EDUC 5843 - July 11th - Luckett's Vineyard and the Experience of Space

Today we had the opportunity to visit Luckett's Vineyard.  A gem nestled in the Annapolis valley just outside of Wolfville.  A great view of the valley and great discourse in the discussion of educational space.  Some core pieces of conversation are:

1) Space is intertwined with what and who you are as an individual.
2) You are influenced by the surroundings that you place yourself.
3) Safety in space is important to consider when creating a positive learning environment.

The connection and comfort level that someone has to ones environment is integral to the output of that individual.  NOBODY wants to work or teach or learn in an environment that is toxic.

EDUC 5843 - July 10th Design Presentation Day :)

What an interesting day! This course has provided me with the opportunity to go out of my logical square of absolutes and into a learning space that has rekindle a dormant creative side to my teaching and leadership praxis. Today's activity created a rush of different emotions for me, primarily of fear and excitement.  The emotion of fear was created by the uncertainty of how our project challenge would be tackled and whether or not we had clearly laid out the process to our classmates.  Having said that, there was also a sense of excitement as to what kind of prototype would be created.  With these emotions in tow, I jumped into today’s class with both feet and got wet both figuratively and actually (thanks Kat :)) 

I created the wordle below to highlight some of my thoughts about the activity today and how it "CREATED EXCITEMENT AND FEAR" in constructive and positive way!

EDUC 5843 - July 9th - What is design?

What is in a design?

Time and space is a guiding factor of design to create a sense of a transcended environment.  We discussed Feng Shui today and the influential nature it has on perceived environment.  To create an environment for student gain/learning is to meld management and functionality.

The ability to design something useful is meant to create a question of "why" things are designed the way they are.  This reminds of a quote/interview that was done with Bruce Lee. The interview was highlighted by the power of water and it's ability to be formless.  (Bruce Lee Interview - Be Formless  )Design can have a level of formlessness because of the need for adaptability is paramount but in order to engage a target audience something needs to be simple and engaging.

Design elements and principles need to be understood to create analogous theories that are functional textures, space, shape and color.  Quick judgements and "thin slicing" theories requires an open mind and then relevance to educational environments.  Principles of design: contrast, repetition, proximity, alignment.  The ability to use these principles to form and build designs allows for familiarity and support.

The discussion of todays class on design was very enlightening and being in a room of creative people has made me think outside the proverbial box.

Cheers
Quote from Bruce Lee
http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/163198-you-must-be-shapeless-formless-like-water-when-you-pour

EDUC 5843 - July 8th - Class two and a half

The unpacking of the "Design Thinking for Educators" text definitely allowed for some creative perspectives on how administrators, teachers and students frame their understanding of lesson planning and delivery.  It is important to understand that creating lessons that have the ability to foster change is important to the overall environment of the classroom.

Today's presentations highlighted a unique insight as to how the process of design thinking through the education lens creates a different puzzle piece to each lesson and how students process these lessons.  We, as teachers, must find a way to build lessons that engage, empower and create an entrepreneurial spirit within our students.

The project that we are about to embark on will be like Schrodinger's Cat.  How do we make a lesson that is effective for teaching practice and student learning?  Here we go!

                                                      

Port Williams

Classes were cancelled today because of continued power outage.  So, I decided to head to Port Williams for some lobster poutine.  A delicious lunch today.

Power is back on, so, it will be back to classes tomorrow!

Hurricane Arthur - Acadia 2014

Living through my first hurricane, walking 16 kilometres to get food, moving residences twice and still waiting for Nova Scotia Power to restore electricity to our dorm.

It has been an interesting few days here in Nova Scotia.  I definitely did not anticipate all of this craziness at all, but, its made for great experience so far.  As we enter the first full week of classes this week I'm looking forward to the development of my course work and to building new connections with new colleagues.

A little tropical storm/hurricane is not going to get in the way of some serious learning!

EDUC 5843 - Creative Design Acadia - Day One

When I signed up for this course, I did not know what to expect.  Needless to say, today made all those worries disappear, especially, when we began to talk about unpacking redesign of the classroom.  The creative notion that this course has the potential for is mind blowing and I'm looking forward to the engaged conversation about technology in the classroom.  But more importantly, the opportunity to engage with new colleagues from across the country.

The blank napkin activity was a great way to start our afternoon and I look forward to creating and sharing news ideas with new colleagues.

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” 
― Dr. Seuss, I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!

Mighty Peace Teachers Convention 2014

A great two days of learning for teachers!  Feeling inspired!

Social 30-1 - Cold War Project

Social 30-1 - You will be creating a presentation regarding the Cold War over the next week or so...I have attached a link for resources from the web for your perusal.

http://homepages.stmartin.edu/fac_staff/dprice/cold.war.htm

Mighty Peace Teacher's Convention

This will be my 12th mighty peace teacher's convention...my how time flies by when you're having fun!  I hope all of the teachers at BRHS enjoy the PD opportunities over the next few days!

Semester Two Update

Semester two is well underway here at BRHS -

This semester I'll be teaching Social 10-1 and Social 30-1.  Students are encouraged to visit the blog regularly for updates on the course.

Enhanced Learning Opportunities at Beaverlodge Regional High School

As the school year begins, Beaverlodge Regional High School is embarking on our high school redesign project.  We are looking forward to the new opportunities to engage our students with active and meaningful learning. 

Our re-design is focusing on flexible thinking from both our students and staff.  We are now offering and all students are apart of our teacher advisor program.  This program is meant to build student and teacher relationships through multigraded groups of students.  Students will be completing a one-credit module by creating an iFolio that advertises student achievement. 

The second component of our re-design is that we are offering an enhanced learning opportunity block three times a week.  This blocks purpose is to help students have the opportunity to ask questions in other courses that they may be having issues with.  Based on initial responses...students have been supportive of this change as it often eliminates homework. 

We are looking forward to this school year with our high school re-design and "We are Proud" (school motto) of what this could produce.

Summer vacation

Another summer vacation period is upon us.  A well deserved break for all the staff at BRHS. Enjoy your time with family and friends!