Poll Question
Do you have a 'classroom of the future' in your school?
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Dear Thought Leader,
Publisher Vodcast Welcome
 Welcome to the December MindShare Learning Report special, "Classroom of the Future," edition offering you the very latest in classroom innovation. We're also pleased to bring you this month's Cross Canada spotlight on the province of Saskatchewan featuring an exclusive podcast interview with deputy minister Audrey Roadhouse, who offers excellent insights to her province's 21st Century learning frameworks and ICT alignment across the curriculum.
This past month was without a doubt one of the busiest and most intense learning adventures I've experienced having attended back2back conferences in ECOO and Quest among other activities. Unfortunately, I unfortunately couldn't get to STAO, Educause and the Ontario Principals conference. It appears quite clear that education and industry do not have the "bandwidth" to handle all of these well intentioned events as the costs keep escalating and time becomes more precious. Does a national Canadian conference on leadership and innovation perhaps make sense? I'm continuing the conversation and welcome your thoughts.
The 30th ECOO Conference rocked, and Quest hosted by York Region District School is in my estimation is the best education leadership conference in Canada to date this year! Congratulations to Brenda Sherry, ECOO Chair and Bill Hogarth, outgoing Director of Education and their commitees' for an excellent job in hosting their respective conferences. Be sure to checkout the Publisher Vodcast where Bill Hogarth shares his reflections on his 16 years of leading York Region to become one of the best managed school boards in Canada.
Speaking of classroom innovation, K12 editor, Tim Gard recently reviewed one of SMART's hottest products in the SMART Table. Be sure to checkout Tim's review.
The countdown continues for Microsoft-MindShare Learning 21st Century Digital Classroom Challenge. The deadline date is Friday, January 15, 2010. We're thrilled to welcome Marci Ien, CTV Canada AM host & news anchor as our honourary judge. Teachers submitting their videos prior to December 31 will receive a $25 Amazon gift certificate. Be sure to catch the FREE webcast on the 'Secrets of their Success' in winning last year's Challenge. Join Markville Secondary School Teachers Mark Melnyk and Robert Cotey, Tuesday, December 8, 8pm EST for an online webinar. The following is the webinar link. Please mail me to confirm your space, robert@mindsharelearning.com
One of the highlights this month for me was presenting recently on an International panel at the SIIA EdTech Business forum in New York City.
Please be sure to checkout our generous sponsors' solutions via the links provided throughout our eMagazine. Season's Greetings! From our team to yours, here's wishing you and your family a safe and happy holiday season!
Until next time, keep the learning curve steep!
Cheers, R.
Robert Martellacci, M.A. EdTech
Publisher & Managing Editor, The MindShare Learning Report™
President, MindShare Learning™-- Connecting Education & Business to Support Student Success
 Before printing think about the Environment. Avant l' impression, il faut penser � l'Environnement. |
Title Sponsor
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Quotes of the Month
"As a parent, I know the difference an outstanding teacher can make in a child's life," said Prime Minister Stephen Harper. "As Prime Minister, I am grateful for the contributions of all Canadian teachers, and especially this year's Prime Minister's Award recipients, whose dedication and skills are enriching the lives of young Canadians across the country."
--Prime Minister Stephen Harper, On the Prime Minister's Awards for Teaching Excellence
"My Father, a career educator, told me every child can learn, but it's up to the teacher to find a creative way to engage their students," said Canada AM's News Anchor, Marci Ien. "I'm thrilled to be a part of a contest (Microsoft - MindShare Learning 21st Century Digital Classroom Challenge) that celebrates and takes creativity in education to a whole new level."
--Marci Ien, CTV Canada AM Host & News Anchor
"Frequent and unrestricted use of recreational video games may compromise academic performance. Several studies have shown that students of all ages who spend more time playing video games have lower grades than their peers who devote less time to video gaming."
-- Canadian Council on Learning, full report in K12 Headlines
"Another terrific issue (November MSL Report)! It gives the reader a much needed national perspective. Also the list of Funding Opportunities and of Upcoming Events are most useful."
--Maxim Jean-Louis, President and CEO, Contact North/Contact Nord
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Microsoft-MindShare Learning 21st Century Digital Classroom Challenge - 2009/10
Contest Entry Deadline - Midnight Friday, January 15, 2010
CTV Canada AM Award Winning News Anchor Marci Ien to serve as Honorary Judge in the Microsoft-MindShare Learning 21st Century Digital Classroom Challenge
The MindShare Learning Report today announces Marci Ien has agreed to serve as the honorary judge in the Microsoft-MindShare Learning 21st Century Digital Classroom Challenge.
"We're thrilled to have Ms Ien join our judges panel in this very important Challenge aimed at celebrating 21st Century Best Practices amongst teachers across Canada ," said Robert Martellacci, President & Publisher, The MindShare Learning Report. "I recall attending last year's national principal's awards where Ms, Ien served as master of ceremonies. She was an excellent host and spoke passionately about education."
