Useful Online Tools for Ontario Teachers

In our Technology class we've discussed the different tools that can be used effectively to teach the Ontario Curriculum in our classrooms. I didn't know there were so many different types of interactive activities that Ontario Teachers had access to; for some we even have accounts that we're not aware of! It was an eye opening lecture as we learned how to effectively use these tools, and to be honest, because there were so many, I did feel a bit overwhelmed.

Every Teacher in Ontario has access to, and an account with, Bit Strips - a tool where you can create your own comics based on your learning goals and lessons, and where students can join the online community/class to create their own for consolidating their learning as well.

Notwithstanding how I felt when faced with so many new tools, these sites are extremely easy to navigate and use; even for us technologically-handicap teachers. Click here to view the different online tools and feel free to become familiar with them today! The slide for Bit Strips contains instructions on how to access and activate your free account to create a virtual classroom for your real-life classroom! You have absolutely nothing to lose, and so much to gain! If not for yourself, do it for yor students!

picture retrieved from: http://www.bitstripsforschools.com

Tech Show Case

I've been to the Technology Show Case on Friday, January 28th at Brock University.

Before going, I thought I'd be learning things I already know, and not get much out of it. I only registered for this Professional Development because it was a requirement for my class.

I was pleasantly surprised to see that my first session was extremely informative and helpful. Our speaker took us through Assessment via Smart Technology step by step. She showed us exactly how to set up, use, and implement the technology to its fullest potential by introducing different ways to asses with the different types of technologies. I was sad that the rest of the day's sessions were full, but I feel that I've learned a lot through that one session.

Technology, in MY point of view...

Call me a pessimist, but I'm a bit against the whole idea of "freedom of sharing information." My technology course instructor Zoe Branigan-Pipe shared in class the beauty of Google Docs and how it allows you to access your information/documents anywhere you are (as long as you have internet access) without having to carry around a USB key. As Nicole tweeted our instructor's hilarious joke about memory sticks, I did agree that online memory space creates a great advantage as well as convenience for us busy worker bees. However, the thought that an online conglomerate has access go all our information and files in their pool of "collection" generously contributed by its users.


I just find it unsettling to know that someone is overseeing all my information, and the information of others. Even if I label it as "private" the creators of that label could know how to work their way into private documents... It's the same thing as the new Roger's Home Security System. Your entire home is monitored by the technology in your home, and you are updated every time someone walks in or leaves the home. You can control your lighting, heating, and security stuff from your phone.. This means that the information is sent to Rogers Headquarters, and then sent to your phone.. Or vice versa. Either way, the Head Quarters is able to monitor the details of your lifestyle with out officially "intruding" into your private sphere.

I'm sure there are promises and policies that are there to protect users and customers of these technologies, but I'd like to see how other people find it first, and then maybe I'll bandwagon. :)