blendED2017: Full Schedule

Are you registered for this Symposium? What about the pre-conference? Full registration details are at http://www.blendedalberta.ca/register.html

Do you have your hotel room booked? blendED2017 rates here

16:30 MDT

Social - Pre-conference and Symposium attendees are all invited to connect over food, music and drinks. We hope to see everyone here!

Come join the social for some great appies, music and drinks.

Wednesday October 25, 2017 16:30 - 18:00 MDT
Ballroom C

Social

07:30 MDT

Buffet Breakfast

Thursday October 26, 2017 07:30 - 08:15 MDT
Ballroom A/B

Breaks

08:15 MDT

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Thursday October 26, 2017 08:15 - 08:30 MDT
Ballroom A/B

08:30 MDT

Norm Vaughan - Keynote 'Student Engagement and Blended & Online Teaching: What’s the Connection?'

A national study by the Canadian Education Association (CEA) demonstrated that students become increasingly disengaged in school as they progress from grades 6 to 12 (Willms, Friesen, &Milton, 2009). What does it mean to be engaged in learning today? What role do teachers play in blended and online educational environments? How does a blended and online approach to teaching impact student engagement and success? This session will attempt to answer these questions by presenting a series of case studies that will help you identify strategies and tools that are appropriate for engaging students in your own teaching context.

Thursday October 26, 2017 08:30 - 09:30 MDT
Ballroom A/B

Keynote

09:30 MDT

Networking Break

Thursday October 26, 2017 09:30 - 09:45 MDT
Foyer

Breaks

09:45 MDT

Ignite Session

Facilitator: Michelle Khatib

Allison Hone - Using Twitter to Make Connections
Brent Sawatzky - BC Learning Network +
Verena Roberts - How to Find Free and Open Resources
Terry Godwaldt - Going Global: Reimagining Blended Education for Real World Impact
Richard Bitgood - Tony Stark, Bruce Wayne and You: Superpowers for the Blended Class

Notes and Links:

Speakers

Richard Bitgood

Director, StudyForge

Richard has taught math and technology in the classroom and online for 10+ years, and has done every job imaginable in curriculum development: writing, editing, animation, software development, technology consulting, project management, sales, and learning experience design. His passion... Read More →

Terry Godwaldt

Director of Programming, The Centre for Global Education

Allison Hone

Allison Hone has been teaching for almost 20 years at the senior high level. She recently earned a Master of Arts in Learning and Technology from Royal Roads University, and has been able to apply what she learned about technology in the classroom to help students make better connections... Read More →

Verena Roberts

Sessional Instructor, Research Assistant, University of Calgary & University of Victoria

Dr. Verena Roberts is a passionate online and blended K-12 educator, consultant, Werkland School of Education (University of Calgary) doctoral candidate who recently completed her EdD in Learning Sciences with a focus on K-12 Open Educational Practices. Verena has taught and designed... Read More →

Brent Sawatzky

Teacher/Developer, WCLN / eSchool23

WCLN is a consortium of districts where the goal is to work together to produce quality resources for OL and BL students. Brent is the technical director of WCLN.

Thursday October 26, 2017 09:45 - 10:45 MDT
Terrace 4

09:45 MDT

Blending Assessment: Accountability, Scalability, and Authenticity - Examining Practices

Assessment is central to learning: it shapes the learning experience yet is a critical and time-consuming function for teachers. Technology is seen as a solution to improve efficiencies while reducing teacher time. No matter its purpose, the use of technology in assessment must contribute positively to the quality of the learning experience first, and organizational effectiveness second. Understanding how technology-supported blended assessment impacts learning is a critical part of 21st Century pedagogical practice.