 Marci Ien
Ms. Ien is the morning anchor for Canada AM and CTV Newsnet. She's also the back-up host for Canada AM and occasionally hosts CTV News with Lloyd Robertson.
"My Father, a career educator, told me every child can learn, but it's up to the teacher to find a creative way to engage their students," said Canada AM's News Anchor, Marci Ien. "I'm thrilled to be a part of a contest (Microsoft - MindShare Learning 21st Century Digital Classroom Challenge) that celebrates and takes creativity in education to a whole new level."
Ien affirms her connection to innovation in education saying; "My Father, a career educator, told me every child can learn, but it's up to the teacher to find a creative way to engage their students," said Ien. "I'm thrilled to be a part of a contest (Microsoft - MindShare Learning 21st Century Digital Classroom Challenge) that celebrates and takes creativity in education to a whole new level."
Marci
Ien began her journalism career at CHCH-TV in 1991. Her duties included news
writing for the late newscast as well as general assignment reporting. Ien's
news series Journey to Freedom, a look at the Underground Railroad,
earned her a Canadian Radio and Television News Directors' Award in 1995. In
1997, Ien made her national debut as part of CTV's news team in Atlantic
Canada. During her time there she covered stories including the crash of a
Swiss Air jetliner off Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia in 1998. A mom herself,
Ien is involved in several charities for children and educational
organizations.
To learn more about how to participate in the Microsoft - MindShare Learning 21st Century Digital Classroom Challenge, go to: www.mindsharelearning.com
Join our FREE Webcast Tuesday, December 8, 8pm "Secrets of their Success" in Submitting to the Microsoft - MindShare Learning 21st Century Digital Classroom Challenge with Mark Melnyk and Rob
--To Join the meeting: http://connect.yorku.ca/msl
If you have never attended a Connect Pro meeting before: Test your connection: http://connect.yorku.ca/common/help/en/support/meeting_test.htmGet a quick overview: http://www.adobe.com/go/connectpro_overview 
Congratulations to Adrienne Chong, Rob Cotey and Mark Melnyk of Markville Secondary School and Nathalie Campbell Rudner from Thornhill Secondary School, winners of the 2009 Prime Minister's Award for Excellence in Teaching. The Prime Minister's Awards program recognizes Canada's best teachers, promotes what they have achieved and shares their innovative and successful teaching practices.
The teaching team from Markville's History Department is celebrated for their innovative use of ICT in the classroom, and for giving students a voice while equipping them with the knowledge to become responsible and active citizens, both in the school community and the world.
Source:Leading Edge Newsletter,YRDSB
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Cross Canada 21st Century Provincial Spotlight on Saskatchewan
 Audrey Roadhouse
Deputy Minister of Education
Audrey Roadhouse is the Deputy Minister of Education for Saskatchewan. She came from the Regina Public School Board where she was Superintendent of Curriculum and Support Services. A career educator with experience across four provinces, she is the former Principal of Sheldon-Williams Collegiate in Regina. She holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Regina and a Masters Degree from Simon Fraser University. Her career has included teaching positions at several universities and management assignments in Saskatchewan's Ministry of Health. Audrey Roadhouse is well known for her strong commitment to the community. In 2004, she was recognized by the United Way of Regina for exemplary community leadership. Her service to community and spirit of volunteerism was recognized with the Canada 125 Commemorative Medal.
Saskatchewan - Education
Educational Technology
The Educational Technology is responsible for facilitating the preK-12 educational partners (STF, LEADS, SASBO, School Boards and the Ministry of Education) to work together on behalf of all school divisions to support teaching and learning with technology in Saskatchewan.
Coordinates:
� Provincial approaches to evaluation, procurement, and development of administration software and related resources
� Provincial licensing for software
� Web-based learning resource development projects (WBLRD)
� Technology integration projects
� Best practices and guidelines for technology planning
� Professional development activities using various approaches including mentorship, internship and technology symposiums
� E-journalism projects with students and teachers.
The
Saskatchewan Advanced Technology Association (SATA) is an advanced technology focused
industry association comprised of over 300 Saskatchewan companies. SATA
supports the emergence and growth of entrepreneurial companies to further
develop and strengthen the advanced technology industry in our province.
Research and Innovation in SaskatchewanSaskatchewan Scholarship of Honour Recipients RecognizedCampusSask 24/11/09Premier Brad Wall held a special luncheon today to recognize the 11 inaugural recipients of the Saskatchewan Scholarship of Honour, which shows our admiration and respect for the sacrifices of Saskatchewan men and women serving in the Canadian Forces. "The Scholarship of Honour recognizes all individuals who stand up for peace and freedom with courage and dedication," Wall said. "Our government is pleased to bestow this scholarship on Saskatchewan's returning soldiers, and the sons and daughters of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice."
