teaching and learning for the 21st century
Written by Shelley Thomas
After a decade of teaching, I’ve elected to take a year’s sabbatical to focus my energies on a creative writing project. A whole year to immerse myself in research and travel and writing. The gifts of time and space! And yet, when September arrived I was surprised at how much I missed the nervous energy and eager anticipation […]
Written by Shelley Thomas
The fifth season of Cohort 21 is shaping up to be one of the best yet. With thirty independent schools across Ontario registered to be part of this year-long professional development, this season already boasts a wide range of expertise, insights, talents, and resources from across the CIS Ontario map. Over the course of the […]
Written by Shelley Thomas
Are our schools hotbeds for innovation and creativity? Does our present curriculum equip students with the tools and knowledge they will need for their futures? How can we ensure that our learning environments are neither hidebound by the familiar and comfortable nor blinded by innovation that might turn out to be an apparition? How are your schools […]
Written by Shelley Thomas
As with all new advances in communication, we need to ensure that our students are given every opportunity to use and enjoy the gifts that technology provides, but remain in control of how they use it so that they are not exploited by it. As technologies continue to emerge and advance they inform our students’ experiences. […]
Written by Shelley Thomas
In a world that is drowning in technological gadgetry and never-ending software updates and webtools that promise the newest and latest ‘must have’ for educators, it is refreshing to be reminded of the merits and reliance of (now) steadfast applications. Twitter continues to surprise me as an ed app in its reach and breadth in […]
Written by Shelley Thomas
Hey Teach! Want to spice up your assignments? Want to go the extra mile in personalizing your course content? Create your own EMOJI avatar and have some fun. Add them to your assignments, feedback, emails, or make your own stickers!
Written by Shelley Thomas
It’s been a handful of days since the kickoff to Season Four of Cohort 21, and I’m still feeling aglow after our first F2F session. For the past four years, I have been driving back and forth from St Catharines to Toronto to join fellow CIS Ontario teachers and administrators in what has become […]
Written by Shelley Thomas
This past Wednesday marked the third and final installment of Ridley College‘s year-long SAMR, EdTech Quintet, and TPCK professional development with Dr. Ruben Puentedura. It was a year that required ongoing faculty commitment to professional learning, a willingness to take risks in classrooms, and a genuine curiosity about the ‘transformative’ (and often disruptive) impact of technology in […]
Written by Shelley Thomas
To help our students and faculty be at the vanguard of technological development and innovation, we must bolster access to tools, support, and educational opportunities that are both robust and revolutionary. In my role as Director of IT, one of my prime directives is to provide authentic, meaningful, and practical EdTech Professional Development to faculty — PD […]
Written by Shelley Thomas
Recently I attended “Badges for Learning: Creating your own path”, a MaRS Best Practices event about the future of badges in education and their implications, not only for individuals, but also for innovators in the sector. On the panel were notable reps from organizations presently pushing the boundaries of how knowledge is accredited in the open […]
