Breaking ice in IICT part 1! by Marla

Marla's here!

mszupan — 2018-03-31 13:43:43 UTC

Hi everyone, glad that you're joining us for this AQ!
I have facilitated courses online since 2006 and have taken more than my fair share of them :)
I currently teach in Toronto and love exploring any and all new things related to technology. This year I experimented with an app called Periscope - live broadcasting! However, I'm not going to be going paperless anytime soon, as I feel there is still a LOT of merit to books/hard copies and texts! Plus, depending what grade you teach (primary/junior/intermediate), needs and opportunities demand different forms of tech.
I love research, particularly as it pertains to edtech and am willing to try anything (within reason!) once. Looking forward to learning with you all! :)

What should I write about? Please do not move this post...

mszupan — 2018-03-31 13:44:21 UTC

er the course outline, feel free to share...
-your current assignment (grade) or position (LTO/EA/ECE, new permanent hire...)
-your geographic location (or school board will do!)
-one goal you have for this course
and feel free to add anything else interesting (hobbies, fave movies, foods, pets, trip locations...)

A bit of info about Yen Kim

2018-04-03 21:22:11 UTC

Hi everyone,

I am looking forward to corresponding with everyone and learning from everyone! I love using technology and would love to learn more about technology and how to incorporate it even more into my lessons.

I am currently an OT with four different school boards. I attended OISE for teacher's college and it took me 3 years to land myself an OT position with the boards about a year ago (Yah!!! Finally!). I live in the greater GTA and I also work for school boards in the greater GTA. I am a busy mom of 2 and I work almost every single day except for Sundays. Therefore, if I takes me a bit longer to response, I apologize in advance! I will try my best to keep on top of things and hope to make this a meaningful learning experience. My hobbies are watching movies, spending time with my family and just finding time to relax after a long and busy day.

I love to learn new things and meeting new people. I look forward to learning from you all!

Regards,
Yen Kim
Yen Kim! You are busy - being an OT with 4 boards? How do you schedule it all? And you were at OISE - great! Do you know or did you work with Jim Hewitt at all? Kim McKinnon? Let me know....I know them well! -Marla

Hi Marla,
It can get really busy at times so I try to be on top of things as much as I can. I have bills to pay so I really have to work away. Unfortunately, I did not get to meet Jim or Kim.
- Yen

I am Stephanie

2018-04-03 21:54:53 UTC

Hi everyone! I am an OT and I currently live in the GTA. I have worked in one school that was paperless and it was an awesome learning experience. There were no textbooks or worksheets and the learning was so unique. During my time there, I learned how to make a website and so much more! I took this course because I like to think of myself as pretty tech savvy and I like to stay with the trend, so learning about some great tech resources to use in the classroom will be a huge bonus for me!

Also, last week I was in Florida and as I write this I’m looking out my window at darkness and rain. I wish I was still on the beach! Here's a picture I took of the sunset at Miami beach.
Hey Stephanie! Welcome aboard and love the pic your took in Miami! We all wish we were there now! Great to have you here! - Marla

A little about myself...

2018-04-03 22:03:21 UTC

Hello everyone! My name is Surenthika Thivaharan and I’m currently an OT with the Ottawa Catholic School Board and the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. From this AQ, I hope to learn how to meaningfully integrate ICT into classroom instruction. Instead of using technology as a means to just eliminate the use of paper in classrooms, I’d like to learn how I could use tools/applications to make learning a truly interactive process in which students are engaged.

I grew up in Toronto, graduated from OISE/UT, and worked briefly as an OT with the PDSB prior to moving to Ottawa. I enjoy reading and absolutely love travelling. I believe that travelling opens up an opportunity for me to experience the rich cultures around the world. One of the most exciting trips I’ve ever been on was to Siem Reap, Cambodia, where I had the opportunity to explore the history of the Angkor Civilization and the Angkor Wat monument. We’ve taken a break from travelling as we’re expecting our second daughter in a few weeks!

Excited to learn from each other! I’ve already learned something new today: the Padlet.
Surenthika! Glad you found your way here :)
Your goal to use tech meaningfully is a sound one - but I do warn you, there WILL be glitches! The trick? Keeping a sense of humour....and a plan B. Definitely. And plans c, D and E don't hurt either! -Marla

Here is some information on Natasha

2018-04-03 22:22:14 UTC

Hi everyone!