Construction begins on the Knowledge Infrastructure Project at SouthEast Regional College
SaskGov 20/11/09
Work on the Saskatchewan Energy Training Institute
Centre of Excellence at Southeast Regional College got underway today following
a sod-turning ceremony held at the College's Estevan campus. This $14.2 million
project will enhance facilities for skills and safety training in the energy
sector. This project is part of the $55 million the
province is contributing under the Knowledge Infrastructure Program (KIP)
announced in June 2009.
U of S Appoints New Vice-President Research
CampusSask 19/11/09
Following an extensive international search, Dr. Karen Chad, an award-winning kinesiologist, has been appointed Vice-President Research at the University of Saskatchewan, effective Jan. 1.The five-year renewable appointment was announced today by U of S President Peter MacKinnon following approval by the Board of Governors. Chad is currently Acting Vice-President Research.
This new resource supports educators in
providing a positive experience for kindergarten children.
Queen Mary Community School in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan one of 12
Canadian educators recently honoured at Microsoft's Worldwide Innovative Education
Forum
in Salvador, Brazil. The teachers were recognized for their work integrating
technology into the classroom to prepare students for tomorrow's workforce and
for a lifetime of learning.
Microsoft Zunes and Math Project - Leanne Tretiak's Unique Math Initiative
Queen Mary Community School in Prince Albert, Saskatchwan
Leanne's
project uses Microsoft Zunes to extend learning beyond her classroom walls by
allowing the teacher and students to create, share, and view video podcasts of
their math lessons and learning. The project makes the Zunes on demand carriers
of portable information. The project begins by creating video podcasts to
support the lessons Leanne present to her students. They contain the "meat and
potatoes" of the instruction. Students then have the opportunity to sign out
the Zunes so they can listen and view the podcasts not only while completing
their assignments, but while working on their homework. The ability to take the
Zunes home enable students to experience the lesson as many times as necessary
so that they can complete their assignments at home. As well, it also enables
them to share their learning with their parents, and to help "teach" their
parents the renewed Math. (Saskatchewan is in the process of implementing a
renewed Grade 5 Math curriculum) It also allows parents to view a "mini-lesson"
of the original lesson. This helps parents to better understand the new ways
math concepts are being taught and enables them to be more effective when
helping their children at home with homework. |
Funding Opportunities of the Month
New Fund Managers to boost B.C. Tech SectorB.C. Gov 27/11/09
VANCOUVER - The BC Renaissance Capital Fund (BCRCF)
has enlisted entrepreneurial leaders in the world of investment capital as its
new fund managers to invest in British Columbia's promising technology
businesses, said Small Business, Technology and Economic Development Minister
Iain Black today.
Government of Canada Invests in New Research Partnerships for Colleges and Communities and Creates the Jobs of Tomorrow, TodayNSERC 27/11/09
Nine colleges will work with their communities and local businesses to get new innovations from campuses into the marketplace where Canadians can benefit from them. The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), today announced funding for the projects under the College and Community Innovation (CCI) Program.
A "Green" Feather in Canada's Cap Heading to Copenhagen Climate Conference
Canada's Advanced Research Network, CANARIE, announces funding for the world's first wind and solar-powered Internet network
CANARIE 27/11/09
When we think about the biggest producers of carbon emissions, we often
focus on the usual suspects, such as coal-burning power plants, car exhaust,
even indirect culprits like deforestation and energy over-consumption.
Government of Canada -- Funding Guide for International Science
and Technology Cooperation
With increased globalization and
international opportunities for research, the process of identifying potential
sources of funding can be a time consuming exercise. The Funding Guide for
International Science and Technology Cooperation guide aims to serve as a
resource for Canadian researchers and scientists. The mission of the guide is
to encourage, facilitate, and promote basic and applied research.
University Canada West Welcomes the World with $1 Million
in Scholarships
More than 500
scholarships available to 2010 high school grads around the world
UCAN 04/11/09
When $1 million is
up for grabs, the competition is sure to be steep. High school students from
around the world are invited to submit their application to receive up to
$25,000 for tuition at University Canada West (UCAN).
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K12 Editor
Classrooms of the Future...
The theme of this edition seems to suggest that we
know what classrooms in the future will look like. Well, we're not
futuroligists. In fact, we're more about probability than actuality. No one can
tell you what the future will hold in general, let alone what classrooms of the
future will look like. Indeed, it seems that all of these postulates will rise
and fall on many different probabilities, or possibilities. For instance, what
will the Internet look like in 5 years? Regardless, read on and find out what
some educators are doing now to shape the classrooms of the future. If the
future is what we make it, then we need to get on with shaping our classrooms
in such a way that they meet the needs of our society in innovative ways! The
future is now!
