Secondary School
Shifting Teaching and Learning Online - Part 1
(Mon Oct 26 4:30 – 6:00 pm)
This session could easily have been called "Mistakes I made teaching teaching online and what I learned". Based on over a decade of teaching online, this session will introduce best practices in online teaching and learning for middle and high school teachers.
(Maximum 300 participants)
Robin Kay
(Mon Oct 26 4:30 – 6:00 pm)
This session could easily have been called "Mistakes I made teaching teaching online and what I learned". Based on over a decade of teaching online, this session will introduce best practices in online teaching and learning for middle and high school teachers.
(Maximum 300 participants)
Robin Kay
Shifting Teaching and Learning Online - Part 2
(Mon Nov 2 4:30 – 6:00 pm)
This workshop will build off Shifting Teaching and Learning Online - Part 1 and focus on specific activities/strategies (in detail) that can be used in a variety synchronous middle school and high classrooms. Participants will experience and learn how to facilitate each type of activity.
(Maximum 300 participants)
Robin Kay
(Mon Nov 2 4:30 – 6:00 pm)
This workshop will build off Shifting Teaching and Learning Online - Part 1 and focus on specific activities/strategies (in detail) that can be used in a variety synchronous middle school and high classrooms. Participants will experience and learn how to facilitate each type of activity.
(Maximum 300 participants)
Robin Kay
Preparing Students to Self Assess their own Readiness for Online Learning
(Mon Oct 26, 7:00 - 8:30 pm)
Participation in 21st century society is increasingly dependent the ability to the use of digital technologies for a wide variety of purposes. This workshop will invite participants to experience one of the self-assessment tools - the Fully Online Learning Community Survey (FOLCS). This self-assessment tool is based on the Fully Online Learning Community Model Participants will examine and discuss: 1) what it means to be a fully online learner; 2) what does it mean to be working in community online in formal educational contexts; 3) ways to measure readiness; 4) collaborative research (GELO) approaches and tools to examine readiness, culture, competence (confidence and frequency of use of technology) and the impact of this in fully online learning environments.
(Maximum 60 participants)
Roland van Oostveen & Elizabeth Childs
(Mon Oct 26, 7:00 - 8:30 pm)
Participation in 21st century society is increasingly dependent the ability to the use of digital technologies for a wide variety of purposes. This workshop will invite participants to experience one of the self-assessment tools - the Fully Online Learning Community Survey (FOLCS). This self-assessment tool is based on the Fully Online Learning Community Model Participants will examine and discuss: 1) what it means to be a fully online learner; 2) what does it mean to be working in community online in formal educational contexts; 3) ways to measure readiness; 4) collaborative research (GELO) approaches and tools to examine readiness, culture, competence (confidence and frequency of use of technology) and the impact of this in fully online learning environments.
(Maximum 60 participants)
Roland van Oostveen & Elizabeth Childs
Creating Virtual Literature Circles: Community, Courageous Conversations and Student Choice
(Mon Oct 26 7:00 - 8:30 pm & Wed Oct 28 7:00 - 8:30 pm)
A wide body of research has long shown that classroom literature circles can build community, develop critical thinking, oral communication and listening skills, and deepen understanding of books through ongoing conversations. But, what happens in an online environment? How can teachers build community, facilitate meaningful discussion, and gather authentic assessment data when students are meeting virtually instead of face to face? During this session we will share strategies as to how teachers can foster a sense of community, encourage reflection and rich dialogue on a variety of text forms including fiction and non-fiction books, poetry, graphic novels and others, while providing opportunities for students to creatively demonstrate their knowledge in digital forums on topics that reflect their own interests and passions. A number of formative and summative assessment strategies will conclude the session. Participants will receive an abundance of fresh ideas, activities, and resources that support virtual literature circles and how they can be used to tackle a number of important issues within our society and globally. Join us for discussions about integrating inclusive texts into our classrooms, modernizing the literature circle, embracing perspectives and narratives of those marginalized in society, and providing a forum where our students can share their thoughts, and have their voices heard and acknowledged.