Join this discussion session for a brief overview of what research indicates (more can be found at http://canelearn.net/research/canelearn-research-projects/digital-assessment/) and an examination of your own practices to determine how blending assessment can improve your own pedagogy.
LINK TO SHARED NOTES DOCUMENT

Speakers

Randy LaBonte

CEO, Canadian eLearning Network

Randy is CEO of the Canadian eLearning Network (CANeLearn.net), an organization formed to be the leading voice for K-12 blended and online learning in Canada. He teaches online at Vancouver Island University and CANeLearn, helping K-12 teachers transition practices to online environments... Read More →

Thursday October 26, 2017 09:45 - 10:45 MDT
Gallery 1

Blended - primarily Classroom Blended - primarily online

09:45 MDT

Self Paced Online Learning with Google Classroom

Google Classroom is your new Mission Control! Using Google Classroom you can set up online sessions that are self paced! You can create tutorials and challenges through numbered lessons inside of a Google Classroom. Each lesson will have tutorial videos as well as classroom resources, ideas, and templates. Even though it is online students will still be able to ask questions and receive feedback from you!

Collaborative note taking document

Speakers

Trisha Roffey

Emerging Technology Consultant, Edmonton Catholic Schools

Trish is a teacher and Emerging Technology Consultant for Edmonton Catholic Schools in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada with B.Ed, and a Master degree in Educational Technology (MET). In this role, Trish specializes in supporting teachers and students from K-12 to explore makerspace, assistive... Read More →

Thursday October 26, 2017 09:45 - 10:45 MDT
Terrace 3

Blended - primarily Classroom Blended - primarily online Resources & Tools

09:45 MDT

CTF - Using Teacher's Interests to Boost Student Buy-in

I will be describing the process of developing and implementing my new CTF courses, while also addressing how I help teachers pitch course ideas, plan the modules, and ultimately implement the course. I will showcase some of my work in regards to planning CTF courses and assessing them through sharing resources that I have developed.

LINK TO SHARED NOTES DOCUMENT

Speakers

Janine Woronuk

Junior High Social Teacher, Black Gold Regional Schools

Janine Woronuk is an experienced junior high teacher, who exhibits passion for teaching Social Studies, Language Arts and CTF Courses. Over the past 2 years, she has successfully developed and implemented four new student-centered CTF courses: Authentic Learning Challenge 9, Entrepreneurs... Read More →

Thursday October 26, 2017 09:45 - 10:45 MDT
Terrace 1

Blended Learning in Action

09:45 MDT

Design thinking on Wonderville.org: Bridging worlds & competencies for students

Powerful learning happens when design thinking and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) are merged. Wonderville.org, a blended learning platform, delivers STEM education to K-12 and uses design thinking as a vehicle to engage kids in learning. In this session, participants will discover how Wonderville.org’s blended interdisciplinary approach addresses both curriculum outcomes and essential competencies. The design thinking framework used in Wonderville.org’s resources infuses lessons with creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and innovative problem solving. By the conclusion of the session, participants should understand the benefits of design thinking, see how Wonderville.org uses blended learning to deliver design thinking experiences, and be armed with ideas for how to create a design thinking project for any STEM unit from K-12.

LINK TO SHARED NOTES DOCUMENT

Speakers

Caitlin Quarrington

Manager, Education, MindFuel

As an educator and creator of learning experiences, Caitlin's work focuses on engaging students in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) in an interdisciplinary context. She began her career in informal science education, creating children’s workshops and summer camps... Read More →

Thursday October 26, 2017 09:45 - 10:45 MDT
Gallery 2/3

Blended Learning in Action Blended - primarily Classroom Resources & Tools

09:45 MDT

The Top Ten Research-based Components of an Effective Online Course (What’s your vote?)

In this session, we count down the “Top Ten” components of effective online courses, based on an extensive scan of research in the field. Come weigh in on the top ten list … and join in a lively discussion about how to design engaging, high quality online courses.

LINK TO SHARED NOTES DOCUMENT

Speakers

Neela Bell

Alberta Education

Neela Bell is an Educational Technology Consultant with Alberta Education, focused on the area of online/blended learning as well as technology and mental health.

Thursday October 26, 2017 09:45 - 10:45 MDT
Edmonds

Online

10:45 MDT

Refreshment Break

Thursday October 26, 2017 10:45 - 11:00 MDT
Foyer

Breaks

11:00 MDT

Coding? Who Me?