Timothy Gard, K-12 Editor
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ESRI Canada's GIS Solutions Receive Top Marks From Newfoundland and Labrador Schools
Directions Mag 01/12/09
ESRI Canada today announced that all K-12 district school boards under
the Newfoundland and Labrador Ministry of Education, the College of the
North Atlantic (CNA) and Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) have
secured separate five-year education site licenses to access ESRI
Canada's geographic information system (GIS) solutions for use in
education, research and administration. In effect, more than 37,000
students in the college and university level, and more than 72,000
students from kindergarten to grade 12 in the province's
publicly-funded schools can leverage GIS to improve critical thinking,
problem solving, spatial awareness and analytical skills.
Epson Launches All-In-One Presentation Tool
Captivate any classroom with multimedia made easy.
Epson 25/11/09
Blow your students away with the
Epson PowerLite Presenter, the ultimate experience in multimedia classroom
presentations. Affordable and convenient, this portable projector/DVD player combo makes teaching exciting, and
learning cool. Now, there's no need to fit a projector, DVD
player and speakers all on a small classroom cart. The PowerLite Presenter has
it all, including two 10 W speakers with virtual Surround Sound, microphone
support to help preserve the presenter's voice, and built-in closed captioning
capabilities. WXGA resolution turns everyday lessons and classroom
demonstrations into larger-than-life adventures when displaying content from
widescreen notebooks. And, this powerful teaching tool supports a whole host of
input devices, giving you more options for instruction. Impress your tech-savvy
students by connecting to a camcorder, digital camera, iPod� or gaming console.
Even setup is a breeze with USB Plug 'n Play connectivity. Or, use
a USB memory device to display JPEG slideshows without a computer. The
affordable PowerLite Presenter is the perfect choice for any classroom,
transforming multimedia presentations into exciting events that leave a lasting
impression.
The Video Game Debate: Bad for Behaviour, Good for Learning?
CEA 18/11/09
In 2001, the Canadian Education Association concluded that "technology has become
an accepted fact of life and education." Nearly a decade later, digital
technologies continue to evolve rapidly and video games are no exception. While
the popularity of video games among children is undeniable, the debate about
the risks and benefits of gaming remains unresolved. Increasingly though,
research suggests that appropriate use of recreational and educational video
games can facilitate learning and the development of important skills.
Education
Explorations for Children Program in Partnership with Vancouver 2010 Olympics
& CSA
ABEL 17/11/09
Looking for a meaningful way to connect your math or science class
with the community? Consider participating in the Education Explorations for
Children program.
The West
Vancouver Community Centre Spirit Square, an official 2010
Celebration Site for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, is
collaborating with the Canadian
Space Agency (CSA) to participate in the Education Explorations for Children
program. This is a 5-week program (from February 15 to March 21, 2010).
It includes the debut of a highly interactive "Sports in Space" exhibit from
the CSA and other space-themed activities.
Canadian Teachers honoured at worldwide Innovative Education Forum in Brazil
Microsoft award given to teachers who use technology in innovative ways to improve student learning
Microsoft 09/11/09
Twelve Canadians were among more than 250
teachers from around the world honoured last week at Microsoft's Worldwide Innovative Education Forum in Salvador, Brazil. The teachers were recognized
for their work integrating technology into the classroom to prepare students
for tomorrow's workforce and for a lifetime of learning
Calgary and area school boards honoured for job well done.
Alberta Learning 06/11/09
Ten school boards in
and around Calgary are receiving an award recognizing their leadership teams
for outstanding work that contributes to student success.
"Success is the result
of having clear, measurable objectives and great leadership. Nowhere is that
more apparent than with Alberta's school board trustees and superintendants",
said Minister of Education Dave Hancock.
Ontario's school funding is falling behind: study
CCPA 04/11/09
Ontario's per student school funding places the
province far behind most peer jurisdictions in North America, according to a
comprehensive study released today by the Canadian Centre for Policy
Alternatives (CCPA).
No Time for Complacency:
Education Funding Reality Check ranks
Ontario in 46th place compared to American states and ninth among Canada's 13
jurisdictions.
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30th Annual ECOO Conference Reflections (Part 1) Inspire, Connect, Teach
As a proud sponsor of the 30th Annual ECOO conference, the
MindShare Learning Report is pleased to bring you Part 1 of the ECOO Conference
Reflections and Highlights.
 To continue the 21st Century learning conversation and
connect with the ECOO learning
community, go to www.ecoo.org
 Vodcast Interview with Conference Chair, Brenda Sherryby Robert Martellacci
MindShare Learning was a Proud Sponsor of the 2009 ECOO Vendor Awards
Congratulations to the following Winners
who entered the MindShare Learning exhibit4 draw:
1.
netTrekker one-year subscription (Value $1,700), Tina
Zita, Teacher, Peel DSB
2.
NECTAR Single User License of any NECTAR product, Ted
Weltz, Principal North Eastern DSB, Timmins, Ontario
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K12: Ask a Teacher?
 Leon Lenchner
"What will the Elementary Classroom of the Future look like?"
