LAN+-+Audrey's+Blog

12/9/2009 1:01:10 PM
 * [|**LAN is back**]

LAN is Back! and I am back into blogging again – apologies for the hiatus! LAN parties (LAN = **L**earning **A**t **N**ight) are a comprehensive framework for professional development and exploring new ideas for learning. Building on the work of the Instructional Institute program, LAN is networked pro d that is organic, social and sustainable.

On December 3rd a group of school administrators participated in the first Admin LAN with a focus on best practices for communicating and learning. They shared an evening of new ideas, conversation and great food (provided Apple Canada). Our school administrators have been engaged in a dialogue around the impact of technology for students and educators. Inspired by Will Richardson's Blogs, Wikis and Podcasts and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms, administrators are exploring how to maximize the possibilities of the technology currently in their schools, finding ways to create relevant, interactive learning experiences for students.



Last Monday, December 7th, teachers gathered at Argyle Secondary School for the first LAN party of the school year. With support from ICT Mentors [|Bryan Hughes] (TOC), [|Lesley Edwards] (Seycove) and District Adminstrator [|Audrey Van Alstyne], participants saw presentations prepared by educators from around the globe.

If you weren't able to join us in person, you can still enjoy the presentations that are embedded below. Make plans now to join us for our next LAN party, Thursday, January 14, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Sutherland Secondary School. For more information and to register, visit http://www.nvsd44.bc.ca/innovativelearning Sylvia Tolisano — Florida Blog: [|Langwitches]Twitter: __[|@Langwitches]__
 * Around the World with Videoconferencing**

Jason Neiffer — Helena, Montana Blog: [|Neiffer.com] Twitter: __[|@neiffer]__
 * Probing the Possibilities of Paperless Pedagogy**

Paul Curtis — Napa, California Web site: __[|New Tech Network]__
 * Building a Web 2.0 Culture**

A full recording of Paul Curtis’ session is available for real-time playback. Clicking the link below will launch Elluminate and replay the session.[|LAN December 09: Building a Web 2.0 Culture] //Note: Paul’s presentation should open in a separate window in your browser. If you would like to just listen to the post-video discussion, use the recording controls at the bottom of the Elluminate window to fast forward and begin listening at 18:04.//

[|**Comments**](0) [|**Add Comment**] [|**Thinking About the Student of the Future**] 6/17/2009 11:42:41 PM As we embark on developing a new Information and Communication Technology Plan for learners in North Vancouver, I am trying to visualize what the learning experience might be like for a high school student in the future. To assist with the process, I imagined what a day in the life of this student might be like in the year 2015. I organized my thinking into five ‘chunks,’ the first of which is a question. Here is my thinking and that of my colleagues around the first chunk.

In 2015, I think secondary aged students will focus more on learning how to learn. I predict they will meet twice a week face-to-face (f2f) but check in with a Learning Guide/Teacher daily (via mobile phone or pda). The other days will be structured in some way, but will be independent learning days. When they meet f2f, it may be at a school, but it could also be at a recreation centre, library, museum or even a park where they may be studying the water quality of a stream.
 * Thought #1 – In the year 2015, will high school students go to school daily?**

Virtual meetings will be used for updating each other (students, students and teachers, project teams), with what they are working on and to check their learning goal timelines as students will take responsibility for their own learning. On independent learning days students might meet with their project team and a specialist in the field, (such as a biologist or optometrist), depending on their curriculum learning goals. They may also connect via videophone, videoconference or through online course environments (such as Elluminate or Moodle). I think daily learning and a flexible structure are critical, but we as educators must work to make learning meaningful, relevant and engaging. We are moving from a knowledge age to a learning age.

As I clarify my thinking around this and I work through this process, I asked for some input from other educators. Here are a few responses from my Coast Metro colleagues and NVSD administrators:

//“I believe that the majority of students will continue to go to school on a daily basis. My rationale for this statement is I believe that schools will continue to be centers of social interaction in the future and in many cases the collapse of other social institutions and the fragmentation of family life require us to provide a gathering place where young people can interact with both peers and adults in a meaningful way.

Humans need to engage with other humans in a group setting. Although technology allows us to interact socially and continues to develop, it does not replace direct social interaction. Part of learning to be part of a community or being part of a "group" requires us to develop skills that allow us to interact with other people. Schools provide this environment and attending classes with other individuals allows us to learn and practice these skills. The classroom, in my opinion, is still the best place for students to engage with others and learn from a professional who can connect students to the learning.

