AbbySchools Middle School Conference September 22, 2017
Proudly hosted by Colleen & Gordie Howe Middle School
Our conference theme this year is Inquiry: This is Howe we do it! where we are planning to build on last year’s Maker-space day by offering sessions around what our colleagues are doing around the redesigned curriculum. The notion is to have teachers be ‘students for a day’ to learn what their colleagues are accomplishing in their classrooms with the redesigned curriculum.
Keynote: Howe To Create 19th Century Classrooms. Presented by Dean Shareski
No, that’s not a misprint. Technology presents schools with some interesting opportunities and challenges. There a mixed and sometimes competing ideas as to what role that it might play in learning. At its core, learning is social and a human experience. Howe might technology be used to make us more empowered, more create more social and more human? I don’t have all the answers but a few ideas that we can explore together
About Our Keynote Speaker, Dean Shareski:
Some
one recently described me by saying, “If you want to learn from Dean, don’t follow him on twitter but read his blog instead” I thought that was a fair statement. This is the place where I’m pretty serious, or at least focused on my passion of learning and how to make better schools for our kids. Twitter? That’s a different story.
I’m the Community Manager for Discovery Education Canada since 2012. From 2002-2012, I worked as a Digital Learning Consultant with the Prairie South School Division in Moose Jaw, SK, Canada. Previous to that I taught grades K-8 for 14 years. I specialize in the use of technology in the classroom. I hold a Masters of Education in Communications and Technology through the University of Saskatchewan. I also am a sessional lecturer for the University of Regina.
Since late 2004 I’ve been immersed in understanding what the Read/Write Web is all about and how the new shape of knowledge changes how we all learn. I believe teachers and students ought to use technology to connect ideas and learners in safe, relevant, authentic ways to answer questions, share ideas and develop community. Learning can be, and should be, fun and personal. I was fortunate to be awarded the 2010 ISTE Award for Outstanding Leadership in Technology and Education. This honor is mostly a reflection of the great people I work with both within my school division and beyond. My greatest asset is that I know smart people and how to find them.
I’ve been fortunate to work with Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach and Will Richardson in varying roles for the Powerful Learning Practice. This company offers a unique professional learning experience for educators around the world. It has been a great learning experience for me as I help create community and learning in virtual spaces and help teachers change practice to improve learning for students.
I mostly blog here but occasionally for Tech and Learning Magazine and the Huffington Post as well as on the DEN blogs.
In 2016, I published a book called “Embracing Cultures of Joy” which details and summarizes my work and belief around a topic that best describes my beliefs around learning and community.
More info about Dean can be found at www.shareski.ca, twitter.com/shareski, or ideasandthoughts.org
Discovery Education Science Techbook
This conference also introduces the DiscoveryEd Science TechBook which is available to all Middle School Teachers in the district!
Science Techbook helps teachers transform their instruction with a simple-to-use, highly interactive program that integrates multimedia resources including video, audio, text, and interactives. Hands-on activities, virtual labs, and technology-enhanced formative assessment provide a rich and engaging learning experience for students. Science Techbook works on any device and can be implemented in a variety of instructional settings. Check it out here.
Contact your Principal to get access to this excellent resource.
Vancouver Canucks Draw @ 2:15!
Stay until 2:15 for a chance to win a Canucks’ Jersey? Pair of Tickets?
FAQs
Please remember to bring a water bottle!! After morning coffee and snacks water will be the only drink option.
What are my parking options for the event?
Please park in the MRC Sport Complex parking lot, immediately East of the school, or at WJ Mouat Secondary (there is a walking path to Howe Middle). Please do not park in the MRC parking lot. Parking at Howe Middle will be reserved for staff and presenters only – thank you.
Where can I contact the organizer with any questions?
- Susan Green – 604-859-4891 local 1233
- Dexter Horton – email (dexter_horton@sd34.bc.ca) or phone at Howe Middle at 604-859-8700.
Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
No – please check in at registration to pick up your registration tag/ details upon arrival.
What’s happening for lunch?
Food Trucks were a hit last year and have returned for an encore performance! 3 trucks will be here Burgers & Fries (including Beef, Chicken, and Veggie options), Crepes (Savory and Sweet) and Poutine (with Beef or Chicken topper)
What is the cost of registration?
- Early (and free) registration for #AbbySchools Middle School staff until September 15th.
- #AbbySchools Middle School Teachers after September 15th – $25.00
- #AbbySchools Elementary & Secondary Teachers – $25
- Out-of-District participants – $50.00.
- Student Teachers – $15, unless currently in a practicum at an #AbbySchools Middle School