I greet my Grade 4/5 students as they enter the classroom on this Monday morning. I ask Lukka and Karema if they have forgotten their homework. Lukka tells me that he has uploaded his video presentation to the class website. Karema informs me that her connection was down last night. Then she tells me to relax as she smartly waves her 'terabyte of memory', USB key at me. I am so relieved that we still have the ability to use physical media to store our work. Sophie and Rehan, two of my students, mention that they are off to the office for morning announcements. I bid them well...
My classroom is located between two other Grade
4/5 classrooms in a short corridor. Once they have entered the room, my class
of 20 students independently 'number off' as they self manage their attendance.
They inform me that five students are absent. We know that Sophie and Rehan are
present and on duty. Joanne, we know is in the hospital and two of my students
will be 'skypeing' her later in the morning to fill her in on the day's
activity. Mira is traveling in India
and is enrolled in our Board's virtual online course that has been developed
with iNACOL principles in mind (2009).
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Green IT
BC Green Games is a Province-wide competition for Students
BC Green Games is a province-wide competition for students, designed to
motivate environmental action, enable sharing, and reward and celebrate the
green efforts of schools in B.C. View the prize-winning projects and register
your school to participate. $22 000 in prizes available.
Solar for Schools Program
Solar for Schools
Program provides grants to school districts for
installing solar hot water systems on school roofs.
Green School Grounds
Link
Welcome! Toyota Evergreen Learning Grounds helps schools create outdoor classrooms to provide students with a healthy place to play, learn and develop a genuine respect for nature.
� Funding is available to publicly-funded Canadian schools and not-for-profit daycares.
� Schools can apply for funding from $500-$2,000; daycares from $500-$1,000.
� Applications are accepted starting September 4, 2009.
The final deadline is January 15, 2010. All applications must be postmarked by January 15, 2010.
� APPLY EARLY. FUNDS OFTEN RUN OUT BEFORE THE FINAL DEADLINE.
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Hardware Review: SMARTTECH's SMART Table
 Timothy Gard
Educator, Toronto District School Board
Timothy
Gard has had over a decade of hands-on involvement with
students and teachers in information and communication technology. He
loves innovative ideas and taking risks, integrating technology across the curriculum
and engaging students in the ever-changing world of technology. He
currently teaches media literacy and technology at Ecole Sir Adam Beck J.
S. in the Toronto District School Board.
It was heart-warming,
to say the least; six students in a special education context gathering around
a unique educational tool. It was heart-warming for several reasons. Firstly,
the students were engaged in finding out what they could do with this device,
and secondly because almost instantly I could see that cooperation was ruling
the discourse. You can't get this thing to work without cooperating. Well, you
can, but it's not nearly as fun! The tool in question of course, is SMART's
multi-touch surface table, aptly named the SMART Table. We were - my school -
fortunate enough to have Advanced Presentation Products[1]
lend us the table for just over a week. Suffice it to say, many were elated at
the chance to work with a product that was 'future-like' and involved
technology that wasn't readily available in a typical school context, even the
most tech-savvy school contexts.
[1]Thanks
toTeresa Greco for her introduction to the product
and to Advanced
Presentation Products for letting us borrow it!
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Post Secondary Education
As part of our innovative practices, each month we will profile a "Visiting Professor"
21st Century Podcast Interview with Dr. Alec Couros, Assistant Professor, ICT Coordinator, The University of Regina, Information and Communication Technologies
Dr. Alec Couros
Assistant Professor, ICT Coordinator
University of Regina V odcast Interview with Robert Martellacci. President & Publisher, The MindShare Learning Report
Dr. Alec Couros is a professor of educational technology and media and
the Coordinator of Information and Communications Technology at the Faculty of Education , University of Regina.
Alec also serves as the Assistant Director of the Saskatchewan
Instructional Development and Research Unit. Alec is scholar and
advocate of openness in distributed learning environments. He has given
hundreds of workshops and presentations, nationally and
internationally, on topics such as openness in education, social
learning, instructional design, digital citizenship and critical media
literacy. Alec blogs at http://couros.ca.
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21st Century Classroom of the Future Spotlight
Epson Technology Helps Improve Classroom Dynamics at George Harvey C.I. in the TDSB
Keeping
high school students engaged is always a challenge. But when your students
represent more than 60 countries and 50 languages the challenge can seem
insurmountable, at least to some. Not so forAnthony Vandyke,
principal of George Harvey Institute in Toronto. He decided the best way to
engage students was to transform the school into a leading-edge facility with
technology seamlessly integrated into daily learning. Central to this concept
was his decision to install 10 Epson PowerLite 400W projectors with
accompanying SMART board interactive technologies, thereby allowing for greater
collaboration amongst teachers and students and increasing student engagement
and participation. Teachers credit the projectors for enhanced classroom
dynamics and helping to better prepare them for the 21st century
workplace.
Digital Immersion - Science!
Students at an experimental Grade 9 science class in B.C. use laptops to research and share information on the Internet.
