Interesting to see how teachers are re-defining the use of video games to engage students in learning. At the poster session I attended, the teacher used Minecraft to encourage students to solve geometry related questions. What did I learn? I learned that it is easier to come up with creative solutions to support student learning when you have a good understanding of your subject area and its curriculum expectations; and are open to learn from your students and capitalize on their interests.

2) TIPS FROM EXPERTS

The highlight of my experience at Connect this year happened in the foyer. I'm currently interested in learning more about how to gather and analyse qualitative data. I had spoken to a friend about that, and then he introduced me to a professor from Nipissing University, who was presenting at the Conference. Dr. T. Ryan took the time to show me some useful websites, and to give me some valuable tips on how to conduct research. For me, this experience emphasized : 

- The importance for us, as professionals, to identify our learning needs, so that we can have a focus that can guide us on the construction of our own knowledge;

- Professional Learning, unlike professional development, can happen anywhere. Seek, and you shall find!

3) INTERESTING 21st CENTURY PROJECTS

Sheridan College was showcasing a blog their students had created as a culminating activity. The blog had received a nomination for a well-known award in journalism, competing with nominees such as Times Magazine, New York Times.

Students were empowered throughout the project, making decisions about the theme of their journalistic investigation, type of artefact they had to produce,etc. Teachers mostly facilitated their learning. The results? Well, they speak for themselves. 

When the task is relevant and focuses on real-world current issues, plus is a result of students input/feedback, the quality of the artefact produced can surpass the teacher's expectations and have a real application in society. Students ARE capable to make a difference. We need to understand how to identify their needs, their talents, and create opportunities for them to fly high.

The Conference Participants

2.The session at which I learned the most was the Poster Sessions. I liked to see individual projects presented by various schools - many with students there to engage the audience. It was very inspiring to see the passion educators have for embracing technology - some creating sites such as Digital Human Library in their spare time - for free! Very inspiring indeed. It was amazing to make these connections.

3. My biggest learning take away was if we want students to be critical thinkers and creative collaborators, then we have to be too! Learning about the efforts of different school boards and educational institutions and making connections with educators from all over the province left me with a new professional learning network as well as many many ideas of how to continue to move forward to get my students to transform into 21st century learners. I always had to pause and think about the data presented by Fullan at the opening of the conference - the drop in engagement and interest as students entered high school was disheartening and depressing. But at the same time, it is exciting to think about how technology can change that.

5.Based on my attendance at Building Capacity and Changing Teacher Practice, I discovered I still need to learn more about D2L and all it has to offer as well as strategies to get my department and school colleagues on board toward implementing the NeXt lesson and creating the NeXt student.

7. I heard this quote at Connect: The Resume is Dead! and I've been thinking about it ever since. Technology allows my students to curate an online portfolio of their learning. Their learning becomes visible. This has the potential for each student to develop self-esteem and a sense of direction and accomplishment, that could make them enjoy learning a lot more. 

8.The presenter at Connect from whom I learned the most was the gentleman from the TDSB who presented Google Apps for Education journey at the TDSB because I use Google Apps a lot in my classroom and I was very interested to see how another school board had implemented GAFE at a system wide level and the success and challenges that came along with it.

I learned…  Was very interested in the Microsoft Session where they incorporated Yammer, Office 365 (Word and Excel) and Padlet into a learning situation.  As a user of Yammer at the Board, I learned how Yammer could be extended into a learning situation.

2.  The
session at which I learned the most was….and this is my learning…

Attended a session on Student Information Systems.  Having used Trillium for over a decade, I was learned how they integrated their system for use by the Ministry and all schools in British Columbia. 

Networking was crucial to this session as we learned from other school boards followed by an interesting conversation with a former employee of our SIS vendor.

4.  My
biggest learning take away was…

Using a combination of software not necessarily integrated to support the lesson.

5.  Based
on my attendance at the following session(s)…??????….I discovered I still need
to learn…

Yammer , Office 365 and to learn more about the SIS used by the schools in British Columbia.

1. I learned that the Connect conference professional conversations with colleagues and poster sessions were just as inspiring and informative as the lecture sessions. Being at the conference inspired professional growth and grew my PLN.