That being said, I can foresee changes to the daily schedule that are opportunities to improving student learning. Technology will allow us to open up learning and potentially allow us to move away from a educational system that was designed to meet the needs of the Industrial Revolution. We continue to follow a model that was designed to replicate the factory shift model of a person working from morning to afternoon and focusing on repetitive, discreet tasks following the agrarian calendar. I think there are opportunities to look at more flexible delivery models - along the lines of what we currently call "blended" courses where students combine classroom based dialogue and instruction with self directed time that requires they connect with peers on line or in small groups. This would include both synchronous and asynchronous connections. The school of future may be the "central hub" for both students and educators to meet and learn.

I think that the role of the teacher will continue to develop and will remain important. Young people require direction, support, and guidance - they need a structured environment in which they can work and learn. Humans in general are great procrastinators; having structured time for which they are accountable for is a great motivator."//

John McGowan Principal Sutherland Secondary

//“I believe that students see schooling in many different facets. The first dimension of schooling for teenagers is the social factor and the second facet would be academic. Until we can create technical solutions that allow for meaningful social interaction during off site and remote program delivery, students will always choose the face to face option because peer interaction is so powerful with this age group. I think as technology improves and 'telepresence' becomes a reality, we will see a dramatic shift in traditional program delivery, at least at the secondary level where 'child care' does not plan a significant role as it does in the elementary schools.”//

David Vandergugten Director of Instruction - Advancing Technology in Education SD #42, Maple Ridge

//"Frankly, I hope so! While I do believe that there is tremendous potential in web based learning and the like, I still think that the connection to a "teacher facilitator, leading learning" or whatever, is critical. Certainly, while increased access to the world of ideas is, and will continue to be, expanded through technology, I do believe that the brains of adolescents will not suddenly become more developed just because of the technology. There is so much guidance that is necessary in terms of interpretation, judgment and moral development that needs to be taught through personal contact with adults. Research tells us that meaningful contact with adult role models is important to foster. When children are lacking that kind of mentoring, they turn to their peers as the main source of modeling and their peers don't make any better decisions than they do! It will be interesting to see what the current DL completion rates - indications so far are that they are very low.

That said, by 2015, the classroom may, and should, look different than it does today. Teachers should be required to explore new ways of teaching and learning that embraces the larger view of the world that technology makes available. In fact, if we do not, I don't believe we will be preparing students as they should be prepared by the end of 12 years of public schooling. This could constitute malpractice.

Public schools must supply necessary learning resources as they always have. We have had paper, pens, books and textbooks for years. The world has changed and now both teachers and students must have the resources necessary. If we don't have the tools in place to teach relevant ways for a relevant future, what is the point. Just a few thoughts..."//

Liz Bell, Principal Windsor Secondary

Thanks to the educators who responded and I am hoping for many more responses, so please comment. Here is the next thought I plan to blog about…

Thought #2 - how much time should a teacher expect a student to spend on their course outside of the timetable?

[|**Comments**](0) [|**Add Comment**] [|**Using Voicethread**] 5/22/2009 8:50:35 AM This was my first time using **VoiceThread**, an online media album that can hold images, documents and videos. It allows students to make comments using audio, text or video and to engage in group conversations from anywhere in the world.

The grade 3 students I worked with were excited to learn a new tool as they were solving a Math word problem. They focused on the problem to be solved and articulated their thinking and answers by speaking into the microphone on a laptop. Many of the students had difficulty drawing with a mouse, so next time I will get a couple of graphics tablets for them.

Here is a screen shot of the **Voicethread** assignment we did. I will ask for parent permission to post the full project online.



It was great to hear what the students were thinking. I learned a lot and here’s what I would change next time: -let the students play and explore the program before assigning work -let students play with the audio and hear their own voice before doing an assignment -practise drawing with the mouse or trackpad before working on an assignment


 * Voicethread** is a great tool, I will be working with other grade levels next week using this interesting tool.

[|**Comments**](0) [|**Add Comment**] [|**RSS the Killer App for Educators**] 5/12/2009 9:58:30 PM

“I think it is the one technology that you should start using today, right now, this minute. And tomorrow, you should teach your students.” Will Richardson (2009)

For a short video of an overview of RSS (Real Simple Syndication), watch this:

RSS has changed my life – all of those journals I try to get to … I can now scan daily thanks to RSS. Blogs, e-journals and other websites generate a code which is referred to as a "feed.” This makes it possible for readers to "subscribe" to the content that is created on a particular blog or website. They no longer have to visit the website to get it!