One of the World's First SMART/Pearson Digital Bracelet Projects Launched in Canada - by Teacher Kris Odette, SCDSB
About Kris Odette - Mr. Odette is a Simcoe
County District School Board. He is married to Valerie Odette, a fellow
intermediate teacher, and they live in Barrie
with their two daughters, Alyssa, 3, and Ashley, 1. Now in his ninth year of
teaching, he has consistently increased the amount of technology and media used
within the classroom. Just as SMART Boards were being introduced into the
classroom, Kris embraced this opportunity whole-heartedly to increase
global-education and initiate student-directed instruction to enhance student
achievement. In the past four years, he has dramatically shifted his teaching
style to include technology, which directly correlates to higher student success
and achievement.
 Children
live and interact in a multi-media, multi-tasking world and for me not to teach
being aware of that or nurturing that would be doing an injustice to my
students. I believe that children, hand-in-hand with technology, are the future
and in order to best prepare our children we must remain on the cutting edge of
technology and incorporate that into their learning. I have steadily increased
my knowledge, training, and execution of technology in the classroom over my
nine years of teaching. What began with using a tape recorder nine years ago
has lead to consistently using up to 3 SMART Boards and 15 computers in one
classroom to integrate student-led, technology based, curriculum linked
learning. I have made a conscious shift from direct teacher led instruction
using almost solely pencil-paper to student led, differentially instructed
experimental discovery almost completely paperless.
The Classroom of Tomorrow:
Students as Media Producers by Ben Hazzard
Ben Hazzard is a Program
Consultant for the Lambton Kent District School Board. Recognized with
national and international awards, he enthusiastically engages teachers in
conversations about using appropriate pedagogy and powerful technology tools in
the classroom Most mornings, as the sun rises, you will find him in line for a
slice of Canadian heaven called a Tim Horton's coffee.
Students, with readily accessible technology
tools, are using cell phones, laptops, and social media websites to become
producers in their personal life. Education is struggling to keep up and
often a key nexus of this area of growth and challenge is visible in how
classrooms can embed, or don't embed, media literacy. This is best taught
through experience, as student don't just dissect the media but create new
media with the information communication technology in projects embedded across
content areas.
Recently there was a Pan-Canadian MECY &
ManACE Media Literacy Event on November 2nd, 2009 in Winnipeg. Presenters
were in person and via Skype. These presentations were in an Ignite
format, which is 20 slides with 15 seconds per slide set to autoplay.
This equaled 5 minutes of fast paced, focused sharing. In the context of
professional learning for educators, Ignite presentations kick start a focused
sharing of ideas to kick start a conversation.
The
MECY & ManACE Media Literacy Event on November 2nd, 2009 in Winnipeg is
available online: here
Building
a Sustainable Framework for the Classroom of Tomorrow
Text
and photos by Cathy Phillips, Director of Technology Strategy, The Learning
Partnership and MindShare Learning Report Advisory Board Member
 Valletta, capital of Malta, 2009
Thirteen years ago on a damp, misty morning in December, I watched the Maltese archipelago disappear behind a dense layer of grey cloud. It was almost as if it had never existed. Yet I knew it did indeed exist, for the islands had been my home for fourteen months while I helped the Maltese government organize their program of bringing computers into State Primary Schools for the very first time.
Last month, it was indeed a joyful reunion when my husband and I left the frigid Z�rich air and emerged into the balmy evening breezes at Malta International Airport.
Josephine, the Education Officer for Primary Education who spearheaded the program along with other colleagues at the Ministry, met us at the airport. Although Jo is now retired, she is still very involved with education on the island and quickly brought us up to speed. Those thirteen years rapidly melted away as we listened to Jo explain how the project has progressed in the interim.
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Post Secondary Education Feature Headlines
Quality Post-Secondary Education in Canada: How Can we Know?CCL 24/11/09Although the majority
of Canadians think our country's post-secondary education (PSE) sector is doing
a good or excellent job delivering quality education many are not sure what is
meant by quality in PSE, says a new articleby the
Canadian Council on Learning (CCL).
Sheridan Grads Win Top Awards at enRoute Film Festival
The results of the 2009 Air Canada enRoute Film Festival
are out, and two recent Sheridan graduates are among the top winners.
Sheridan College 22/10/09
The
results of the 2009 Air Canada enRoute Film Festival are out, and two recent
Sheridan graduates are among the top winners. Jake Chirico won the Best
Documentary Award for Freshwater Plague, which he directed, while Alain
Huynh received the Achievement in Animation Award for Intermedium.
Northern College Presidents discuss UArctic Canada with federal officialsUArctic 16/11/09 Presidents of Aurora College (NWT) and Nunavut
Arctic College (Nunavut) as well as University of the Arctic (UArctic)
representatives in Canada will be meeting with the Government of Canada to
discuss the establishment of UArctic Canada - a non-profit consortium of
Canadian UArctic members.
iClicker announces Interactive Distance Learning with New Satellite Systemiclicker 14/09/09
iclicker
Trial at University of British Columbia's Distributed Undergraduate Medical
Program Engages Students Regardless of Geographic Restrictions.