Learning to code provides multiple links to support student learning across the curriculum and to enhance literacy learning at all levels. In this introduction to coding you will have opportunities to play and explore in a coding environment while building and practicing skills of problem solving, reflection and critical thinking in activities that are engaging, fun and quick to learn. No experience necessary!

LINK TO SHARED NOTES DOCUMENT

Speakers

Joan

Educational Technology Specialist, Rocky View Schools

Joan is a life-long learner who worked for the Calgary Board of Education for many years, teaching art, English and communication technology to students in grades 7-12. After completing her masters in Educational Administration and Technology, she became an Educational Technology... Read More →

Susan Noble

teacher, Rocky View Schools

BlendEd 2017 coding pptx

Thursday October 26, 2017 11:00 - 12:00 MDT
Terrace 1

Blended - primarily Classroom Resources & Tools

11:00 MDT

Makerspaces in Blended Environments

Come share your experiences with Makerspaces in your online, blended and/or Outreach classrooms. What has worked? What hasn't? Let's learn from each other to improve the student experience. Discussion will focus around high school makerspaces, CTS curriculum links, engaging students in the space, project ideas - simple to complex.

LINKTO SHARED NOTES DOCUMENT

Speakers

Emily Lutze

Senior High English Teacher, Black Gold Outreach School

I love teaching English but have had several roles in Education such as Counselling, being a member on many committees and organizations and have also been a School Counsellor. I am presently on the Wellness team at my school and am collaborating with other staff on exciting projects... Read More →

Ingrid Martel

Mathematics / Design Studies Teacher, Black Gold Outreach School

Ingrid is the Numeracy Lead, teaches all the high school math classes, Medical Services, Design Studies and Maker Space for Black Gold Outreach School in Leduc.

Jennifer Southcombe

Black Gold School Division

Jennifer Southcombe works for Black Gold Schools as an Instructional Designer & Dual Credit Lead Teacher. This role involves maintaining, developing & sharing a collection of over 200 blended and online courses for Black Gold teacher and student use. As dual credit lead teacher, she... Read More →

Thursday October 26, 2017 11:00 - 12:00 MDT
Terrace 4

Blended Learning in Action

11:00 MDT

Going Global: Reimagining Blended Education for Real World Impact

Going Global is an innovative project-based learning program that helps students explore and take action on critical global issues by connecting with other classrooms and schools, insightful and inspiring guest speakers, and opportunities to shape a better world. From the United Nations Climate Change conference to refugee camps in the Middle East, students get to connect to the people and places they are learning about and express their learning in ways that have a real impact on the planet.

LINK TO SHARED NOTES DOCUMENT

Speakers

Terry Godwaldt

Director of Programming, The Centre for Global Education

Shelley Rizzo

Teacher, Vista Virtual - Calgary

I am a Distance learning educator working with Vista Virtual school in the Calgary Campus. I have 2 grown children, one working in the accounting field with Ernst & Young in Calgary and the other attending Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo, BC in the Culinary Arts/Hospitality... Read More →

Janie Zwach

Thursday October 26, 2017 11:00 - 12:00 MDT
Gallery 2/3

Blended Learning in Action Resources & Tools

11:00 MDT

Bringing Energy Into the Classroom

A course partnership that includes ADLC and NLSD, among many others, brings the oil and gas industry into the classroom and beyond. The Energy Education 35 LDC includes a combination of course content and simulations, that focus on working on an oil rig. Students must perform a number of simulations as part of the course. This course is a pre-requisite for students who then have an opportunity to earn additional high school credits by spending 3 days at NLSD's Trades Exposure Centre. During those 3 days students get hands on experience working on a service rig in a safe, controlled environment.

LINK TO SHARED NOTES DOCUMENT

Speakers

Mark Centazzo

Dual Credit Coordinator, Northern Lights Public Schools

Facilitating a session for the shop teachers of NLPS.