My name is Natasha Buchuk. I am in my second year as a permanent grade 2 French immersion teacher with the BHNCDSB.

From this course, I hope to learn about different ways as to how I can integrate more technology into my classroom. Another goal for me is to get more comfortable with technology as well.

I love running and spending time with family and friends. There are so many places I want to travel to in the future! I was recently in Australia and New Zealand over the Christmas

break which was an amazing trip!

I am excited to learn about this course!
Natasha!
Bonjour and bienvenue! Congrats on your permanent status! Glad to hear you were in Australia and New Zealand....I bet you wish you could have been there for a month! Was it a cruise? -Marla

The DL on Sierra :)

2018-04-03 22:42:02 UTC

Hi Everyone!

My name is Sierra Fabro-Valdez. I graduated from Centennial College in 2010 with my Early Childhood Education diploma. I also graduated from York University in 2016 from the Con-Current Program, having both my BA in Humanities and Teaching Degree.

I am a newly hired OT with the DCDSB. I started in January of this year and I’m already loving it so much! I have my P/J/I qualifications and with the DCDSB I had the opportunity to teach all the grades from kindergarten to grade 12.

Travelling, teaching, eating, and baking are four of my passions. I had the opportunity to study aboard for five months in Freiburg, Germany in 2014, and I took all my education electives there. A couple of years later, I lived in Knottingley, UK in 2016 for one year and I taught year one. They were both such amazing experiences and definitely helped me grow as a teacher. I was fortunate in travelling to 16 European countries while I studied and lived abroad. My favourite countries were Greece, Croatia, and Italy and you could imagine how many good eats I had while travelling! I also enjoy baking and had my own side business for a bit, but decided to concentrate more on my teaching career.

I am taking this course because I enjoy using technology in the class, but I am not always the best at using it. I look forward to getting familiar with new websites, technology use, and how to use technology in the class and in my lessons. Learning something new is always on my agenda!

Here is a picture of my last day teaching in the UK. My students signed and drew pictures on my white dress as a keepsake memory of the first and best year I had teaching.
Sierra, great intro post - and I'm trying to get into baking....or cooking - sorta...since I have to do the paleo diet for 30 days. Eek! Your travel diary is impressive - Did Greece include Santorini? Croatia IS gorgeous (Dubrovnik?) and I can't agree how travelling is an education in and of itself. Great pic - you use that on your Twitter, no? - Marla

Some info on me (Nisha) :)

2018-04-03 23:12:49 UTC

Hi everyone!

My name is Nisha Francis and I work with BHNCDSB as a French teacher. This is my first year working in Ontario. I grew up in Hamilton, but went to teacher's college in England. After that, I moved to Abu Dhabi, UAE to teach for 8 years. I loved teaching the students there and traveling around the world. I returned to Ontario last year with my husband and daughter who is now 20 months. It has been great being home, but I am missing travelling and warm, sunny days!

I am excited to learn about all the different ways I can incorporate technology into the classroom. I consider myself a beginner when it comes to using technology into the classroom so I am eager to learn more.

Looking forward to this course and all the things I will learn- I've already expanded my technological knowledge with gaining a twitter account and this padlet!

Below:
In the Abu Dhabi desert :)
Nisha - wow - teaching for 8 years in Abu Dhabi - wow! You must have stories for stories... :) Great pic of the camel - I nearly had one of my own but couldn't take time off work to go to Egypt last May!! :( Congrats on your daughter and welcome! - Marla

Michelle Valentic

2018-04-04 00:12:42 UTC

Hey,

My name is Michelle Valentic, I am on the LTO list with Dufferin Peel! I am currently teaching grade 1 at St. Mary in Brampton! I live in Guelph but grew up in Mississauga! I went to Sheridan College for Early Childhood Education, after I graduated I moved to Australia. I completed my undergrad at Griffith University in Brisbane Australia! When I returned home I went to Charles Sturt University for teachers college. After teachers college I got hired as a DECE with Dufferin Peel and later got hired on to the supply list… and here I am today!

LOVES:

Spending time with my family and friends
Baking
Shopping
Teaching
Reading

I recently got engaged and I am planning my destination wedding in Jamaica!

