Day 59: Making a difference!

So excited to be working with an awesome Grade 8 class @hydeparkps These students are blogging about social justice issues that matter!

Check out mrsmcraes.blogspot.ca and join in the conversation! 

Day 33: Moving from our Comfort Zone

So this is my first blog post. I have to admit I feel a little uncomfortable with writing this. It is so out of my comfort zone! But, I know that is exactly the reason why I should do it! So here goes…

Last week I had the opportunity to attend the SIM (System Implementation and Monitoring) sessions for the Barrie Region. The two days were filled with lots of opportunity to learn and I found myself reflecting on that learning for some time. I thought a lot about MJ Gallagher’s suggestion that it is a leader’s role to comfort the distressed and distress the comfortable. I also thought about and agreed with the emphasis placed on remembering the human factor in everything we do. After an almost exclusive SIM focus on Math last year, Literacy was highlighted again and I really liked that the focus seems to have grown to include the critical literacy needed for our learners to navigate the digital world. Overall, the messages delivered at SIM seemed to confirm that Simcoe is not only the right path but is leading in many ways. I thought about how lucky we are here in Simcoe, and specifically, how lucky we are as part of the Program and Innovation Team because our leaders have given us “permission to innovate.” It speaks to the trust that has been developed in our system. Presenters at SIM spoke of how important it is to cultivate a culture of innovation and a culture of inquiry. I have been reflecting on what was started last year and I am excited by the possibilities this year.

Day 30 : Multidirectional Learning

A wise woman once said there is "No day without learning", and today was no exception!  This afternoon we worked with a passionate group of educators who wanted to dig into Blogging!  We realized quickly that we needed to take a few steps back before we could progress. Last year, our system moved forward rapidly with technology enabled learning, yet we are still on a learning curve.  After a summer of digital detox, we need to have patience with refreshing our own skills. We can relate to those students in our class who come back after a summer and may be a little rusty with some of their skills.  Our learning continues to move forward, but sometimes we need to take different directions (or step sideways or backwards) to regain our momentum.

Using the EasyBlogger Jr app

Learning can also shift direction based on the influence of our collaborators.  Today we experienced new learning when one of the participants shared the gadget on Blogger for Google Translate. This enables us to be more inclusive of the increasing multicultural communities in our county, as we communicate on our blogs.

Setting up our first blogs!

The journey will be ongoing as several of the participants in our session are going to continue their learning down different paths. Some will back up and revisit areas they wish to explore further, others might step sideways and explore other platforms or tools to support them, and some might even take a rest from the journey.  We felt honoured to be tour guides "on the side" as we brushed up on our skills and learned on our own pathway. We invite you to join us in our trek toward making our learning visible through blogging.  A "roadmap" for this excursion can be found in this shared Google Folder: bit.ly/EasyBloggerJr

Louise Owen & Marie Swift

Day 1: 194 Days of Learning

Sometimes, the best way to start something is to just… start. Blogging isn’t any different.

I wish I could remember who said “Ideas are born on the page.” I wish it was me because it’s true. Once you start writing, your brain kicks in and the ideas come. You just need to start.

Blogging isn’t about perfection. Perfection is for novels, greeting cards and prescriptions. This space is about documenting learning in real time and reflecting on it.

Today I learned about the:

• history and future of eLearning and blended learning from Hanne and Jaclyn – so many possibilities
• long road of building of a system culture from Kathi and Anita – everything we do only serves to prove what we believe
• vast black hole of kitchen renovations from Jessica – best to keep your distance
• importance of family and friends from Kieley – they are with you even when they are not

Looking back on the day, I realize two things.

One, we are all walking around with so much knowledge, insight and talent, and its worth grows exponentially when we share it with others.

Two, I am surrounded by brilliant women.