment Partners with Wendy Terro and Rupali Rodgers to Mathematics through Spatial Sense K-8: Inclusive Math for All Learners with Usha Shanmugathsan and much, much more!

Being invited to share along with Melissa Seco and Annika Pint just made the day a whole lot more fun as we shared various entry points to focus on pedagogy and a culture of of #makerspace from a K-12 regardless of your space. The conversations were inquisitive but filled with ways to bring ideas and new learning back into their own classrooms. Educators brought with them the most valuable tool: a positive attitude and an open mindset whereby they considered how today's exploration could be modified to meet not only curriculum but the needs of their students to promote perseverance, design thinking and problem solving.

Continued ongoing Professional Development such as the one shared today is invaluable! The take-a-away: building experiences, engaging in relevant discussions and items like our drawbots or minibook paper circuit provide tangible entry points for teachers to further build upon in their own learning and teaching.



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