Imagine
being a student 500 miles away, or even an hour and a half ferry ride, from
your university's main campus, but still able to participate and collaborate
with your professors and fellow students.
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Post Secondary Education: Upcoming Events
Event: ....... Online EDUCA Berlin
Date: ......... December 2-4, 2009
Location: ... Intercontinental Hotel, Berlin
Event: ....... International College Teaching and Learning Conference
Date: ......... January 4-6, 2010
Location: .... Orlando, FL
Event: ....... FETC 2010Date: ......... January 12-15, 2010 Location: .... Orlando, FL Event: ....... Ontario Library Association's Super Conference 2010
Date: ......... February 24-27, 2010 Location: ... Toronto, ON |
Career Opportunities
 
The
Value of Advertising with Education Canada Network and the MindShare Learning
Report
Since
1996, Education Canada Network has remained
Canada's Premier online education job board. We have helped over 1,200 education employers from across
Canada realize more efficient and cost-effective recruiting
of their teachers and other education professionals. Over 4 million
teachers and other education professionals visit our website each year to
locate and apply to the over 55,000 jobs posted annually. Thousands of
education professionals are hired each year from the advertisements posted on
our website.
With
the upcoming spring recruiting time fast approaching us we encourage you to
consider advertising any of your Education Technology positions with Education
Canada Network and the MindShare Learning Report. The value in advertising with
our two channels includes:
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Your
job will be posted in the monthly issue of MindShare Report as well as on
Education Canada Network and TeachingJobs.com (www.teachingjobs.com),
-
Your
advertisement will reach over 400,000 education professionals,
-
Your
employer profile will be seen on ECN,
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You
will have the ability to upload any application or other recruitment forms for
job seekers, and
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Highly
affordable with advertising packages starting at $495.00 plus GST. Post
a job in the January Edition of the MindShare Learning Report and receive a
$100 discount.
For
more information or to place an advertisement in the next issue of the
MindShare Learning Report visit us here or
email us here.
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Research and Innovation
State of the Nation: K-12 Online Learning in CanadaCeLEA 22/11/09
iNACOL - The International Association for
Online K-12 Learning recently released a new report entitled 'State of the Nation:
K-12 Online Learning in Canada.
Embracing Diversity: Toolkit for Creating Inclusive, Learning-Friendly Environments
3 specialized booklets This toolkit contains an introductory booklet and nine Booklets
(including three specialized booklets), each of which contains tools and
activities for self-study to start creating an inclusive, learning-friendly
environment (ILFE). Some of these activities ask reader to reflect on what
his/her school are doing now in terms of creating on ILFE, while others
actively guide reader in improving his/her skills as a teacher in a diverse
classroom.
Education Indicators in Canada Post-Secondary Enrolment and GraduationCMEC 10/28/09
In the Learn Canada 2020 declaration, ministers of
education underlined "the direct link between a
well-educated population and (1) a vibrant knowledge-based economy in the 21st Century, (2) a
socially progressive, sustainable society, and (3) enhanced personal growth opportunities for all Canadians."
Corporate Learning & Technology Spotlight
The US Market for Self-Paced
eLearning Products and Services: New Report from Ambient Insights
CeLEA 24/11/09
From
Workplace
Learning Today,
announcement about a new industry report that, among other interesting
information, estimates the size of the US market for self-paced elearning
products and services at US$16.9 B in 2009, with forecasted growth to US$23.9 B
by 2014.
I recently came across the LearnTrends online
recorded conference thanks to George Siemen's weekly report. I highly recommend
you checkout the FREE recorded sessions if you're focused corporate learning.
LearnTrends 2009 - The Corporate Learning Trends and Innovations Conference
November 17-19, 2009 Free Recorded Sessions
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Bits and Bytes
A
Room with a View!
MindShare Learning advisory board member
Cathy Phillips shared a pic from her return trip to Malta recently where she
was able to observe the fruits of her labour in helping design a "classroom of
the future model."
The photo above
was taken from her balcony overlooking the beautiful Balluta Bay in St.Julians.
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MindShare Musings..."The Connectors, Leaders and People on the Move"
Making connections is a big part of what we do in furthering the 21st Century learning movement in Canada. I was fortunate to be inspired by many excellent education and industry leaders both at online and F2F conferences this past month. Most recently, I was honoured this week to present at the SIIA Business Forum in NYC on the International panel where over 200 EdTech industry leaders from around the world gathered to explore "Growing Globally." It was great to connect with an number of TLC alumni including Brenda Raker (The Greaves Group), Kathy Hurley (Pearson) and Peter Ramsdell (TextHelp). MindShare Learning clients (current and past) on hand included, GlobalScholar, SMART Technologies, netTrekker, Blackboard, and Learning.com. Canadian companies on hand included, SMART Technologies, AutoSkill and AutismPro. Canada needs to get in the global market game. Congrats to Karen Billings, SIIA VP, Education Division and her team for their innovative leadership in hosting such an excellent future visioning event.