Hi Michelle, congrats on the engagement! (THANK YOU) Gr. 1 is such a fun grade - but a big bridge to gap from kindergarten, no? I like your bullet list of "loves"...I'm with you on baking and shopping for sure (teaching goes without saying!) :) -Marla
PS: Do you or did you know a teacher named Natalie?

*********************************************************
I am new to the school this year... and there isn't a Natalie.. maybe she went to a new school ?!!?
-HUGE bridge to gap...... BUT one of the best bridges to gap <3 so much growth !!

I am taking this course in hopes to learn about different apps and different ways to incorporate technology within my class! I am fairly comfortable with technology however, I want to KNOW more and DO more!

Happy Learning,

Michelle Valentic

Sabrina's 411

sabrina_spadafora — 2018-04-04 00:13:11 UTC

Hi everyone!

I am a permanent teacher with the YCDSB. It will be ten years that I have been teaching and 9 at my current school. My first class that I taught at this school will be graduating from grade 12 this year...time really does fly!

I am on maternity leave so right now my placement is full time mom :-). I am enjoying every moment with my baby boy (our first child).

Prior to my leave my placement was 1/2, but I have been teaching grade 1 for the past 4 years. I love the little ones, but I'm feeling that it is a time for change.

A few years ago, I represented my school on the 21 Century Learning team. Each school has a team and we were fortunate to be given the first iPads and Macs. We would participate in services at the school board and later share with our colleagues.

I'm looking forward to learning more about the integration of technology in the classroom, specifically for primary grades. I have been using the D2L with my class and trying to be as paperless as possible.

Looking forward learning and sharing with everyone!

Sabrina
Congrats on your impending arrival Sabrina - you must be exhausted but happy all the time! My sister had a little one last August and it's busy but terrific. Glad to hear you're a real hands-on tech person and the pic of your son is adorable! - Marla

Intro

monika_l_maric — 2018-04-04 00:27:17 UTC

Hi Everyone!

My name is Monika Maric. I have been working for the HWCDSB since 1998. I have taught in the primary and junior grades, worked as the Language Resource Teacher, Special Education Resource Teacher, Central Resource Teacher for Learning Disabilities, as well as ASD, and am currently the Special Education and Applied Behaviour Analysis Consultant for the Board.

I am very much looking forward to the course. I have always been interested in how technology can support our learners. Being in special education in a fully-inclusive school board for the last 16 years, my focus for certain will be how I can continue to support students with special education needs in the classroom.

I look forward to working with everyone in the class!
Monika! Welcome to the course and you started basically when I did - doesn't seem that long ago, right???? There are many apps that you'll be exposed to that will assist with your current position and focus on special needs kids - Marla :)

A little bit about me! (Miki)

miki_bester — 2018-04-04 00:37:00 UTC

Hello everyone!
I am a permanent teacher with the WCDSB and started last September, however had a little baby boy in March, so I am currently on matleave/extended leave.

I have two wonderful and busy little boys, a 3 (soon to be 4) and a 1 year old! I am usually running around after them all day and LOVE every second!

I teach FSL for junior and intermediate and when I head back in September, would love to do so with a better grasp on how to incorporate more technology into the classroom and hopefully with a bundle of some new resources and tools to use!

I look forward to sharing and LEARNING from all of you!
HI MIki! Congrats on your permanent status! And congrats on the new addition! So exciting! How are you feeling? We're happy that you're here and hopefully when the kids are all sleeping...you can log on and learn some new things! ? :) Marla

Julia Sottile

2018-04-04 02:44:54 UTC

Hey everyone!

My name is Julia Sottile, and I am a 23 year old OT working in Ottawa for the OCDSB. I graduated Lakehead University in June 2017, and got hired onto the supply list November of 2017 (woohoo!). Although I am very new to teaching, I have learned so much and love what I do every day.

Some of my hobbies are;
- Travelling (I've been to more than 40 countries)
- Hanging out with my friends and family
- Playing sports
- Being outdoors
- TEACHING (of course)

I am really excited to learn about all of the technology and programs that can help teachers out there - I found there wasn't enough courses like this available at my university.
Can't wait to learn and play with all these new programs!
Julia! Hi there and thanks for sharing some things about yourself. Did you enjoy Lakehead? When did you find time to travel to 40 countries? Man! Congrats on making it to the supply list! - Marla

something about me :)

samaryammine78 — 2018-04-04 03:44:44 UTC

Hi everyone!

