The end is near…wait, what? It’s here?

What a journey it has been over the last five years while first completing my Inclusive Education Certificate and then taking the plunge to complete my master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction.  Although it has been a long one, this endeavour has been such a rewarding experience for which I have not only learned how …

Assistive Technology, Barriers to Hurdle Over

As outlined by the Megan, Leigh, Jenny, and Kalyn in their presentation on assistive technology last week, there are three types of AT that we can use specifically in a school setting.  This includes: Low-Tech – lightweight, portable, limited capabilities, simple features, inexpensive, limited to no training needed Mid-Tech -  requires a battery source, relatively …

Let Me Assess the Situation

Source Online assessment tools are not new, but their popularity is increasing as we navigate remote, hybrid, and blended learning in education these days.  Although I had heard of many of the tools introduced by Trevor, Dalton, and Matt, I was excited that they gave us the opportunity to explore them in addition to giving …

The Social Dilemma with Social Potential

The majority of people, in my humble opinion, stand on either two sides on how they view social media: essential or futile.  Now don’t get me wrong, I am one of those who like to think that I am on both sides, depending on the context, but there is always a force pulling me closer …

Planning for Potential (or Inevitable?) Change

I'm going to be frank with you here.  The sudden stop to in-person teaching in the spring was difficult for all.  However, as a resource teacher, I felt absolutely useless.  What I mean by this is I didn't have a classroom for which I had to create content, didn't have a classroom to have to …

Juggling is not recommended?

Distractions are the epitome of my life.  I have always been a proud multitasker, but I’m starting to realize that this isn’t always a good thing.  Many of the environments that we work and live in each day don’t provide the structure to be a single-tasker.  We utilize computers and networks that have instant messaging, …

How can I thank you, Sesame Street?

If a child can read, write, and count, but cannot converse, question and socialize, then he or she is not properly educated. - Neil Postman Neil Postman’s disputed quotes are something I find interesting to dissect as it brings to light some persuasive arguments regarding the ‘edutainment’ industry that is prevalent in our society and …

Let’s add some extensions to your look!

  I was first introduced to a plethora of Google Chrome extensions when I took my first graduate EdTech class, ECI831.  There was an extensive list that Alec provided and he quickly reviewed some of his favourites, for which I promptly added to my extension list, although not really knowing what they were all about.  …

What’s the theory behind all of this?

I have always been interested in the psychology of learning, which entails biological influences, social pressures, and environmental factors that affect how people think, act, and feel.  As teachers, we have a huge impact on how students gain knowledge, which is largely dependent on their learning style.  Believe it or not,  it is likely that …

EdTech! EdTech! What the Heck is EdTech?

We shape our tools and thereafter our tools shape us. - Marshall McLuhan The word technology always seems to relate to electronics as this is how our world tends to understand it.  We rely on its functioning to allow us to organize, perform, problem solve, compile, create, and present information to those that request or …