Monthly Archives: September 2015

Connected Learner, engagement, Library Learning Commons, student voice, The Virtual Coffee Shop

Rethinking Learning Spaces

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I closed out the week by collaborating with  Jamie Reaburn Weir and  Alanna King  for  an insightful conversation on redesigning learning spaces.

I think you will appreciate the viewpoints and early observations they share from their work in this area.

I wonder what you will explore?

~Mark

Interview, Technology Enabled Learning, Technology in Education, The Virtual Coffee Shop

Exploring the Year of Code Waterloo Region

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This blog post kicks of a new component at Mark’s Musings. In recognition of the importance of creative thinking, tossing ideas around, and learning by doing it is equally important to allow forums for ideas to: germinate, build, be discussed, be modified, tested and challenged. As a personal ‘next‘ or next step, I have decided to add the Virtual Coffee Shop series within my blog to dedicate intentional time to capturing a conversation or two each month to share with a broader audience.

YoCWR_logo

I am thrilled that Stephanie Rozek was able to join me for this first live streamed conversation in the Virtual Coffee Shop series to discuss the Year of Code Waterloo Region initiative.

Recording:

~Mark

ProfessionalLearning, Technology Enabled Learning, WRDSB

New School Year, New Opportunities

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A new school year brings new opportunities.  Last Thursday I enjoyed attending the professional learning sessions at  Huron Heights Secondary School  and  Sir John A. MacDonald Secondary School  in preparation for our 1:1 chromebook launches this week. The energy was high and collaboration was benefitting all – awesome.

chromebook121

Image adapted from: 
http://schools.wrdsb.ca/jam/files/2015/07/chromebook1to1project.jpg

In conversations with principals  Ed Doadt  (HHSS) and  Kathy Young  (SJAM),  I think we all agree that this project serves as a catalyst for visible change, new thinking, kicking the tires on ideas, exploring new practices and sharing our learning collectively and collaboratively. I am very excited to see what opportunity brings.

I thought I would share some of the excitement and conversation from my sites visits Thursday.

I look forward to phasing  Jacob Hespeler Secondary School  into the project in October.

Make it a great year – innovate, learn, collaborate and share.

Related Resources

Check out the twitter stream at #121wrdsb
Project Resource site: 121wrdsb

~Mark

WRDSB

Kicking off 15/16

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I am looking forward to another exciting school year at WRDSB.  Check out our system video as shared at the system kickoff meeting.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEscA_r9SBo]

Participate: learn, connect, reflect, share.  Make it a great 15/16 school year.

~Mark