My name is Samar Yammine, I’m a French teacher with 15 years of international experience. I live in Burlington and my current position is a French immersion teacher for grade 2 at St. Benedict Catholic Elementary School, Milton (Halton Catholic District school Board). I love technology and I've been integrating it into my lessons for many years. I'm looking forward to learn new things and to benefit from the experience of you all and share all the information I have in return .

Thank you Marla in Advance !

Regards

Samar
Samar, welcome to the course - fellow Gr. 2 teacher! That's my current placement now and I LOVE IT. Your enthusiasm is obvious - glad you're here! - Marla

Hi guys, Took me awhile but finally figured out the Padlet. Anyway, I am a French Immersion teacher with the Ottawa Catholic School Board and have been for the past 6 years. We have a very large school at almost 700 (K-6) and work with the most wonderful staff. I have 3 boys that keep me on my toes and very busy along with work. I struggle with technology ( love/hate thing going on) so hoping to get a lot out of this course!Looking forward to learning with everyone.Susanne

currie_susanne — 2018-04-05 01:09:11 UTC

Suzanne! Welcome and I'm glad that you'll have some other FI teachers to bounce some new tech ideas off of! How old are your boys? - Marla

A bit about me.

38102 — 2018-04-05 03:06:52 UTC

Hi Everyone,
My name is Michelle and I am currently teaching grade 2 for the DPCDSB. I have been a permanent teacher for the past 11 years. Over the past few years, I have been experimenting with various technology in my classroom and I am always looking for something new, exciting, engaging, and most importantly...practical, as many of us try to make the most of our day and don't have much time to waste. This year I have implemented Google Classroom with my Grade 2's and I love it! And so do they! I have been using Twitter for the past 3 years and also have a portal to communicate with my parents as well. The reason why I decided to take this course is because I am opened to seeing what else is out there and to learning about what is effective in your classrooms.
Hi Michelle! I have a Gr. 2 colleague who also uses Google Classrooms and has her kids log in for 1 hour over the course of a week. Fabulous! Glad to see you're using Twitter and we'll try to add to your tech arsenal! - Marla

Hello Everyone!

2018-04-05 12:38:53 UTC

My name is Nicole Sciascetti! I am an occasional teacher for the Hamilton Wentworth Catholic District School Board.
From this course, I hope to learn new ways to integrate technology into the classroom on a regular basis. I have been exposed to different ways of using technology with being a supply teacher. My goal from this course is to be able to take these technology resources and be able to use them more comfortably.
I love spending time with family and friends. I love to cooking, baking and trying new things!

I am very excited and eager to start this course!
Nicole hi! You've got to tell us what new thing you've tried lately - I always say I'll try everything (within reason) - once...just to get the experience! Love your open-mindedness. Glad you're here! - Marla

Stephanie Conforzi

conforzis — 2018-04-05 14:01:30 UTC

Wow!! Took me over an hour to figure this out!! My name is Stephanie Conforzi. I am a new permanent hire with TCDSB. I work at St. Andre in a 4/5 class. Our school is very high needs and can be quite challenging, but the one thing that they love is tech!! I am taking this course so that I can better engage my students, which I believe will help with some of the behavior that I experience in class. Also, our students learning has changed so I am trying my best to change along with them.
I am a wife an mother to three amazing children. I will probably talk about my kids a lot because they teach me new things all the time. My kids are 16, 10 and 5 so there are age gaps!! I once had a candy table business, which was great, but the hours were hard with a family. I am looking forward to this course and working with everyone here!!
But Stephanie, the important thing is you did not waste an hour -now you know padlet, right? #win win.
:) WEre you at the recent orientation held at the board with NTIP? If so, I may have seen you...I was doing the welcome table and later on in the morning, the acronym game. But that will mean nothing to you if you weren't there...congrats on the new hire! - Marla :)

Getting to Know Amanda White...

2018-04-05 14:23:12 UTC

Hi Everyone!

