Category: Education
-
F is for Frankenstein, Focus & Future Ready
In considering education and how it should evolve to best prepare the class of 2030, we should look at it like we look at Frankenstein. Remember? That cautionary tale warning of the evils of science? Well, not really, it is more the tale of a scientist who longed for things in the past and, using science,…
-
E is for E2: Education Exchange
The excitement was palpable as we entered the conference area. There was an electric atmosphere that accentuated the enthusiasm of every individual and amplified it. I marveled at the apparent effect and afterward, I was in awe of the depth and breadth of learning I experienced. I am talking about Microsoft’s Global Education Exchange in…
-
D is for Debate
This house believes… “It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it.” ― Joseph Joubert Debate is the cornerstone of freedom and democracy and without healthy debate, we lose. Noam Chomsky outlines the dangers of not having truly free debate: “The smart way to keep people passive…
-
The Class of 2030, What Skills Will They Need?
The biggest challenges students in kindergarten right now will face when they graduate is a rapidly changing work environment so being flexible is essential, and flexibility requires confidence. Confidence is the by-product of strong emotional intelligence and it will be necessary to successfully navigate the work-world of the future. Social-emotional intelligence ensures students are self…
-
C is for Crayons
The third in a series discussing the Class of 2030. I remember one Christmas getting the SUPER large box of Crayola Crayons. One hundred undulating colours of possibility. I was absolutely giddy with excitement. Imagine all the beautiful things I could draw! Astronauts or ballet dancers, camels or dragons, elephants or fairies, anything I could…
-
B is for Brainy, Bold & Beautiful
The second in a series discussing the Class of 2030. When I was young I loved watching the TV show The Bionic Woman. I particularly loved how Lindsay Wagner was portrayed. She was smart, she helped people, she was pretty, and she didn’t wear clothes my mother would ground me for life for wearing! This…
-
Using Microsoft’s Learning Tools in Writing Class
I like using Microsoft’s Immersive Reader to show students how to improve their writing style through some simple revision techniques that translate into greater reader engagement and understanding. There are a number of functions in the Immersive Reader that are superb supports when ramping up student editing and proofreading capabilities. A great place to start…
-
A is for Access: The A, B, Cs (and X, Y, Zs) of the Class of 2030.
The first in a series discussing the Class of 2030 There are many considerations to think about when we contemplate the changes that will occur in the next decade and what our students will need to be successful in that time-frame and beyond. Many are advocating for transforming our educational system to accommodate the needs…
-
Feedback is Fabulous
Over the past few years, I have implemented a feedback form at the end of my course. The goal is for me to be able to reflect and improve the course and my teaching methods based on this student feedback and I have found it invaluable. In fact, it is something I wish I had…
-
Mayhem and Metacognition
Forget March Madness, its end of semester mayhem! The time of year when I question my assessment methods, mostly because I am swamped with final essays, culminating projects, and exams to mark, in addition to writing report card comments and tabulating final marks — all in a very short timeline. Invariably I ask myself, “is…