2. The session at which I learned the most was the D2L session and how the next phase of D2L is to create a single sign in and just seeing what wonderful things other boards are doing with the LMS and how they are making it work for them. Personalizing home screens, creating elementary and secondary student profiles for pedagogical reasons etc...

3. See pic of Michael Fullen and New Learning slide, this slide summed up what exciting innovative learning experiences for all students needs to be like

- Irresistably engaging for both students and teachers

- Elegantly efficient and easy to use

- Technologically ubiquitous 24/7

- Steeped in Real life problem solving

4. My biggest learning take away was seeing what other boards are doing with D2L and hearing about and meeting the representatives from other boards using D2L. Also I at the conference I met Kyle from Walker Industries who had a booth just across from our poster session. He became part of my Grade 4 and 5 class science inquiry about energy. We had a google hangout session with him where he explained what his company does and the students had a chance to ask him many questions about the environmental waste solutions his company provides.

5. Based on my attendance at the following session(s) Digital Portfolios I discovered I still need to learn about implementing ipad apps in the classroom.

6. This is a tweet I shared while I was at Connect (see below) because…@wrightsroom session was about inquiry based learning and to me the hardest thing about inquiry based learning is the assessment factor.

7. I heard this quote at Connect

Memorable moment while I was there:- During the session for Digital Portfolios, the presenter Tanya Avrith and a huge group of teachers attending yelled out the 'Resume is Dead' in response to the topic of students' digital foot print

8. The presenter at Connect from whom I learned the most was Tanya Avrith because she used a wide range of google apps and ipad apps to accomplish the goal of creating digital portfolios which is something that I continue to try and perfect.

Monika Meehan.  As I walked into the Connect 2014 conference, there was buzz in the air.  Having a large number of people who share a common interest in the same building is very powerful.  Everywhere I looked there were excited educators having conversations about what they had learned that was meaningful for them, and how they could use their new learning to improve their personal practice.  What I especially enjoyed were the poster stands.  I found that my most significant conversations took place within the free-form structure of these stands.  As an attendee of a poster stand, I was able to gravitate toward what was of interest to me, take in the information that I required, and then discuss with the presenters or my colleagues.  I found that these were the times where I experienced the “aha” moments because I was able to immediately dive into conversation rather than filing an idea in my head for later use which is what I find is often the case at more formal workshop presentations.

One of my biggest takeaways from the conference was the learning that came from listening to Mario Adessa.  From him, I learned that as an educator, you are part of a huge community.  This community is not only the colleagues that are around you each day, but also those who have an online presence.  I was very inspired by the edchats that Mario mentioned took place on twitter.  Knowing that there are like-minded educators around the world who have built a global network of learning is incredible.  I created a twitter account at the conference and my learning has continued as I read tweets from this global network daily.   

During the Connect 2014 Conference there was a lot of good food for thought. The topics were all enticing and the speakers were all so enthusiastic; it was challenging to decide where to begin. Each of the speakers that I listened to provided information that enabled me to think critically about educational practices.

One of the sessions that I thoroughly enjoyed was at one of the Poster Stand booths. There was a Grade 3 Educator who was sharing her experiences in the class and the various tools that she finds helpful in facilitating student learning. I learned that technology can be a very powerful tool in facilitating differentiated instruction in the classroom. Some of the apps that she was sharing allowed for students to deepen their understanding of topics at their level of comfort. Some of the apps that I recorded were: todaysmeet, easelly, twitter, piktochart, various word study apps, and stack the countries (to name a few).  I am continuing to experiment with some of these apps in my classroom and reflecting on the impact that it has on student learning.

I also attended the session that Mario Addesa held on Twitter. Prior to the Conference, I had used twitter before in a course I had taken and found myself often frustrated with the limited character ability of each message. After Mario shared his experience with Twitter and the power to connect globally and instantly with other educators, classes, etc. via Twitter, I decided to create another account again that day and give Twitter another chance. Over the past few weeks after the Connect 2014 Conference, I have been able to share my learning in the class with other educators via twitter and have begun to appreciate the positive impact twitter has had on my ability to learn from others through such a short message. It is amazing that only a few short words and a picture through Twitter can stimulate deep thought about education and learning around the world. It also made me think about how I may be able to use it next year in my classroom and focus on QUALITY of ideas rather than QUANTITY!