Eliise Jeffers

CTS Teacher, Alberta Distance Learning Centre

After coming to Alberta in 1980, I started teaching for Alberta Vocational Centre, in Corrections at the Calgary Remand Centre. After serving a 10 year sentence, I moved into teaching at some of AVC’s rural adult upgrading programs. I became a Program Supervisor for Rural Upgrading... Read More →

Thursday October 26, 2017 11:00 - 12:00 MDT
Terrace 3

Blended Learning in Action Sponsor

11:00 MDT

Resources to Personalize Instruction

Differentiating instruction is “Essential for some, good for all” and to do this well, having a toolbox full of resources and methods is valuable. During this session, the presenters will provide a smorgasbord of ideas to assist in differentiating instruction for students who would most benefit from this, with an emphasis on numeracy and literacy. This can be applied to blended, online, and outreach schools. The focus will not be on the LMS but on resources in either print or electronic format, which serve different types of needs for students and can be applied at a distance or face-to-face. Participants will be encouraged to contribute to the discussion and sharing of ideas through a variety of activities. Leaders will compile a list of the ideas brought forward and share it with attendees following the session.

LINK TO SHARED NOTES DOCUMENT

Speakers

Cheryl Frose

Teacher - 12 Month, Adlc Barrhead

Jake Warkentin

Special Programs Coordinator, Adlc Barrhead

Jake grew up in Manitoba where both of his parents were teachers. He obtained his BEd/BSc from the University of Lethbridge and began teaching in Conklin, a small northern Alberta community where 3-grade split classes were the norm. After 2 years in Conklin, Jake obtained a position... Read More →

Thursday October 26, 2017 11:00 - 12:00 MDT
Gallery 1

Resources & Tools

11:00 MDT

Update on Provincial Curriculum Development

Curious about the future of curriculum in Alberta? Join us for an overview session on the curriculum renewal process, as well as a sneak peek at the Curriculum Development and Management Application (CDMA), a “one stop shop” for teachers where they will be able to access and work with the materials they need to meet the needs of the students in their classrooms.

LINK TO SHARED NOTES DOCUMENT

Speakers

Leanna Buzak

Manager, Technology and Learning, Alberta Education

Leanna Buzak is currently the Manager, Technology and Learning with a focus on Online Learning.

Thursday October 26, 2017 11:00 - 12:00 MDT
Edmonds

Resources & Tools

12:00 MDT

Buffet Lunch

Thursday October 26, 2017 12:00 - 13:00 MDT
Ballroom A/B

Breaks

13:00 MDT

The Art of Blended Teaching in a Fast Changing World

This presentation is centred on examining the art of teaching through the lens of the learner in a rapidly changing world. We will share and discuss the importance of teacher as learner, strategies to leverage innovation and stimulate student engagement, through our own experiences. Research results gathered through the various projects and educator reflections will also be shared. Based on our experiences in designing, delivering and reflecting upon each project, we will advocate for:
- Deeper Learning in the blended classroom learning space
- Inquiry questions to deepen critical thinking
- Leveraging the collaborative classroom
- Virtual connections
- Relevance/meaningful learning
- Real-world context for authentic learning
The presentation includes examples of current projects are well documented and research backed.

LINK TO SHARED NOTES DOCUMENT

Speakers

Alison Bullock

Digital Literacy Support Teacher, Waterloo Region District School Board

Technology Coach; Collaborative project innovator; former French Immersion classroom teacher .

Mark W. Carbone

Educator, Consultant, retired CIO

After a 35 year career with the Waterloo Region District School Board, Mark is now working as an independent consultant in the education and technology sectors. His experience includes serving in a variety of roles: Chief Information Officer, IT Manager, ICT consultant, secondary... Read More →

Thursday October 26, 2017 13:00 - 14:00 MDT
Terrace 3

Blended - primarily Classroom

13:00 MDT

Incorporating Indigenous Perspectives into the Regular Curriculum

Sharing strategies and resources that teachers can use to enhance and enrich their classroom curriculum.

