Creative Minds

This song is a cover of  "Somebody That I Used to Know" by Gotye performed by a talented band called Walk Off the Earth. I love this video because it shows the possibilities that being creative opens up. Who knew that a song with various components could be preformed so uniquely with ONE instrument.

This video proves that creativity must be activated not reprimanded.

Talk about Multiple Intelligences...

As good educators we have the fundamental job of allowing students to drum to their own beat. Nothing kills inspiration more than standardization.

Check this out:

Technology Showcase!

I will be teaching a session at Brock's "Teaching with Technology Showcase" from 10:30am - 11:45am, which will be on the uses of Digital Storytelling in the classroom (primarily geared towards Intermediate-Senior students). Join the session to learn more about this topic!

Here are some more details:

Where: Brock University (Hamilton Campus)
When: Friday, January 27th, 2012
Who: For any teacher candidates (P/J/I/S)

There are going to be FREE sessions run by professionals that have a ton of experience being tech-savvy and that continue to use many unique tools to enhance their students' educational experiences. In addition, there will be a couple sessions run by teacher-candidates that are continuing the trend of using technology as a powerful pedagogy (like myself!).

Some of the tools being covered are:

• Livescribe pens                                Bitstrips
• Clickers                                           Gaming
• Document cameras                          IPads
• Smart Boards                                  Blogging
• Web 2.0                                          Digital Storytelling
• Audio systems                                 Flikr
• Projectors                                       Assistive technologies
• Social networking sites                    Google

and most importantly, WHY?!

Fact: We live in the 21st century where students are developing alongside an array of technological advancements.

It is easy to recognize that our students are being bombarded by technology (especially when we repeat, "put your devices away" all day) but many teachers forget to consider how these changes in our lifestyles has affected the learners of today.

Life has become very fast-paced with visuals and audio moving more rapidly than ever before. If we can mimic those trends in the classroom, we are likely to see students that are not only engaged but active in their learning as well! (slides on a projector will not work anymore-- too unengaging, too unexciting)

Let's be realistic, students love to manipulate technology for any purpose -- if we can use technology as a medium to present the content we need to cover, the students will be more than willing to step on board.