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 … Continue reading “What I’ve Learned from Ten Years in a Classroom”
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 … Continue reading “Making Room: Engineering Hubs of Creativity and Innovation”
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. … Continue reading “Digital Trails and Identities: Helping Kids Stay Safe Online”
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 … Continue reading “A Case for Twitter in the Classroom”
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
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 … Continue reading “A Year with Ruben Puentedura: Redesigning Traditional Professional Development”
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 … Continue reading “Crafting Authentic EdTech PD & Cultivating Community Conversation: Climbing the SAMR Ladder”
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 … Continue reading “Open Badges: New Pathways and Storytellers in Education”
Written by Shelley Thomas
What is it about September? Anticipation comes with a new year, a new class, new friends, and new beginnings. September is about Promise and Possibility. Teachers, parents, and students all have a light in their eyes in September. As teachers, we are full of new ideas, good wishes and intentions for the start of another school year. We are … Continue reading “Why Join Cohort 21?: Pirates, Treasure Troves, and Charting White Water”
Written by Shelley Thomas
After spending a day with Cohort 21 at the MaRS Discovery District in Toronto, I am inspired by the action plans currently underway in our CIS Ontario schools. As a special guest at this F2F session, I was inspired by the innovative and meaningful work being done across the province by teachers and … Continue reading “Day of Discovery with Cohort 21: Life on MaRS”