This conference has impacted my practice by exposing me to successes that other educators have had while using various apps, encouraging me to try new things and dive into unknown technologies, and continuing to question my practice with technology and my ability to positively impact student learning.

I learned that regardless of where you teach or what grade, there are similar struggles with the implementation of 21st century education. The similarity of problems across the board allows us to focus our discussions on various solutions with which engagement in a different caliber can take place. While talking with elementary colleagues, we shared our best practices and ‘what-works-best’ stories, giving a wide range of solutions and ideas. 

The conference started off with a great Keynote from Michael Fullan. After reading a number of his works, it was great to see what he had to offer in person. Although much of his discussion was based on the books I was familiar with, I was reminded of a great read by Peter Cole’s ‘Professional Development: A Great Way to Avoid Change.’ Cole’s premise is that the current professional development model needs to be revamped. The point that resonates with me is that teams, not individuals, change school cultures. The reason we were working together within this conference was to learn best practices to combat student disengagement, an area that researching like Cole speak to prominently. I look at my own daughter Sophia, who is 2 1/2 years old, and how excited she is to attend school. She has her Dora backpack ready to go and she’s set to learn. If Fullan is right, the longer she’s in school, the more she will not want to be there. How can an education system as great as Ontario’s hinder student excitement?

The session that I found especially interesting was the panel discussion between Google Apps and Microsoft Office 365. I have never been part of an informal panel discussion that had experts from both sides ready to debate and the audience ready to get involved. After a lengthy debate, it was clear that MS Office 365 had more effective and clear tools with which teachers can use in the classroom and between colleagues. The Peel Board seems to be fully invested with MS Office 365 and had a chance (at another session) to showcase its practical application, which was inspiring. Whether it’s Google Apps or MS Office 365, the trend towards cloud-based software and BYOD is gaining momentum. Working within a system that embraces online technologies will allow our students and teachers to work anywhere, on any device, and collaboratively. 

From the countless conversations at this conference, it is clear that the common problem of ‘how’ to enter the 21st century in education is truly common. The best aspect of each conversation was that each educator had a different solution and were interested in others. There is no ‘right’ answer, but a compilation of best practices that inspire the education world. The best part of this conference is that it didn’t feel like a conference, rather a conversation that is engaging and inspiring. 

The Tweet I chose to include is the one I posted (https://twitter.com/robertdaddario/status/467268941656891392) on ‘judgmental-ism.’ In his Keynote, Fullan showed this video, which we’ve all seen before. The message behind the video is that you cannot transform a system through abrasive techniques, but rather an understanding of the other person's position and negotiation.

It's amazing the amount of talent, creativity and ingenuity that all the participants from TCDBS have to offer

and are willing to share for the success of students. I am grateful to have worked along side many of you to

bring to life the powerful effects of the Student Led Learning Walk and how this simple practice brings communities

together all with student success and achievement at its core. I had the opportunity hear the session on, "The Resume is Dead"

which really has had me thinking of what I can do for my students to prepare them for the reality that their world will be a virtual one. I attended the

session on Mind-craft in the classroom which left me feeling unsure about trying it in my classroom. I would need to learn more about this before

fully implementing this strategy. It seemed pretty complicated trying to get it started for a whole class, but not unachievable.

I also listened to the poster session about "The Environment as the Third Teacher" which accredited some of the changes I have been making in

my own classroom in regards to the third teacher. My goal for next year is to continue focusing on the third teacher and bringing the NeXt lesson

alive through my classroom teaching practice, D2L, and naturally through the Student Led Learning Walk. This was truly a positive experience which

allowed me to make connections and has inspired me to continue to make small yet significant changes to meet the needs of today's learners.

