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PLN for the Bewildered

We live in the era of information and it’s close relation - the acronym. I have sat through many meetings and attempted to decode each rapidly fired alpha representation of policy and concepts; IEP, EQAO, BIP, BIPSA, TTEP, SIP, ELL and the list goes on. The speaker is usually someone well versed in the document or procedure associated with each acronym and shares their knowledge with ease. I would like to present one more acronym and to promise, at the outset, that I am neither knowledgeable nor at ease with the concept - the PLN. For those unfamiliar with this particular grouping of letters, while I must admit to experiencing a brief sense of professional superiority, I am replete with solidarity for the bewildered, so I will quickly decode. PLN refers to Professional Learning Networks. In the spirit of brevity, I will say this: PLNs are impactful and worthwhile but require attention and effort. I have recently begun establishing my PLN and in all honesty, I had to...
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Teaching to the Present

Various individuals often attempt to encapsulate the framework for 21st century learning. Yet,  I consistently  hear the statement that as educators we need to teach to the future. In the absence of a crystal ball, I am going to choose to look at my role differently. I believe that the teacher's role is to teach to the present. In doing so, we will be able to let go of ineffective pedagogy from the past and truly survey the current educational landscape.   The landscape is now digital. Students need the necessary navigational skills. This is a present reality - not a projection for the future.  As always, it is sound pedagogy which is able to respond to the needs of a changing world.   While I optimistically embrace the integration of technology into all areas of learning, I believe, we need to get past our stages of infatuation and see technology for what it truly is: a tool to accelerate learning through the building of relationships and community. ...
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How Native Traditions can Inform Digital Practices

To state that we live in the information age is equivalent with stating that the sky is blue. You gain no peer admiration for your brilliance and may be judged for the simplicity of your thinking. Yet I will make the obvious statement: we live in the information age! So what?  So, we are informed, inundated and at times incensed by exchanges of information. Yet even in this current age, can we really say that we understand what it means to respect information?  This is a skill or tradition which often escapes the rapid strokes of our keyboards and allure of the “send” button. I recently had the opportunity to read about some of the teachings of the Piikani Blackfoot Nation on http://www.fourdirectionsteachings.com/ . I will never view information as I previously did. What I learned from the teaching of  Dr. Reg Crowshoe and Geoff Crow Eagle  is that the stories, dances, songs and customs they share are not merely for entertainment. They are sacred and highly r...
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Technology's Place in the FSL Classroom

As a core French teacher, I have struggled with how to integrate technology in meaningful ways into the learning environment. While I would like to continue using French as the language of instruction, I am also aware of the fact that most students do not have the level of vocabulary necessary in order to accomplish the required learning in French.  After taking part 1 of  I ntegration Of Information & Computer Technology and now currently part 2, I am at a cross-roads. I can see the countless ways in which I have resisted change. So, I am looking for ways that  I can release the reins ( a little) - perhaps you are already sensing the control issues.  Throughout the next few weeks of my journey into the land of digital liberation, I hope to find my balance - my in between - my gray (grey -Canadian) areas where my students and I can experience the joy and creativity of inspired learning. (Wow, this sounds like more than an assignment for a course! Let's see ...
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