(Maximum 60 participants)
Stephanie Thompson with Jennifer Birnie, Emma McWatt & Nicholas Rita
(Mon Oct 26 7:00 - 8:30 pm & Wed Oct 28 7:00 - 8:30 pm)
A wide body of research has long shown that classroom literature circles can build community, develop critical thinking, oral communication and listening skills, and deepen understanding of books through ongoing conversations. But, what happens in an online environment? How can teachers build community, facilitate meaningful discussion, and gather authentic assessment data when students are meeting virtually instead of face to face? During this session we will share strategies as to how teachers can foster a sense of community, encourage reflection and rich dialogue on a variety of text forms including fiction and non-fiction books, poetry, graphic novels and others, while providing opportunities for students to creatively demonstrate their knowledge in digital forums on topics that reflect their own interests and passions. A number of formative and summative assessment strategies will conclude the session. Participants will receive an abundance of fresh ideas, activities, and resources that support virtual literature circles and how they can be used to tackle a number of important issues within our society and globally. Join us for discussions about integrating inclusive texts into our classrooms, modernizing the literature circle, embracing perspectives and narratives of those marginalized in society, and providing a forum where our students can share their thoughts, and have their voices heard and acknowledged.
(Maximum 60 participants)
Stephanie Thompson with Jennifer Birnie, Emma McWatt & Nicholas Rita
CODING: Do You Need to Make Code?
(Tue Nov 3, 4:30 – 6:00 pm)
Jump in headfirst with the beginner steps of how to use MakeCode. From Micro:bits to Minecraft we can look at two Microsoft leading STEM programs that engage students in coding from grades 4 to 10. Let's look at hands-on beginning activities with the Micro:bit, understanding simple block code, and then see how this becomes the bases of python or javascript. Getting you started if you have never coded or used a Micro:bit, to sharing best practices with others who have used Micro:bits. Next, let's look at what Minecraft has to offer for teachers in coding and some creative STEM projects that can be used in various subject areas including ART and ENGLISH. Minecraft also offers MakeCode that can use block coding, javascript, or python. We will look at various places for resources and exchange ideas as to how Minecraft can help students build together without touching the same blocks to build. With these two programs that are all the rage, let's see how they can fit into your teaching.
(Maximum 100 participants)
Melissa Oliver
(Tue Nov 3, 4:30 – 6:00 pm)
Jump in headfirst with the beginner steps of how to use MakeCode. From Micro:bits to Minecraft we can look at two Microsoft leading STEM programs that engage students in coding from grades 4 to 10. Let's look at hands-on beginning activities with the Micro:bit, understanding simple block code, and then see how this becomes the bases of python or javascript. Getting you started if you have never coded or used a Micro:bit, to sharing best practices with others who have used Micro:bits. Next, let's look at what Minecraft has to offer for teachers in coding and some creative STEM projects that can be used in various subject areas including ART and ENGLISH. Minecraft also offers MakeCode that can use block coding, javascript, or python. We will look at various places for resources and exchange ideas as to how Minecraft can help students build together without touching the same blocks to build. With these two programs that are all the rage, let's see how they can fit into your teaching.
(Maximum 100 participants)
Melissa Oliver
Helpful Tools for Online and Blended Learning
(Tue Oct 27 4:30 – 6:00 pm)
This interactive workshop focuses on a series of helpful and free online tools that will help teachers (Grades 4 to 12) with organization, assessment and feedback, collaboration, learning modules and activities, mind maps, graphics and video creation. Participants will receive a summary booklet of resources addressed and an opportunity to contribute to an edited book (after the conference) with their favourite online tools.
(Maximum 100 participants)
Robin Kay
(Tue Oct 27 4:30 – 6:00 pm)
This interactive workshop focuses on a series of helpful and free online tools that will help teachers (Grades 4 to 12) with organization, assessment and feedback, collaboration, learning modules and activities, mind maps, graphics and video creation. Participants will receive a summary booklet of resources addressed and an opportunity to contribute to an edited book (after the conference) with their favourite online tools.
(Maximum 100 participants)
Robin Kay
How to Incorporate Best Practices with Blended & Online Learning Tools for your IS Math Classes
(Tue Oct 27 7:00 - 8:30 pm)
Given the uncertainty with the 2020-2021 school year, math teachers need to be prepared for face-to-face, blended and online learning. This session will discuss best practices in blended and online learning as they relate to secondary mathematics teaching and learning. Participants will explore effective strategies for moving their pedagogy and assessment online as well as tools to make this happen.
(Maximum 60 participants)
Diane Tepylo
(Tue Oct 27 7:00 - 8:30 pm)
Given the uncertainty with the 2020-2021 school year, math teachers need to be prepared for face-to-face, blended and online learning. This session will discuss best practices in blended and online learning as they relate to secondary mathematics teaching and learning. Participants will explore effective strategies for moving their pedagogy and assessment online as well as tools to make this happen.