Here’s the bonus, the content comes to you instead of you going to get it, hence the name, “Real Simple Syndication.” For example, say you’re a science teacher and you've found a great website that notifies you when is an earthquake happens. You subscribe to the website using the RSS button on the site and you automatically get sent updates as soon as they are published. If your students are studying earthquakes they will be motivated by learning the news real time.

[|**Comments**](0) [|**Add Comment**] [|**LAN Cinco De Mayo**] 5/6/2009 5:51:03 PM

After a few introductions the group of about sixty educators got started with an intriguing presentation (via Skype) with Dr. Alec Couros (Professor at the University of Regina, specializing in Information Technology). We used USTREAM to broadcast and capture the session. If you would like to watch it, click here. We focused on the following questions:
 * It was was lively, fun and thick with the buzz of Learning At Night!**


 * 1. What does it mean to be an educator in the 21st century?**

As educators in the 21st Century, we need to develop rich personal learning networks (PLN) through the use of social media tools. Alec highlighted the **2009 Horizon Report** which describes "emerging technologies likely to have a large impact on teaching, learning, research or creative expression within learning-focused organizations." For more information about being an educator in the 21st century, click here.


 * 2. Isn't being "open" problematic?**

Not really, we just need to educate our students in how to participate in this new environment. I agree with Alec in that we need to promote a more open environment for students with multiple audiences so they are encouraged to produce their best work to publish. He shared thought-provoking articles on his wiki – check it out at http://couros.wikispaces.com/lan44. I really appreciated Dean Shareski’s article about, [|Teachers Who Share], in which he states: “What I have come to realize is that teachers who share are the best teachers. Even better if they choose to share online. Sharing online requires, in most cases, some careful thought and consideration since the implications and stakes are much higher.”

In the slide above, Alec talks about the changing role of the teacher and compares it to a "Network Sherpa." In this role, we need to be aware of the impact of these three themes: 1. Media Literacy 2. Knowledge 3. Social Networks Alec also created a wiki with information for us - check it out here: http://couros.wikispaces.com/lan44. It is important not to be distracted by "frivolous" content, but instead understand how the medium can be used to engage students. Teachers and Administrators participated in rich discussions as we wrestle with student learning, engagement and more.
 * 3. What is the path forward?**

Next we ate a light dinner – “make your own fajitas” and divided into groups to work through a “hands-on” session about RSS (**Real Simple Syndication**).

More about this in my next blog post.

[|**Comments**](0) [|**Add Comment**]

[|**Digital Student Mentors**] 4/24/2009 3:46:19 PM Students assisting teachers with technology - what a great idea!

Digital Media Student Mentors are supporting our teachers with new tools such as: -using digital cameras (still and video) in the classroom for student project work -new software programs such as Comic Life, Inspiration, Google docs and more… through workshops and “just-in-time” learning.

The goal is to help teachers and students explore a learning environment that is more relevant and engaging for students (both elementary and secondary).

Fall 08 – we worked with teachers through a series of three workshops with a focus of understanding the use of digital media in their classrooms. Winter 09 – we conducted a Needs Assessment and facilitated workshops in their Family of Schools based on teacher needs. Spring 09 - we will support the Family of Schools elementary teachers by assisting with the use of a variety of digital tools (for example, podcast or photography) in their classroom.
 * The Plan Year 1 - 2008 - 2009**


 * Year 2 - 2009 - 2010

The Execution** Working as a team, we did a needs assessment, planned the first set of courses to meet needs and provide them with extras that students feel will make a difference. We scheduled and offered the inservice, evaluated sessions and have planned for the follow-up sessions.

We will partner with the District SLC (School Leadership Council) Family of School Administrators, teachers (high school and elementary) and other students.
 * Project Partners**

We plan to survey the teachers with a simple Google docs survey to see if they learned something, changed their classroom practise and assist them in incorporating more technology next year. We will also encourage each teacher to keep an e-journal to share their frustrations and successes with us via our Wiki.
 * Assessment**

[|**Comments**](0) [|**Add Comment**] [|**Learn Unlearn and Relearn**] 4/14/2009 9:11:16 PM To see the complete article, click here: []

What a great article - as I work with teachers on a daily basis I realize how difficult it is for all of us to unlearn and relearn. As lifelong learners, it is always fun to learn new things, however when it comes to unlearning something that is another story!



