TEDxCK was a huge success. There were an overwhelming amount of ideas and inspiration shared by community members from all industries. I was even introduced to a group of developers who are working on a Maker Movement right here in Chatham. There were singers, comedians, doctors, authors, start-up people, and of course people from LKDSB. […]
There you have it – COPD. Choose your own PD. Yesterday I received the following tweet: Dear #PLN, who might be interested in sharing their expertise on assessment with some colleagues? Would you, @mraspinall , @kmalandruccolo — Robin Dubiel (@RobinDubiel) February 10, 2014 And I quickly shared: @RobinDubiel Any particular subject area? Immediately I […]
Teachers have been blogging for years now about the power of social media and the importance of belonging to a PLN so I don’t expect this post to be a surprise to anyone but I would still like to recount yesterdays events. Let me rewind a bit. This weekend our senior boys basketball team participated […]
Are you attending EdCampSWO on April 12, 2014? EdCamp South Western Ontario wants you to come and ask questions, offer resolutions and learn! Check out this video from edcampToronto. In a nutshell EdcampSWO is an ‘unconference‘. Do you like sharing ideas with other educators? Do you enjoy talking about the latest trends in education? Then […]
It’s a humbling feeling to say the least. I have been chosen to speak at the first annual TEDx event here in Chatham Kent. As far as I can tell, I am the only educator. Other speakers are all successful experts in their own respective field and I hope to make some good connections. From […]
For quite sometime now I have been wondering about certain content knowledge items in education. Math formulas, historical dates, things like that. Now I’m not saying they aren’t import I am just questioning the certain quiz and tests we give our students. I’m certain we can all admit someone in our school still gives a […]
Well, this is my first post of 2014. I want to start with a list of what I have learned in the last few years. Posting resources to my website every morning has given students a glimpse into the day. Allowing students to find valuable videos online will make them watch more closely. Allowing students […]
I love this term. It was first coined by Tait Coles (@TotallyWired77) in 2011. Punk Learning means many different things to different people. To me, I can summarize it with one statement – Put the kids first. Don’t let data drive your instruction. Don’t let policies you disagree with interfere with your student’s learning. Don’t […]
Yesterday I discussed with my class the basics of Procedural Writing. My grade 8 students have been writing procedures for close to ten years now and I wanted to introduce a little Computer Science. In my first year of Computer Science in the year 2000 I had to writer computer algorithms for trivial tasks like […]
Katherine is a 22 year old University student from South Africa. Yesterday she gave us an opportunity to chat and answer some questions relating to her life and Nelson Mandela. Tracy is just introducing you to the kids right now. Take a bow! (That’s Katharine in the middle) Lol! Bow taken So here comes a […]
Brandon Grasley and Doug Peterson both challenged me and other Ontario bloggers to be joyful in our blogging and share in Lee Kolbert’s challenge. Here’s my entry in the fun. The Process Acknowledge the nominating blogger. Share 11 random facts about yourself. Answer the 11 questions the nominating blogger has created for you. List 11 […]
Last night I noticed this tweet by David Fife and it really got me thinking. When you are more concerned with losing "control" of your classroom program you're in the way of innovation and learning — David Fife (@DavidFifeVP) December 12, 2013 For so many years classroom management was leveled by the noise (or lack […]
I am a gamer. I should rephrase that. I am a retro gamer who loves a good modern side scroller or top level RPG. I really enjoying watching my students develop 2D side scoller games. They are paying a big tribute to the NES and Sega Genesis – namely my youth! You can read about […]
I was put onto this app by a few students in my classroom. Another great example of accountability. They are able to tell me the ‘why we need it’. Taken from the apple site: “Createrria turns making games into a game itself! Become famous Game Designer and create games you always wanted to play! Want […]
What is Computer Science and What do People Do Once They Know It? Today I am encouraging every teacher to let students explore coding this week. Computer science develops students’ computational and critical thinking skills and shows them how to create, not simply use, new technologies. This fundamental knowledge is needed to prepare students for […]
Keynote – Student Voice & Content Creation: My keynote involves current trends regarding student voice, choice and innovation – based on assessment and curriculum expectations. I speak about 21st century skills including problem solving, critical thinking, communication, makerspaces and coding. Please contact me for more information. brian.aspinall@gmail.com Summer Conference For Computer Studies Educators – University […]
There has been a lot of talk about textbooks in my circle of peers. Not digital textbooks, but the heavy physical ones. I’m going to start by saying that I like the textbook as a resource. Not so much in mathematics, but in certain content areas the textbook is a bucket of valid information. Others […]
Well the hashtag #ecoo13 trended number 1 in Canada – twice over the three day conference. This means a few different things. First, out of the 1300+ attendees, many are on twitter – and tweet regularly. Second – this shows the power of social media in education. I could easily spend the next three days […]
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School Info a Click Away An Interview with Brian Aspinall Another Interview with Brian Aspinall A First Look at Scrawlar Playing With Nkwiry Nkwiry: A Free Bookmarking Tool For Schools New Bookmarking Site has me Sayong Wow (A Lot!) Two Distraction Free Writing Tools Degree Directory Speaks with Founder of Twiducate Twiducate – Using […]
Geek. Dork. Teacher. Coach. Entrepreneur. Speaker I am a grade 7 & 8 teacher and Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert who develops web applications to support 21st century learning practices and pedagogies. My latest project, edmettle, is a tool to support and develop student feedback over grades. I speak professionally on the topics of 21st century education, assessment […]
For all the kids who grow up in a small town and think they don’t stand a chance. You do. I was once that kid.