(Maximum 60 participants)
Diane Tepylo
GAFE for High School Teachers - Part 1
(Wed Oct 28 4:30 – 6:00 pm)
Want to spend some time looking at Google Apps for Education (GAFE) available in your GSuite and maybe some add-ons that you can use tomorrow in any of your classes? From Science to Drama to Gym to Transportation Tech, there is something for every teacher, teaching in a high school. We will look at not only software but ideas of how to implement into your classroom with all learning levels. Learn how to be more organized with Google Keep, Google Calendar, and Planboard. We will look at ways new ways to think of Google Slides for online and in-class learning, with help from "Ditch that textbook" and "Hyperdocs". We can get you out of a the jam not allowed to put kids in groups by showing you Jamboard. Lastly we will look at how to mark all this cool stuff by using Google new Rubric builder that can even link into your schools LMS or see how to use the ministry licensed software of Markboard for all your marks and anecdotal notes.
(Maximum 100 participants)
Melissa Oliver
(Wed Oct 28 4:30 – 6:00 pm)
Want to spend some time looking at Google Apps for Education (GAFE) available in your GSuite and maybe some add-ons that you can use tomorrow in any of your classes? From Science to Drama to Gym to Transportation Tech, there is something for every teacher, teaching in a high school. We will look at not only software but ideas of how to implement into your classroom with all learning levels. Learn how to be more organized with Google Keep, Google Calendar, and Planboard. We will look at ways new ways to think of Google Slides for online and in-class learning, with help from "Ditch that textbook" and "Hyperdocs". We can get you out of a the jam not allowed to put kids in groups by showing you Jamboard. Lastly we will look at how to mark all this cool stuff by using Google new Rubric builder that can even link into your schools LMS or see how to use the ministry licensed software of Markboard for all your marks and anecdotal notes.
(Maximum 100 participants)
Melissa Oliver
GAFE for High School Teachers- Part 2
(Wed Nov 4 4:30 – 6:00 pm)
Looking for a little bit more from your GAFE (Google Apps for Education) then come into this session and share some of your best practices and learn from others. As we go over some of the more advanced ways to use GAFE for ideas like "ditch that textbook" and "Hyperdocs" plus many more ways to engage students in your curriculum. (Maximum 100 participants)
Melissa Oliver
(Wed Nov 4 4:30 – 6:00 pm)
Looking for a little bit more from your GAFE (Google Apps for Education) then come into this session and share some of your best practices and learn from others. As we go over some of the more advanced ways to use GAFE for ideas like "ditch that textbook" and "Hyperdocs" plus many more ways to engage students in your curriculum. (Maximum 100 participants)
Melissa Oliver
From Classroom to ZoomRoom
(Thu Nov 5, 4:30 – 6:00 pm)
So you have your lesson plans from last year...but how do you translate those experiences into the virtual arena? Instead of re-inventing the wheel, let's see what we can draw from the corporate training world. This workshop will explore tips, strategies, and online applications that will help you create engaging learning experiences online, without starting from scratch.
(Maximum 30 participants)
Kayla Burtch
(Thu Nov 5, 4:30 – 6:00 pm)
So you have your lesson plans from last year...but how do you translate those experiences into the virtual arena? Instead of re-inventing the wheel, let's see what we can draw from the corporate training world. This workshop will explore tips, strategies, and online applications that will help you create engaging learning experiences online, without starting from scratch.
(Maximum 30 participants)
Kayla Burtch
Introduction to Online Inquiry-based Science Projects: Part 1
(Thu Oct 29 4:30 – 6:00 pm)
This session will assist teachers explore some science investigative strategies with greater collaborative discussions. This presentation will guide teachers to develop online real inquiry activities to build critical and creative thinking. Inquiry activities involve identifying research topics, constructing knowledge, developing research strategies, and communicating findings for real world events. Be it in grade 9 or grade 12, inquiry based learning develops research skills in problem based learning and solving by learning to do hands-on investigation. This approach develops curiosity, inclusivity, open-mindedness, stewardship and genuine care for society, and will prepare learners for our ever changing world of technology. Teachers will gain strategies to organize skill development and do real projects that matters to students. Participants will receive access to an e-book on facilitating inquiry projects in their classes. Learn to facilitate students doing open -ended projects online.