[|**Comments**](0) [|**Add Comment**] [|**The Networked Student**] 4/9/2009 9:25:05 PM One of my latest interests is to research examples and scenarios of learning that will help us prepare our students for life in the future. Here's an interesting look at student learning:

[|**Comments**](1) [|**Add Comment**] [|**21st Century Learning**] 3/13/2009 6:38:18 PM Lesley Edwards, Librarian Extraordinaire at Seycove shared this great website with me… [|Ten Ideas to Begin Educating Innovatively]



Here’s the essence of the top five ideas: In order to get started on your road to success, you need a laptop (or desktop), projector and Internet access.
 * 1. Equipment**

Check out our district [|Technology Plan]. We are currently updating it and looking for input from all interested parties.
 * 2. Technology Integration Plan**

Check out [|ISTE’s Technology Standards for Teachers, Students and Administrators].
 * 3. Standards**

For ideas about how to enhance the curriculum with technology, start with the Information Communication Technology Literacy Maps. Although these are based on American Curriculum, they include great ideas. [|ICT Literacy Map - Math] [|ICT Literacy Map - Science] [|ICT Literacy Map - Social Studies] [|ICT Literacy Map - English]
 * 4. Curriculum**

Effective integration of technology into the curriculum also takes a well thought out professional development plan and if possible onsite support and coaching. When you are ready to try something new, contact me and we will partner you with a mentor who can work closely with you and provide classroom support.
 * 5. Professional Development**

Start with a few of these ideas that make sense to you and build upon these ideas to accomplish your goals. Keep us posted if you need help.

[|**Comments**](0) [|**Add Comment**] [|**Using Databases**] 3/10/2009 10:24:57 PM By guest blogger Lesley Edwards
 * Powerful New Research Tools**

Are you aware of the suite of powerful new research tools that North Vancouver District subscribes to? These databases are available online anytime at school or from home. Access at school is automatic. To gain access from home, see your teacher librarian for the passwords.

Often, when students have a research assignment they tend to try a Google search or head straight for Wikipedia. Some students are successful but many are left floundering. Take the time to show your students how to access and use online databases. Design assignments that require students to use a database as one of their sources.

We have some sample exercises for introducing World Book online available at http://wic.wikispaces.com/Online+Databases. Some are subject/grade specific but can be easily adapted to meet your needs.


 * Here’s the smorgasbord of available resources:**

The Thomson Gale (http://access.gale.com/erac/) subscription gives us access to

CPI.Q, the electronic version of the Canadian Periodical Index, provides the most-requested Canadian reference information available.

Student Resource Center Gold is aimed at high school students. Each document type fulfills specific information needs. Students will find primary documents from the American Journey series and millions of articles from magazines and newspapers.

Contains more than 435,000 biographies on more than 340,000 people from around the world and throughout history.

Alternative Energy Ancient Civilizations Reference Library Arts and Humanities Through the Ages Canadian Parliamentary Guide Governments of the World: A Global Guide to Citizens' Rights and Responsibilities Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia Industrial Revolution Reference Library Junior Worldmark Encyclopedia of the Canadian Major 21st-Century Writers New Dictionary of the History of Ideas Nutrition and Well-Being A to Z UXL Encyclopedia of Drugs and Addictive Substances
 * Titles Include:**

And that’s not all. You and your students have access to World Book (http://www.worldbookonline.com/wb/Login?ed=wb) and the Encyclopedia of British Columbia (http://www.knowbc.com/IEBC/IEBCLogin.asp).

In addition you can access Ebsco’s Resources (http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?authtype=uid) including:

NoveList and NoveList K-8 Consumer Health Complete Searchasaurus K-5 Kids Search k-8 Canadian Student Research Centre 6-12 Ebsco Host including: - Canadian Reference Centre: Search Canadian magazines, newspapers, newswires and reference books. - Middle Search Plus provides full text for more than 140 popular, middle school magazines. - Primary Search provides full text for more than 70 popular, magazines for elementary school research. - MasterFILE Premier: full text for nearly 1,750 general reference publications - Academic Search Premier: full text for more than 4,500 journals dating back to 1975 - Professional Development Collection: a highly specialized collection of nearly 520 high quality education journals - Teacher Reference Centre: the most popular teacher and administrator journals and magazines - Business Source Premier: full text coverage in all disciplines of business, including marketing, management, MIS, POM, accounting, finance and economics. - GreenFILE: well-researched information covering all aspects of human impact to the environment. - EBSCO Animals: in-depth information on a variety of topics relating to animals. - Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia - Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts

How do you access this wealth of information? Logging in at school should be automatic with no password required. To log in from home ask your teacher librarian for the user names and passwords.