I found the session on Microsoft 365 most useful. I would have preferred if the Microsoft sessions had more of a hands-on approach; nonetheless, it was very informative. I can see many of my staff adopting some of the features shared by Microsoft. Much like the Apple Store did to kick-start their business, I was happy to learn Microsoft is offering free workshops to teachers and their classes. I hope they will continue this offer for the 2014-2015 year. I have not had the opportunity to play with Padlet much, but I would like to test its pros and cons.

What a pleasure it was to attend the Connect 2014 Conference with my fellow Colleagues from the TCDSB 21st Century Committee. 

There were many workshops of interest at the conference and the one that I founfd most interesting was on “The Resume is Dead”; this was held by our very own Anthony Perrotta and Anthony Carabache. This presentation placed a whole new spin on the resume of the 21^st Century, giving us a whole new outlook and perspective of what employers look for and what they will be looking for in the cyberspace portfolio.

The conference also presented us with many opportunities to make connections with outside agencies that were more than willing to offer their services to school communities in a charitable manner. One such organization was RCT-Renewed Computer Technology, who were willing to supply students without access to technological resources at a considerably reduced price.  They also agreed to become a co-op partner, giving students a look at the inner workings of a vast technological industry.

Not only was this a way to engage in holistic learning among my pears, but it was a way for me to get to know them on a personal level as well. 

Thank you to Lori and Peter for giving me this opportunity to attend the conference!!!

I learned… the value of gathering as a community of educators around a common purpose each of us coming with our own goals, responsibilities and questions. While the conference presentations were informative it was the follow-up reflective and critical conversations that took place with colleagues that provided that greatest opportunity for posing questions, working through ideas and coming to greater understanding of the topics being presented. Dialogue surrounding inquiry based learning, the Third Teacher, the Flipped Classroom, use of Sesame for pedagogical documentation, Ipads in the classroom and Twitter as a tool for creating a professional learning network was inspiring.

The session at which I learned the most was Michael Fullan’s How the Use of Technology in the Classroom can transform instruction.  Fullan used video samples and graphics to inspire conversation among audience members.  He made some key points that resonated with me as an administrator.  When speaking about collaboration he indicated that when collaboration is high and one is very explicit about setting goals for learning, depth of learning follows.  Further, he spoke about “passion” in education. He made it clear that one cannot direct another to be passionate about something. Rather, he suggested, work on skill building, build capacity for success and the passion will follow. This seemed relevant to creating positive learning environments for both educators and students.

Biggest take away from Fullan’s presentation. When working toward a goal....Name it. Model it. Monitor it. Getting things done without judgement.  While on the one hand there is great enthusiasm related to 21C learning and integration of technological tools into the classroom, there can also be a resistance to change on the part of some of the stakeholders in education. By setting precise goals, modelling the steps needed to achieve them, being open to questions and concerns, and monitoring the process and outcome, positive change can occur.

The power of Twitter became quite evident as a tool for educators both in the classroom as teachers but most remarkably as a tool for connecting with colleagues.  The enthusiasm and excitement generated at the conference continued through the ongoing tweets and led into the next community focussed PD opportunity with the 21C Edcamp.

Conference inspired Tweets:

Maria Meehan@StBonaventureTO · May 8

Fullan - High collaboration + high explicitness = Depth #canedu14

Maria Meehan@StBonaventureTO · May 8

Fullan- Name it. Model it. Monitor it. Getting things done without judgment. #canedu14

Maria Meehan@StBonaventureTO · May 8

Inquiry based learning is an emotional ride. Key role for teacher is to monitor the emotional climate and build independence. #canedu14

Maria Meehan@StBonaventureTO · May 8

Student-created museum brings curriculum to life. Exhibits document the learning process and lead to more discoveries. #canedu14

The opportunity to converse with creators of Sesame and Prodigy provided insight into the creative process that goes into the design of an educational application. It was interesting to listen to the questions that were being asked of me as an administrator to inform their next steps of application development.  An interesting dialogue took place among TCDSB educators around the implications for educators as we integrate some of the applications into our classroom settings. Is technology steering education in a particular direction or is education making demands of the tech industry to provide tools to enhance learning that are consistent with our pedagogy?