LINK TO SHARED NOTE TAKING DOCUMENT

Speakers

Fred Hines

Fred Hines received a Bachelor of Arts degree and Bachelor of Education degree from Saint Francis Xavier in Nova Scotia as well as a Master of Education degree from the University of New England in Australia in gifted and talented, Indigenous Students. He began his teaching career... Read More →

Thursday October 26, 2017 13:00 - 14:00 MDT
Edmonds

Blended - primarily Classroom Resources & Tools

13:00 MDT

Blended Learning to give more students access to excellent teachers, make better use of resources, and increase student achievement

How are two schools giving more students access to excellent teachers, making better use of their resources, offering teachers higher pay and leadership opportunities, and increasing student achievement? By using blended and personalized learning! This session will help participants plan how to redesign schools or classes to teach more students, without sacrificing student achievement, and share the resources of Public Impact’s Opportunity Culture to continue their efforts after the session.

Collaborative Notes
Presentation and sharing

Speakers

Michelle Cline

Educational Consultant, PD Squared

I have been a high school English Teacher for 13 years, and a high school assistant principal in North Carolina for 8 years. I am currently completing my Doctorate in Ed Leadership from UNC-Charlotte with a dissertation in Blended Learning in the high school setting.

Scott Nolt

Scott is a blended learning high school social studies teacher in Concord, NC. For three years he taught a time-tech swap style of class, where he saw twice as many students and they are in the traditional class setting half the time. By leveraging technology, he not only reach more... Read More →

BLT Vignette Scott Nolt Public Impact pdf

Thursday October 26, 2017 13:00 - 14:00 MDT
Gallery 2/3

Blended Learning in Action Blended - primarily Classroom Getting Started with Blended Learning

13:00 MDT

Going Beyond Blended and Online Learning: OEP

How can we design for previously inconceivable learning with the use of technology? How can we focus on learning instead of naming the "type" of learning? This session will explore how Open Educational Practice (OEP) can help support connecting and exploring "outside" of traditional classroom walls and LMS design. Using examples from Rocky View Schools, the session will start with an exploration of OEP. Then in groups, using a design mindset and OEP indicators, the participants will remix current school projects and initiatives.

SHARED NOTE TAKING DOCUMENT

Speakers

Verena Roberts

Sessional Instructor, Research Assistant, University of Calgary & University of Victoria

Thursday October 26, 2017 13:00 - 14:00 MDT
Terrace 1

Blended Learning in Action Resources & Tools

13:00 MDT

One Great Flipping Tool

We will examine the adoption of Echo360 by NAIT over the past three years; examine some recorded lessons; acknowledge general strategies such as audio, video (recording one or both - computer screen images and/or the instructor) and Captioning; and examine some "Analytics" - Echo360 in total, and student feedback from Fricker's classes. Further, the support equipment (camera, microphones, etc.) will be displayed

Echo360 has the potential to flip your classroom or distance delivered course, changing either of both the instruction dynamic and media production. Classroom capturing can occur with out a production crew, but the need for a knowledgeable IT department and system-wide integration are paramount. For the distance student, now the teacher can get into the picture, literally. While we empower the student with very rich media, is class or instruction flipping an assured outcome? Can educators extend the classroom, and provide remedial lessons where specific needs have been identified?

LINK TO SHARED NOTES DOCUMENT

Speakers

Bill Fricker

Bill Fricker is retired from full-time duties with the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), but continues instructing to one course per semester. Throughout his 37 year career as an educator, he has been active in distance education and the integration of educational... Read More →

Thursday October 26, 2017 13:00 - 14:00 MDT
Terrace 4

Blended Learning in Action Resources & Tools

13:00 MDT

Beyond Coursework: School-Wide Course Design

This session will look beyond individual courses and examine ways to create a school-wide course design and develop procedures that will streamline how the school operates, increasing organization and allowing teachers and students to spend more time on their courses. Course design, support and organization, as well as ways to track and analyze data from courses will all be discussed.

LINK TO SHARED NOTE TAKING DOCUMENT

Speakers

Keith Harrison

Palliser Beyond Borders

I have been teaching online for six years with Palliser Beyond Borders, having previously taught in Northern BC, Northern Alberta and Yellowknife. I currently live in Lethbridge and teach English and CTS courses.

