Sunday, December 2, 2018

Hour of Code, Canada Learning Code Week, .... Technology Serves a Purpose in My Life!


Image result for canadian week of code
Over the years, computer technology and most recently coding, have found themselves a place in my personal life and a home in my classroom. As a mom to a 13 year old son who aspires to have a coding career path, I've been involved in many different activities and programs to support his dreams. In my house, coding languages like Python, Android Studio and C++ are discussed like one might debate the usefulness of acquiring multiple spoken language skills. We are lucky to live close enough to "RoboGeek" in Milton, Ontario -- what's a 45 minute drive to support your kid!?  The programs at this business have given my son knowledge and foundation-building skills in many different coding languages, as well as allow him to explore what he finds motivating and supports his future coding aspirations. If you live in the area, I highly recommend that you check them out!

As a teacher of intermediate-age students with autism, I continually advocate for and seek out technology programs and supports that will allow my students to access curriculum and demonstrate their learning in a way that works for them. I am fortunate enough to have a 1:1 ratio of iPads to students, as well as 4 laptops in my classroom for student use. Being in my Contained Autism Class for the past 5 years, I have learned that it's vital for me to stay current and open to new tech trends.

Recording the moon phases for
November 2018
In the past I did tend to rely upon the use of iPads, BUT this year with encouragement from my son, colleagues and PL Opportunities, I am diving into the world of Google's G-Suite and its seemingly limitlessness supply of teaching supports and knowledge sharing formats. As a special education teacher, my philosophy is that the use of classroom technology must focus on finding the right tech tool for the right student.

It is this personal belief that drives my passion for continual learning! Hence my recent registering for an AQ in "Knowledge and Use of Assistive Technology" course that begins at the end of January 2019.
SO JAZZED!!!!! 😄


With the "Hour of Code" and "Canada Learning Code Week" upon us I am SO excited to co-learn with my students and see where we may go on this next journey.

Stay tuned to learn from these young students later in the week as I teach them how to create their own google blog to demonstrate their thoughts and recent learning journey.


@QDPSmrsglover


Wednesday, November 21, 2018

GOOGLE Boot Camp has kicked me HARD!

GOOGLE Boot Camp has kicked me HARD!

I have just completed two full days of "Google Boot Camp" taught by @seani from the wonderful EdTechTeam organization. I am inspired! 

I started my 2 day journey with a passionate love for iPads in my classroom but my mind is now whirling with the opportunities that google can give my students. 

It's perfect timing that Canada's Coding Week is about to begin. Are you ready kids???? 😎

Stay tuned to see where my recent learning takes us!