(Maximum 30 participants)
Gabriel Roman Ayyavoo & Shannon Hill
(Thu Oct 29 4:30 – 6:00 pm)
This session will assist teachers explore some science investigative strategies with greater collaborative discussions. This presentation will guide teachers to develop online real inquiry activities to build critical and creative thinking. Inquiry activities involve identifying research topics, constructing knowledge, developing research strategies, and communicating findings for real world events. Be it in grade 9 or grade 12, inquiry based learning develops research skills in problem based learning and solving by learning to do hands-on investigation. This approach develops curiosity, inclusivity, open-mindedness, stewardship and genuine care for society, and will prepare learners for our ever changing world of technology. Teachers will gain strategies to organize skill development and do real projects that matters to students. Participants will receive access to an e-book on facilitating inquiry projects in their classes. Learn to facilitate students doing open -ended projects online.
(Maximum 30 participants)
Gabriel Roman Ayyavoo & Shannon Hill
Online Scaffolding with K - 12 Teachers on their Current Science Inquiry - Part 2
(Thu Nov 5 7:00 - 8:30 pm)
With the current pandemic crisis, doing sciences online may promote building authentic investigative skills in students. Using more discussions in Breakout Groups, teachers will present their ideas/strategies that they have begun or will begin soon. Possible resources for accessing General Sciences/ Biology/Chemistry/Physics materials and mentorship opportunities will be discussed for intermediate/senior students. Teachers will collaborate in breakout groups on their current strategies, preferably in their teaching panels (i.e., k-3, 4-6, 7-8 and 9-12). This part 2 workshop presents further opportunities for classroom teachers to collaborate in developing more inquiry teaching strategies. Collaborative discussions may include, assessing their procedures/methods, interpreting data, applying solutions and presenting their findings via online platforms. At the end of this session, teachers will leave with more shared and improved ideas to mentor their students’ current class projects. This builds on Introduction to Online Inquiry-based Science Projects: Part 1 on Oct 27 or Oct 29.
(Maximum 30 participants)
Gabriel Roman Ayyavoo & Shannon Hill
(Thu Nov 5 7:00 - 8:30 pm)
With the current pandemic crisis, doing sciences online may promote building authentic investigative skills in students. Using more discussions in Breakout Groups, teachers will present their ideas/strategies that they have begun or will begin soon. Possible resources for accessing General Sciences/ Biology/Chemistry/Physics materials and mentorship opportunities will be discussed for intermediate/senior students. Teachers will collaborate in breakout groups on their current strategies, preferably in their teaching panels (i.e., k-3, 4-6, 7-8 and 9-12). This part 2 workshop presents further opportunities for classroom teachers to collaborate in developing more inquiry teaching strategies. Collaborative discussions may include, assessing their procedures/methods, interpreting data, applying solutions and presenting their findings via online platforms. At the end of this session, teachers will leave with more shared and improved ideas to mentor their students’ current class projects. This builds on Introduction to Online Inquiry-based Science Projects: Part 1 on Oct 27 or Oct 29.
(Maximum 30 participants)
Gabriel Roman Ayyavoo & Shannon Hill
Going "live" - Synchronous Secondary School Classes
(Thu Oct 29 7:00 - 8:30 pm & Tue Nov 3, 7:00 - 8:30 pm)
Join Dr. Terry Whitmell, a principal of an online secondary school and Alison Mann, a seasoned online secondary school teacher and PhD. candidate with a background in online learning, for an engaging and enlightening workshop for teachers new(ish) to the online learning environment. In this workshop, we will share best practices directed at supporting online teachers design and deliver effective secondary school courses. We will discuss how to plan courses with a clear and consistent structure and workflow directed at maintaining student engagement, motivation and interaction. The facilitators will model a synchronous online secondary class, with participants experiencing the roles of both students and facilitators. We will also discuss some guidelines pertaining to e-professionalism in online contexts to be shared with teachers. We will be using Google Classroom for this workshop, but the concepts shared are transferrable to other platforms.
(Maximum 30 participants)
Alison Mann & Terry Whitmell
(Thu Oct 29 7:00 - 8:30 pm & Tue Nov 3, 7:00 - 8:30 pm)
Join Dr. Terry Whitmell, a principal of an online secondary school and Alison Mann, a seasoned online secondary school teacher and PhD. candidate with a background in online learning, for an engaging and enlightening workshop for teachers new(ish) to the online learning environment. In this workshop, we will share best practices directed at supporting online teachers design and deliver effective secondary school courses. We will discuss how to plan courses with a clear and consistent structure and workflow directed at maintaining student engagement, motivation and interaction. The facilitators will model a synchronous online secondary class, with participants experiencing the roles of both students and facilitators. We will also discuss some guidelines pertaining to e-professionalism in online contexts to be shared with teachers. We will be using Google Classroom for this workshop, but the concepts shared are transferrable to other platforms.
(Maximum 30 participants)
Alison Mann & Terry Whitmell