On Fridays, I share what I believe to be a notable person/organization/school on our social media pages to assist our staff in the development of their online Personal Learning Network. Follow Friday – Richard Byrne. (2024). Uploaded by Kirsten Thompson. Available online at: www.fishbowlteaching.vom Richard has been part of my PLN for a LONG time with their online resources (via their Free Technology for Teachers website) first appearing as part of my blog suggestions way back in 2013. Over the years Richard has moved from my RSS feed to social media feed with my interactions in 2024 ..read more

With the start of a new month comes a new monthly ICT newsletter. These newsletters are designed to serve as an outreach to all MVSD staff and provide: general ICT updates (software changes, divisional ICT timelines, tech-themed holidays) upcoming PD for the month tech tips divisional highlights These newsletters are sent out to staff via our divisional email but are also shared through our social media pages and divisional website. May 2024 ICT Newsletter by Kirsten Cali ..read more

On Tuesdays, I share a Tech Tip on our social media pages to assist our staff in their use of technology as it relates to their role. #TechTipTuesday – Manito Ahbee Aki. (2024). Uploaded by Kirsten Thompson. Available online at: www.fishbowlteaching.com Launched in 2022, the Manito Ahbee Aki program is a world within Minecraft that was developed in conjunction with the Louis Riel School Division Indigenous Education team. This world takes place in Manitoba, prior to European colonization, and features three core lessons: Phase 1: Explore Manito Ahbee Aki Phase 2: Travel to Manito Ah ..read more

On Fridays, I share what I believe to be a notable person/organization/school on our social media pages to assist our staff in the development of their online Personal Learning Network Dr. Monica Burns is a newer member of my Professional Learning Network (PLN) over the past 2 years as they caught my eye as I explored the topic of AI. They are a former classroom teacher, author, international speaker, and general ed tech extraordinaire! On their website, they share that their network is designed with the following audience: You are a teacher who isn’t sure how to make the most of t ..read more

The following is a summary of facts that represent the environment I am currently operating within. This is not designed to encompass every document and piece of legislation in place within Manitoba but to provide context to the current situation. School Boards and Trustees in Manitoba There are no education requirements in place for an individual to serve as a school board trustee in Manitoba (School Boards and Trusteeship in Manitoba, 2022, p. 5) School boards MUST: “ensure that each student is provided with a safe and caring environment” “comply with directives of the minister” (School Bo ..read more

On Wednesdays, I highlight some of our amazing MVSD staff on our social media pages. Every day our staff are using tech in new and exciting ways, are learning new skills, and are sharing ways in which ed tech is assisting them in their practice. WOW Wednesday – Jodi Campbell. (2024). Uploaded by Kirsten Thompson. Available online at: www.fishbowlteaching.com One of our ongoing goals as a department is to increase our student capacity when it comes to our Office 365 environment, specifically at the elementary level. We are dedicated to helping ensure that our students have an opportun ..read more

On Mondays, I share a different ed tech quote on our Thompson Classroom social media pages for our staff to consider. Ed Tech Quote. (2024). Uploaded by Kirsten Thompson. Available online at: www.fishbowlteaching.com Today is the 2024 Earth Day, a day dedicated to, “diversify, educate, and activate the environmental movement worldwide.” I am also conscious of the fact that technology, and by extension, the energy it requires to function is at odds with the environment. However, I am trying to work on aspects that are within my control. As part of this, I wanted to share some of the d ..read more

On Fridays, I share what I believe to be a notable person/organization/school on our social media pages to assist our staff in the development of their online Personal Learning Network. Follow Friday – AI Literacy Day. (2024). Uploaded by Kirsten Thompson. Available online at: www.fishbowlteaching.com Friday, April 19th, plays host to the first annual AI Literacy Day designed to support students, educators, parents, and community members in their understanding of, “What is AI”. In their own words, This event will offer valuable lessons for classrooms and after-school programs, plus ..read more

On Tuesdays, I share a Tech Tip on our social media pages to assist our staff in their use of technology as it relates to their role. #TechTipTuesday – Written to Presentations. (2024). Uploaded by Kirsten Thompson. Available online at: www.fishbowlteaching.com One thing that I always struggled with in the classroom was student PowerPoint presentations. When offered the option of how students want to share their learning with others it was often a PowerPoint. Now don’t get me wrong, there is nothing inherently wrong with a PowerPoint; for many students it is a comfort medium. However ..read more

This week I was invited to join the Manitoba Association of School Business Officials (MASBO) in Russell for their NW Regional meeting. This is a yearly event and this was my second time attending. This group is comprised of school division employees in the fields of finance, maintenance, transportation, and human resources. My involvement in this meeting was to deliver professional development at their opening evening following a welcome supper. I had a fantastic experience last year and was fortunate to have made some connections that led to further partnerships through the 23/24 school year ..read more