[|**Comments**](0) [|**Add Comment**] [|**March LAN**] 3/6/2009 5:19:02 PM We had a great LAN event on Wednesday eventhough it is such a busy week with report card marks due we had forty teachers join us for the evening. We videoed each of the sessions and will be posting these next week.

[|**Comments**](0) [|**Add Comment**] [|**Great Day with Coast Metro students**] 2/25/2009 9:17:37 PM I just spent the day at the student forum - School Completion and Beyond. The Italian Cultural Centre in Vancouver was abuzz with more than 200 students and educators working together to make a difference! The day started with a great video of our October session. It set the context for the day. Next we participated in a School Completion Café and visited three of the following six themed topics: - Why are we here anyway? - Having our say in what, how and when we learn - Our technology – making schools more like our lives - Real world learning - More learning – less marks - Building relationships with our teachers

I would like to comment on one of these sessions:


 * Our Technology – Making Schools More Like Our Lives**

As the sessions were designed to resemble a café, we sampled the ‘menu’:



What are the technology tools we use in our outside of school lives that could be used in school?
 * Appetizer**

I was fascinated as students passionately spoke about their laptops, ipods, mp3 players and cell phones. Many students felt that they worked better with their mp3 players on as it helped them focus on their work. Others liked using their phones and laptops for ‘just in time’ learning.

One of the groups was quite upset that their school has just banned the use of ipods, cell phones and mp3 players in classes.

How can we use our technologies to improve our learning?
 * Main Course**

Many examples were shared where students felt that the technology was being used to improve learning, such as: -teachers were using tablet pc’s to discuss math or physics concepts and then posted the notes after class on their website so students could print them out and use them for homework or study purposes. -students wanted more access to technology and especially laptops to make learning more relevant



What would it take to create change with current technology use in our schools? Great discussion around this topic -- watch for more info on this later.
 * Dessert**

[|**Comments**](0) [|**Add Comment**] [|**LAN Planning**] 2/12/2009 11:03:32 AM We are busy planning the next LAN Party -- it will be on Weds. March 4th in the Sutherland Library. The format will change slightly as two of our sessions will feature live presentations. Here's what we've planned so far:

[|A conversation with Jan Smith] Jan Smith: Blogging

[|Live presentation by Jeff O’Hara] Jeff O’Hara: Micro-blogging/Edmodo

[|“Never Too Young”] Sharon Betts: VoiceThread

[|**Comments**](0) [|**Add Comment**] [|**Get Inspired - Using Inspiration and Kidspiration in Your Classroom**] 2/9/2009 8:31:18 PM I was just on the [|Inspiration website] and read about the annual educator awards program. Totaling more than $22,000 in cash and technology prizes, the 2009 Inspired Visual Learning Awards will recognize fifteen educators and their students who are creatively using //**Inspiration**// and //**Kidspiration**// in their classrooms. They are accepting applications with student-created examples until February 27, 2009. For more information, check out the [|Applications] online.



[|**Comments**](0) [|**Add Comment**] [|**Online Pro D - that's free!**] 2/8/2009 11:48:55 PM Here is an interesting Pro D opportunity passed onto me by Johneen Harris (Montroyal). It is on using a software program, called GIMP and is free to BC educators through Learn Now BC. Check it out here: [|http://www.learnnowbc.ca/educators/events/professional_learning/ple02080901.aspx]

Gimp is a free image manipulation program that you can download at []. Available for Windows or Macintosh, it is often used as an alternative to the very expensive Photoshop software and is almost as powerful!



This course is taught by Marian Heddescheimer, a German Internet programmer and movie-maker. Check out his work: []

The course will look at the basics of Gimp and you will learn things like retouching an image and how to improve photos by correcting brightness and contrast. This program would be great for photography classes.

I have signed up for this interesting Pro D. Let me know of other Pro D opportunities that you hear about and I will blog about them here.

