Month: May 2012

grade7, research-and-innovation, technology2 Comments

Where do iPads fit? A Reflection…

Deirdre Bailey

 -by Lisa Nelson, Dan McWilliam and Jody Pereverzoff, Grade 7 Teachers Near the start of this year, our Grade 7 team began a research project about using iPads in the classroom: Through a variety of sub-questions, we hoped to address the larger question, “Where do iPads fit in Education?” Using real projects, student exemplars, and parent feedback, we would explore where and how iPads fit into teacher practice. This post is a reflection of some of the major findings we had throughout the project. Findings In the initial stages of the project, both students and teachers felt that we wouldn’t … Continue reading Where do iPads fit? A Reflection…

library, school-culture2 Comments

School Library or Learning Commons: What’s in a Name?

Deirdre Bailey

-by Donna Alden, Teacher-Librarian What’s the difference between a school library and a school learning commons, and does the name make a difference? The Alberta School Library Association, which is informed by a larger Canadian and American field of school library studies, offers this: Traditional school libraries are seen as quiet places full of printed books, people reading and librarians ‘shushing’. A Learning Commons takes school libraries into the 21st century. Yes, we still have printed text, and there are still people reading, and there is still a librarian, however the Learning Commons has so much more! There is a … Continue reading School Library or Learning Commons: What’s in a Name?

grade4, science, technology9 Comments

Google just keeps killing it.

Deirdre Bailey

by Deirdre Bailey, I work at an innovative and creative institution. Perhaps it is because of the freedom we have to explore possibilities that we are often unaware of the depth to many of the simplest resources that are available. It is also without a doubt hard to be constantly adapting one’s practice to ever-updating technology applications. Certainly, in this day and age, the sheer volume of resources available in education can be overwhelming. Navigating options and rating their relative value is always intimidating, particularly on the heels of a full 7 hours in front of students. But google docs is … Continue reading Google just keeps killing it.

library, technology1 Comment

E-Books or “Real” Books?

Deirdre Bailey

-by Donna Alden, Teacher Librarian It seems to me there is no one answer. For nonfiction, research activities, if given the choice, hands down I’ll choose an online search for information, as opposed to searching through books. Is that an exclusive choice? Do I always recommend that to students? No, and no. But as a preference, an online search for information just makes sense, for a number of reasons. However, when it comes to fiction, students are “voting with their feet”. Our students have had a number of projects this year in which fiction has been offered in digital format, … Continue reading E-Books or “Real” Books?