A Renewed Vision for Education in Ontario

Not all the numbers are in yet, but it looks like it could be a majority Liberal government in Ontario. For me, it means we can return to the work that the people of Ontario have asked us to do, as outlined in this video. http://www.videodelivery.gov.on.ca/player/download.php?file=http://www.media.gov.on.ca/a0efff64e63ac895/en/pages/text.html I’m excited to get back on track for Ontario […]

Are You Really Willing to be Disturbed?

Today is my day to participate in the #OSSEMOOC Pic and Post, where we encourage learners to pick ONE piece of learning, take a shot of it, and share it with others. Got something to share? Of course you do! Here’s how to make your learning visible so others can learn too: http://ossemooc.wordpress.com/2014/05/29/collaborative-blogging-2/ If nobody shares, […]

When Learning Has Nothing To Do With It

Last week, Jan Wong, currently an Assistant Professor of Journalism and Communications at St. Thomas University in New Brunswick, wrote an article for the Chronicle Herald outlining her concern about her Journalism students cheating on quizzes. The sentences from her post that most resonated with me are below. It should be no surprise at all that […]

My Definition of Good Pedagogy Includes Technology

Last night during the Learning 2030 rebroadcast, one of the tweets that came across my screen was a statement that said, “Technology does not replace good pedagogy”. I see this quote quite frequently in my work, and I worry about it a bit. I worry because in the same way that “good” standardized test scores […]

#etMOOC +1: The Power of People

As we celebrate the first anniversary of #etMOOC*, I am overwhelmed with the stories of growth and sharing and learning. * For those who hear about how MOOCs are a trend, a fad, a failure or a passing phase, here is the kind of MOOC I am referring to: #etMOOC connected people. It wasn’t about […]

Raleigh Falls

What Will You UnLearn Today?

What did you learn today? David Warlick often begins his talks with something new he has learned that day.  He frequently shares these learnings on his blog as well. Every day I try to follow his example and think carefully about all the new things I have learned. But sometimes we need to UNlearn before we can really […]

Find the Right Inch

It’s that time of year when almost any outdoor activity during the work week requires an additional accessory – a headlamp. Last night, when I paused for my beagle to grab a drink at the water’s edge, we could see a ribbon of light on the horizon as the sun faded for the day. I […]

What Are You Thinking?

Recently, this post was shared with me on Twitter: Communication Tools for School Leaders | Evolving Educators It’s a very good look at the need to communicate and respond in many ways to all the stakeholders in the school community. I would add another item to the list: Blogging Why should education administrators blog?  For […]

Going Deeper with Twitter

Whenever someone is presenting on the value of Twitter for teachers and educators, and there is a shout out for “tell us who you are and why you love Twitter for education”, there is always a flurry of people talking about how they love twitter for connecting with other educators, for conversation and for sharing […]

When the Principal is a Bully

*Please note that due to the personal nature of many of the responses to this post, I am no longer approving further comments.  This post has had a large number of visceral responses, which tells me this is not an isolated problem.  I hope that everyone reading this will recognize the signs and work to […]