On Thursday Sept 29th, I had the privilege of attending a workshop put on by my school district entitled "Engaging the Digital Learner". The key speaker was Chris Kennedy of the West Vancouver School District. Chris inspired all of us with his stories of what is happening in his school district. He talked about how every staff member is receiving digital training, how all his principals are blogging, and how every student has a platform to write and share with others. It was truly inspiring.
During the session we had to turn and talk with our table about how we are doing with digital literacy. I was happy to report that I was feeling pretty comfortable with it. I shared how I've started blogging with my grade one classroom, and how my grade one students have their own individual blogs as well. I think I surprised my table - mainly upper intermediate teachers with their administration - with what I was doing with my grade one students. I was trying to show them that the age of the child is irrelevant, we all can be digital learners. Of course as comfortable as I am with what I'm doing now, there is still so much more I could be doing.
To attend this workshop I needed to sign up with a buddy. I'm really glad I went with my good friend and work colleague. However, I really wish one of my administrators was able to join me too. I am super charged to use technology as a tool for learning with my grade one students and I'm doing everything I can to charge the rest of my staff. But it's not easy. Having an administrator as equally charged as I am would go a long way.
There are still four more sessions and I can't wait to attend them. In the mean time I will continue to share what I'm doing in my classroom with anyone that will listen. I will continue to support those on my staff. I will (and have) arranged to get more technology into my school - even if it's just on a short term loan - to hopefully (fingers crossed) inspire more people to help me convert more staff members to the benefit of technology in our classrooms. My ultimate goal is convert everyone on staff to the benefits of using technology for learning, because really that's where the world is heading.
Until the next session, I'll keep learning and sharing.
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