Tech Showcase Success

Members of the EdTech Cohort showcased their skill and knowledge while highlighting their leadership in learning communities at the Brock Tech Showcase January 16th.

The following Tweet sums up the success of the event:

@BrockTechPD By far the most useful and applicable PD opportunity this year. Thanks!! — @MissRogano 

SMART Notebook Activity Rubric

The SMART Notebook activity is due September 30, 2014. Please read the rubric page for the submission details.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to email me, or come visit me in my office.

Remember that we are starting at 8:30am this Friday in Room 13.

Technology in Classrooms Helping Students Succeed

New Fund Will Improve Access to Leading-Edge Learning Tools

September 4, 2014 Ministry of Education press release

Ontario is helping students - from junior kindergarten to Grade 12 - develop 21st century skills by investing in classroom technology that supports their learning.

Starting this school year, Ontario's $150 million technology and learning fund will further enrich the classroom experience for students across the province. The fund will give kids more opportunities to become technologically savvy with tools, such as tablets, netbooks, cameras and software, while preparing them for success in the global economy.

This investment will also strengthen professional learning for educators who will use technology and digital resources to enhance student engagement, learning and achievement.

Improving digital access for students and teachers is part of the government's plan to invest in people, build modern infrastructure and support a dynamic and innovative business climate.

Quick Facts

• School boards will be notified later this fall about their specific technology and learning fund support for the 2014-15 academic year. 
• Teaching in the 21st century will focus on higher order skills for students. This includes important skills such as critical thinking and problem solving, creativity, entrepreneurship, communication and collaboration. 
• Moving towards 21st century teaching and learning is a key goal of Achieving Excellence, the government’s renewed vision for education in Ontario. 
• Today, 83 per cent of students are graduating from high school, up from 68 per cent in 2004. 

Quotes
“Students today are growing up in a world where technology and digital resources are an integral part of their everyday lives. We need to tap into that existing knowledge and familiarity with technology to make learning even more compelling, and allow our students to become the innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders of tomorrow.”

Liz Sandals
Minister of Education

Welcome to the 2014 EdTech Cohort

As part of the Ed Tech Cohort, teacher candidates are provided with intensive hands-on training on the use of a variety of instructional technologies, including but not limited to SMART boards, LCD projectors, document cameras, Livescribe pens, interactive classroom clickers, Google Docs, iPads, YouTube and other multimedia resources.

In addition to developing their technical competencies, cohort participants receive instruction in pedagogical approaches that use technology to enhance teaching and learning, technical curriculum design and leadership theory so that they may become a future educational technology leader.

This website will highlight their journey to becoming 21st century teachers.

 Dr. Camille Rutherford @crutherford and Kyle Tuck @KylejTuck

Tasks to Complete Before September 2nd. 

1. Review the Ontario College of Teachers Professional Advisory - Use of electronic communication and social media 
2. Create a Gmail account if you don't already have one - www.gmail.com
3. Create a Twitter account - www.Twitter.com ; Follow us on Twitter  - @BrockEdTechPD @KylejTuck @crutherford 
4. Create a Blogger account - www.Blogger.com
5. Complete the Cohort Directory

Watch the OCT Professional Advisory: Electronic Communication & Social Media Video

EdTech Cohort Alum Becomes ICT Specialist

Congratulations to Cris Turple!
Former EdTech Cohort, Cris Turple, has been promoted to ICT Specialist at her Hong Kong school that delivers the Ontario curriculum. Check out her blog Teach Turple which highlights her resume, teaching philosophy, and professional reflection.

HWDSB rolling out expansive iPad project

By Teri Pecoskie A digital revolution is on the rise at Hamilton's inner city schools. Starting this September, the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board will be distributing hundreds of iPads to Grade 4, 5 and 6 classrooms at seven schools — Adelaide Hoodless, A.M. Cunningham, Cathy Wever, Dr. Davey, Prince of Wales, Memorial and Queen Victoria. The program will then expand until 2016, when every student in Grades 4 through 12 at those schools, as well as the new central Hamilton high school, will be outfitted with their own, personal tablets Read the full story - The Spec.com

CONNECT 2013: Canada's Learning & Technology Conference

Members of the 2012 EdTech Cohort presenting at the CONNECT conference.