It was a pleasure meeting Jim Rosso, Ed.D at SIIA, fellow Pepperdine University MA EdTech alum -- Cadre 1.
Continuing on the conference connecting front, ECCO and Quest conferences provided an outstanding F2F professional learning forum. It was great to finally meet Internationally renowned, Michael Fullen and his associate Tony Mackay (AZ/UK), who facilitated some of the sessions at the Quest conference hosted by York Region District School Board and sponsored by the province of Ontario. Bill Hogarth's tribute reception attended by over 800 guests was a who's who in the Ontario K12 education space that included Ontario Kathleen Wynne, Ontario education minister as a tribute speaker. Former deputy minister Avis Glaze and colleague to Bill commented, "Bill's leadership in Ontario has been legendary." Be sure to tune into the Publisher Vodcast to catch my interview. Bill emphasized the Quest conference was born as a result of wanting to generate dialogue and exploration around what other districts in Canada and around the world are doing as a bench marking exercise for York Region's DSB. Mr. Hogarth will be missed for his passion and strong leadership. How about organizing a national Quest conference now that you have time on your hands?
The York Region District School Board is very pleased to announce that Mr. Ken Thurston will be the new Director of Education, effective January 1, 2010.
Good chatting with Dr. David Vogt, UBC, who recently launched his newest venture, CrowdTrust. Gleanr is the branded solution that enables you to easily capture everything that matters in your digital life, and to channel your interests and knowledge with friends, colleagues and the world. Gleanr offers great potential for capturing education related knowledge. Here's the link.
More news from B.C. Chris Kelly's replacement is expected to be announced this week. Associate superintendent Laurie Anderson has been acting superintendent. Chris Spence, Director of Education TDSB continues to make his mark in the media. Checkout the following TVO linkCheckout this great resource site for school technology leaders that comes from the province of Alberta http://www.satir-ritas.org/ Please be sure to share your news and success stories. Until next time, walk the digital talk! Robert Martellacci, M.A. EdTech
 Before printing think about the Environment. Avant l' impression, il faut penser � l'Environnement. |
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Advisory Board Members
The MindShare Report is grateful of the guidance and support provided by our esteemed advisory board. Members include:
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Dr. Greg Malszecki, Department of Kinesiology & Health Sciences, York University
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Dr. Ron Owston, Director, Institute for Research on Learning Technology, York University - Dr. Eric Hamilton, Associate Dean of Education, Pepperdine University, Graduate School of Education and Psychology
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Cheryl Paige, Principal, Joyce Public School, Toronto District School Board - Jamie McNamara, Superintendent of Schools, St. Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic Schools, Leduc, Alberta
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Joni Turville, B.Ed, M. Ed (Instructional Technology), Educator, AISI Coordinator, St. Albert Protestant Schools
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Timothy Gard, Educator - Media Literacy & Technology, Toronto District School Board
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Cathy Phillips, M. Ed., Director, Round Table on Technology, The Learning Partnership
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Ron Sedran, MD, Equity Capital Markets, Canaccord Adams
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Marty Keast, President, Pearson Learning K-12 Canada
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David Marsi, AVP, Learning & Development, Invesco Trimark
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Chip Fesko, Sr. Director of Advertising & Strategic Alliances, George Lucas Educational Foundation, Edutopia Magazine |
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About Us
The MindShare Learning Report team is made up of the following individuals:
About The MindShare Learning Report™ -- Canada's Leading, Learning & Technology eMagazine.
Our mission is to transform education by sharing knowledge of 21st Century innovative best practices and success stories in the Canadian education market space and beyond. We harness the power of Web 2.0 technologies to feature engaging Vodcasts, podcasts, polling, Canadian educational technology news headlines & upcoming strategic industry events in the K-12, Higher Ed and corporate eLearning market segments. Other elements of the MSL Report eMagazine include: successful practices, ask an educator, ask a professor, research & tech tools, GreenIT and career listings, to support educators and educational technology providers in maintaining a pulse for emerging trends in Canada. http://www.mindsharelearning.com/report
Annual subscriptions to the MindShare Learning Report can be purchased at $99 CDN
About MindShare Learning
MindShare Learning is a privately held company based in the Greater Toronto Area, Canada. Its hallmark is providing strategic marketing solutions to learning & technology solution providers in the K-12, HED and corporate learning markets, to support new market expansion and revenue growth. MindShare Learning's partial client list includes: Adobe (Macromedia), Blackboard Inc., EPSON, GlobalScholar, Learning.com, RM PLC UK, Softease Ltd. UK, netTrekker, IMSI (ClipArt.com), CERC (Canadian Education Resources Council), Tech4Learning, Xoolon, NECTAR Foundation and ERDI Canada. http://www.mindsharelearning.com | |
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