Education ~ with a different approach.

Who is at the forefront?: As education advances, there seems to be a split between progressive categorical curriculum and constructionist interdisciplinary curriculum. Both models of education provide means for students to learn fundamental lifelong skills. However, the theory of curriculum being of interdisciplinary approaches to education brings a completely new way of seeking knowledge. Similar to the other education systems that have been coming to light (i.e.: Finland, Denmark, Australia and New Zealand), students that learn through this comprehensive schooling system, eventually lead children to develop into experts by connecting all subject-matter to a specific topic. This curriculum correlates to all, rather than being efficient in a certain topic or subject like in our Western education systems. After which this 9-year comprehensive schooling is completed; by the approximate age of 16, the students will choose between an academic-track or a vocational-track. Both of which ...

It is about time that I have returned to the blogging community. Since my last post, I have graduated and commenced my masters degree. This new entry into the rigor of academia is exciting! After having completed my undergraduate studies and have moved forward into the realm of elementary schools, as well. The District School Board of Niagara is my current occupation as a french occasional teacher, and with much delight, an educator looking to make a difference in the lives of many. There is course that I am currently completing in my masters degree referred to as; Innovative Curriculum Design and Classroom Assessment. It is an incredible course that aligns its readings, content and lecture principles on the innovations of curriculum. I am anticipating an enjoyable and engaging class design that encompasses the use of teaching the masters students the importance of the 21st century, while also scaffolding the current assessment available. The professor is Susan Drake (2014), whom bei...

Online Resources Used for Infographic: http://www.ocdsb.ca/sta/cli/docs/Comprehensive%20Literacy%20Instruction%20K-12.pdf http://www.oise.utoronto.ca/balancedliteracydiet/Home/ 5 Supporting Artifacts for Language Arts 1)        The Ontario Curriculum Document http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/elementary/language18currb.pdf -  This artifact is a pinnacle and basic foundation for programs that encompass comprehensive literacy. This must continuously be referred to, and concisely used when planning comprehensive literary lessons. Lesson and unit plans must revolve around overall and specific expectations that exist in this document in order to teach the students accordingly. Some modifications and accommodations may be made for particular students and their required needs 2)   Kahoot ! https://kahoot.it/#/ This artifact is a very flexible tool to be used under the Teacher Choices for the 100 Minute Block. Students are a...

Wow, what an exciting session. Today we looked at incorporating the online game 'Minecraft' into school lessons and technology and this method has been sweeping the nation by storm. Not only does it invoke a students sense of inquiry, but in a simplistic arcade style approach it allows students to create what they wish in a simulated merge of real-world application and a fantastic new world. I hope to learn more about the functionality of this application and how to adapt it into my future program, although it may be tough; especially when regarding French curriculum. But I do believe there is a way to change the language into French. This is the only limitation I can foresee at the moment, although it has a lot of potential for most all other subject criterion for curriculum.

During today's session we looked at the calendar applications that Google has to offer. It worked wonderfully and was super user friendly. I am so glad I had the opportunity to check it out as I don't think I would have done so on my own accord. I am learning so much from this Technologies course, it will most definitely help me with my lesson, unit and program plans and it's availability to students, families and staff. I am also finding it particularly enjoyable each and every class. There seems to be a new format, gadget or application looked into and learned which helps with our own knowledge and the technological knowledge of our future students. Of course, certain things will become past paradigms eventually and so adds for an increase in learning technology at an exponential level. The most important factor in this is to remind oneself that it's a self-perpetuation and meta-cognition and never something that should be forced on students. This fluidly moves into...

After the progressing weeks, I am finally putting the finishing touches on my Genius hour trailer... Everything is coming along wonderfully and I am getting excited! I have not only been planning out some relative ideas that can work well, but extensions for students that require accommodations and modifications of any sort.  The only limitations that I can expect thus far is a lack of instruction or understanding of what can be done... Hopefully the students can see the potential in elaborating on their ideas, but I am assuming it will be an awesome classroom experience for all which will help spark motivation and engage all the class in its entirety. 

Today during our session we investigated the different movie or comic applications that we could use in order to peak student engagement. While using both ToonDoo and Windows Movie Maker, we were able to create enjoyable comic style cartoons and an intense "Movie Trailer" involving my Genius hour idea. I think I am getting the hang of this technology type stuff and am gathering some great ideas for future educational use in my lessons. I can't wait to put down the finishing touches and see the final product! Until next week!