[|**Comments**](0) [|**Add Comment**] [|**Twitter**] 2/6/2009 7:50:05 PM Guest Blogger - Lesley Edwards, Seycove Secondary School Teacher-Librarian
 * Trying on Twitter: How Twitter has become part of my daily practice.**

I have been a Twitterer for about three months. At first I was overwhelmed. Who should I follow? How often should I check for updates? Will anyone follow me?

Yesterday, a staff member came to me asking for my help in finding a commercial she had seen on TV the night before. She remembered it was a satirical piece about supporting child soldiers. I posted the following tweet:

Help! Can anyone direct me to an ad shown recently on Can. TV, satire on child soldiers/war?

In short order, I had the answer, from one of the people involved in creating the commercial no less.

Next, someone asked for help in locating a short video they could use to explain PLNs (personal learning networks) to their staff. I did some searching, librarians find it hard to resist a challenge, and came up with an entire page of videos all on PLNs. [] I tagged it in Delicious for myself, it’ll come in handy I’m sure, and tweeted back the link.

That’s what Twitter is all about, the give and take of ideas, helping one another out and sharing resources. It’s become an invaluable tool in my working day.

[|**Comments**](1) [|**Add Comment**] [|**LAN Parties**] 1/29/2009 1:23:40 AM We have been busy putting the final touches on the third LAN party. This has been such a fun adventure that started with two educators, one who has taught for many years, Lesley Edwards, and one who is just beginning his teaching career – Bryan Hughes. Lesley had been reading the blog written by an international teacher, Kim Cofino in Bangkok in which she describes getting together with other teachers to watch some K-12 online videos in her home one weekend. Bryan had been reading about a similar event held by Jeff Utecht in Shanghai. When they approached me about doing something similar here in North Van I thought it was a great idea!

Our team decided to create an evening event with a fun, party atmosphere. Now as we put the final plans into place for our third party, I want to be sure we meet our main goal of providing an enjoyable, inspiring night for staff. As well, we are hoping to promote 'Creative Clusters' of teachers who are interested in different concepts, such as social bookmarking and blogging.

[|**Comments**](0) [|**Add Comment**] [|**Literacy and Compassion**] 1/27/2009 12:06:47 PM Sorry it has been so busy this month that I haven't been keeping my blog up to date. One of our exciting projects has been a compassion and digital storytelling project funded through the Inukshuk Fund. Four North Vancouver teachers have been working with their students around understanding what compassion is and building a compassionate global community.

Karen Keys, District ICT facilitator and teacher-librarian, was feeling that students weren’t getting the real meaning of compassion so she went to Teacher Tube and searched this topic. She found a video titled, “Frankie, The Walk ‘N Roll Dog” a heartwarming story of a dachshund puppy who became paralyzed in her back legs. Frankie is able to inspire others when she learns to walk again with a cart. When Karen showed the movie to the students and staff, they got very emotional. After doing some more Internet searching Karen found out that a book had been written about this dog and contacted the author, Barb Techel, at [|www.joyfulpaws.com]. Karen purchased the book for the school library.

Barb asked if the students had any questions for Frankie after learning about the project they were doing at Lynnmour. When they sent their questions and comments to Barb, it inspired her to create Frankie’s own blog. Frankie, with a little help from her mom, answers a few of the questions each week.

In December, Lynnmour students used a free videoconferencing program called Skype and connected via the Internet with Barb and Frankie who live in Elk Lake, Wisconsin. The students were so excited and they asked many thought provoking questions. They learned a lot about animals with disabilities and about the true meaning of compassion.

Now the students are writing their own “Frankie” stories for her Blog. Karen is convinced that the students in grades 4-7 at Lynnmour are reading and writing more thanks to Frankie and her mom, Barb. Currently the grade three students are starting to write their own book reviews about Frankie’s book with help from the Digital Student Mentors from Windsor Secondary. The District supports a Digital Media program where secondary students work on projects with elementary teachers and students to support the thoughtful use of technology in the classroom.

[|**Comments**](1) [|**Add Comment**] [|**Jan LAN Party**] 1/9/2009 9:37:55 AM

Here's a nice letter from Kevin at Sutherland:

Hi Audrey, I know a professional development activity has value if I go away with something I can use in class or if I leave with a burning desire to find out more about something. Anything that fuels my enthusiasm will benefit my students. I'm happy if I get one of the two; both LAN parties that I attended each did both for me. The presentations were great, the food and drink welcome, and the chance to get together with district colleagues priceless. I thoroughly enjoy watching others talk about how they are employing technology in their classes and the ‘skype’ interaction is great. It is one thing to hear a "guru" speak about his wonderful, idealistic, program, but it is quite another to then hear him candidly admit to practical difficulties in getting things to work. I really feel that speaking from the comfort of their own homes, we get more candid opinions than those of speakers on high at professional days. The informality engenders openness. To see that others face the same challenges as me in blundering toward success when using new tools is reassuring.