I can be described as a wife, mom, dog mom, Kindergarten teacher, DIY lover and outdoor lover. I have been teaching for six years and just recently became permanent with my school board this past June. I am a Kindergarten teacher in a school I taught at for two years prior to becoming permanent. I have a busy classroom in a school with many behavioural needs but always love to find new ways to meet the ever changing needs of my students and implement technology along the way. With Kindergarten, documentation is so important and I love using this as a method of assessment, discussions, reflection and also communication with parents. I love learning new ways to use technology in the classroom and think this will be a great network to do just that!

I am currently off on maternity leave with my second baby. I have a son named Nolan who is 2.5. He is smart, curious, busy and passionate about what he wants as all two year old's are. He is all about cars, minions, hockey and Paw Patrol. He is a proud big brother to his sister Nora Mae who will be 4 months old this weekend. Nora is a vibrant, healthy and happy little girl who has settled nicely into our family. My husband Kyle and I have been married for 5 years and are currently renovating our dream home on the water while learning from our two babies each and every day.

I decided to take this course now as I want to have some fresh ideas when I return to work in the next school year. I find it challenging to take on anything extra during the school year as I am sure many of you can relate, so I thought this would be a great opportunity to do some networking, join a new learning community and challenge myself to learn something new while off with my babies this spring.

I look forward to learning from you all and alongside you all!
Hi Amanda! Although your hands (and heart!) are full these days (we can tell by the photo below!), it's great that you're taking on (yet) another challenge with this course. I respect that. And I hope that you gain so much (I know you will!). Cheers! - Marla

Romana Durrani

2018-04-05 22:40:33 UTC

Hi everyone, my name is Romana Durrani and currently I’m working with TCDSB as an LTO at Fr. Henry Carr School. I also work for DCDSB. I teach chemistry, biology and science. I live in North York. I am from Pakistan and have a teaching background of over 10 years.

I have three kids, all are school going. So, I am a busy mom. I love to hang out with my kids on weekends and cook food for them. I got my enthusiasm for my profession from my parents since both were teachers. I always look for new activities to make my lessons more engaging for the students.

I look forward to share my experience and learn new things from all of you.

Regards.

Romana Durrani
HI Romana! What special dishes do you like making for your family? And how old / what grades are they in? You've got a lot on the go but hopefully this course will provide some levity, maybe? :) - Marla

Looking foward to work with all of you-ML

2018-04-06 01:59:07 UTC

Hi everyone,

My name is Melissa Larocque, I teach Grade 10 and 11 French immersion and History classes in Ottawa.

I have over 6 years of experience and I love to take online classes to keep learning new tools.

I took this class for professional development in order to improve my professional practices, because I wish to become more efficient when introducing technology in my classroom.

I also took this class to improve my English language skills because one day, I would like to have a more important positions within the school itself, not just in the French department.
Hi Melissa, I love your photo - thanks for sharing! And you see that you're not the only FI teacher here..so there will be many chances to share, swap ideas and learn lots of new things. - Marla :)

Hello everyone!

2018-04-07 20:57:54 UTC

My name is Phil Carvalho and I have been working for the SMCDSB for the past 8 years. I'm currently working at St. Angela Merici Catholic Elementary school in Bradford, ON. for the past 3 years as a Grade 4 teacher. I've worked as a SERT, teaching Kindergarten and also teaching grades 3, 4 and 5. I love teaching the Jr. grades because I find the students bring an energy to the classroom and are always ready to learn.

I currently live Barrie with my wife and my son who is 4 and daughter who is 2. Balancing my career and home life can be a challenge at times because my wife works as a nurse and my son just started school as well, but I wouldn't change it for the world!

It's been such a great ride being an elementary teacher because I love how everyday my students come in eager to learn and they definitely pass on that passion to learn something new everyday. I took this course to further develop my skills and knowledge on how to include technology into my teaching practices on a daily basis. I feel that ever since I've started teaching, every year there has been something new to learn or use in my classroom and I would love to share what I have used and learned with others.

I'm looking forward to working with all of you!

Cheers, Phil Carvalho

Phil - welcome to the course! You sound totally busy and yet completely pumped - great! We need that from the lone y chromosome in the group! :) Glad you're here and looking forward to sharing new ideas with you - Marla