In a technological age, we must move forward and embrace new tools. Unfortunately things change so fast that many simply throw in the towel. The simple and clear explanations of new tools from enthusiastic adherents helps anyone see new possibilities.

I don't know how to clear my full message box on the school telephone system, but I do know how to hold a face-to-face meeting with anyone in the world who also has a skype account -- how's that for embracing technology? We use what takes our interest and the LAN parties are piling up new possibilities for me. If only the phone was as simple. Among my peers I pass as a techie type, but I know the truth -- and it isn't what they think. I need quick and dirty explanations and I need things to work right away. Thankfully new generations of software do this. The LAN presentations get right to the point and as a busy teacher that is just what I need. I'm busy and I have a short attention span. I don't like puzzles. The LAN parties give me the quick and dirty -- and more. I look forward to discovering new tools in the future.

Regards, Kevin Benoy, Social Studies Department Head, Sutherland Secondary School



[|**Comments**](0) [|**Add Comment**] [|**LAN Party**] 12/9/2008 6:53:47 PM We had a great LAN party last night with more than sixty educators in attendance. The catalysts for the party were Lesley Edwards (Bookminder) and Bryan Hughes. Both of these innovative educators are power users of Web 2.0. What is Web 2.0? Check out [|http://44web2.pbwiki.com]

What is a LAN party? Our Learning At Night party last night included mind-bending, inspiring and energizing conversation around new learning tools. We met in the Sutherland library, divided into four groups and moved to classrooms to observe one of the following presentations:

1. Getting Started - “Video-Conferencing: It’s Easy, Free and Powerful" 2. Classroom 2.0 - “Sustained Blogging in the Classroom” 3. Kicking it up a Notch - "Connecting Classrooms Across Continents: Planning and Implementing Collaborative Projects" 4. Big Ideas - “What Did You Do in School Yesterday, Today and Three Years Ago?”

After the presentation, each group used a videoconferencing tool called “Skype” and connected live with facilitators in Nevada (7 pm, their time), Bangkok (8 am, the next day), California and Philadelphia (9 pm). Each of the Q and A sessions featured teachers asking pertinent and thoughtful questions about such issues as the “paperless classroom” and survival tips for teaching a classroom full of enthusiastic bloggers.

We then returned to the library for pizza and drinks and worked in groups to share thoughts and experiences. The room was abuzz; it was LANtastic! Part 1 – Think, Pair, Share Think about what you heard. Pair-up and share with a partner the three highlights and a question about the videoconference.
 * What were the learning strengths?
 * What might you implement or use with your class?

Part 2 - Group Discussion
 * Share what you would like to implement in your class?
 * What support do you need?
 * How would this improve student learning and understanding?

At about 6:45 pm, each group reported these experiences and their comments. Teachers were encouraged to form Creative Clusters. A “Creative Cluster” is magically formed when three or more teachers get together to try new things and support each other. We are hoping to see "Creative Clusters" form throughout the district.

Brad Slater (KLASS) and Tim Jones (Sutherland) won the two door prizes, a Quick Cam camera.

Participants gave enthusiastic praise. Here are some of the comments: //“I came away with great ideas that I can use tomorrow!”// Johneen Harris (Montroyal) //“Please continue with more learning “Skype” presentations – very fascinating”// Lori Zuk (Handsworth) //“Very thought provoking and great conversations at the tables about technology”// Brigitte Gerandol (Argyle)

What a fun way to Learn At Night!

[|**Comments**](1) [|**Add Comment**] [|**Balmoral English 9**] 11/21/2008 9:00:07 AM I visited Balmoral this week and was intrigued by the student engagement in Stephanie Maki’s English 9 class.

[|**Comments**](0) [|**Add Comment**] [|**What's Happening in North Vancouver?**] 11/14/2008 2:29:31 PM With the advent of new tools and strategies in an everchanging world, my goal is to provide learners with the skills to be productive and creative. It is an exciting time to be an educator! Many interesting things are happening in our schools. In this blog, In this blog, I will share the research and development I'm doing and showcase interesting projects occurring in our classrooms!

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