Stephanie Krammer

Teacher/Acting Principal, Palliser Beyond Borders

Steph has been teaching in online and blended environments for over 10 years. She strives to connect with each and every one of her students in a way that is meaningful, where trust and supportive relationships are fostered. Steph is currently working with Palliser Beyond Borders... Read More →

Thursday October 26, 2017 13:00 - 14:00 MDT
Gallery 1

Leadership and Professional Learning Online Resources & Tools

14:00 MDT

Networking Break

Thursday October 26, 2017 14:00 - 14:15 MDT
Foyer

Breaks

14:15 MDT

Using Twitter to Make Connections

Twitter often gets a bad rap. Too often, critics suggest that 120 letters leaves little room for intellectual thought. But did you know that there is a University professor who is tweeting about WWII? He is currently in 1943, and the tweets are both fascinating and horrifying. What will happen next? Why are the Russians retreating? This activity gets students involved in the war, and asking questions. Not teaching WWII? Twitter can be used in so many different classrooms, including English, Science and Math.

LINK TO SHARED NOTES DOCUMENT

Speakers

Allison Hone

Thursday October 26, 2017 14:15 - 15:15 MDT
Terrace 1

Blended - primarily Classroom Blended - primarily online Resources & Tools

14:15 MDT

Empowering Learners in Online Environments

This presentation is centred on examining the art of online teaching through the lens of the learner in a rapidly changing world. We will share and discuss the importance of teacher as learner, strategies to leverage innovation and stimulate student engagement in online learning spaces. Research results gathered through the various projects and educator reflections will be shared. Based on our experiences in designing, delivering and reflecting upon each project, we will advocate for:
- Deeper Learning in the online environment
- Inquiry questions to deepen critical thinking
- Leveraging collaboration in the online learning space
- Developing and leveraging a Personal Learning Network
- Virtual connections
- Real-world context for authentic learning
The presentation includes examples of current projects are well documented and research backed.

LINK TO SHARED NOTES DOCUMENT

Speakers

Alison Bullock

Digital Literacy Support Teacher, Waterloo Region District School Board

Technology Coach; Collaborative project innovator; former French Immersion classroom teacher .

Mark W. Carbone

Educator, Consultant, retired CIO

Thursday October 26, 2017 14:15 - 15:15 MDT
Edmonds

Online

14:15 MDT

State of the Nation: K-12 E-Learning in Canada

Current research in K-12 online learning in Canada has focused on defining distance learning and its current strengths and weaknesses. Yet the proliferation of technologies and digital learning spaces has led to the emergence of new instructional strategies and digital learning practices for teachers in many K-12 classrooms, both online and onsite. Traditional school-based classrooms are incorporating technology-supported open learning options, creating blended learning opportunities where at least part of instruction occurs in a classroom, part online at a distance, both combined with some element of choice in learning for students. For these emerging practices little is known empirically, only anecdotally, as research into these practices has been limited or nonexistent, particularly in Canada.

As you will hear in the authors’ discussion of the 2016 State of the Nation: K-12 E-Learning in Canada report, many provinces and territories in Canada have some reference to distance education in their Education Act or Schools Act; the reference is typically used to describe distance education or to enable the Ministry of Education to create, approve or regulate K-12 distance education. However, with some exceptions, few provinces and territories have any regulations describing online or blended learning. This presentation will describe and discuss this current state of e-learning in Canada and the need for further research and study in the emerging field of K-12 online and blended learning, including the first systematic data collected on the level of and growth in blended learning across the country.

LINK TO SHARED NOTES DOCUMENT

Speakers

Michael Barbour

Touro University

Michael K. Barbour is Associate Professor of Instructional Design for the College of Education and Health Sciences at Touro University, California. He has been involved with K-12 online learning in a variety of countries for over two decades as a researcher, teacher, course designer... Read More →

Thursday October 26, 2017 14:15 - 15:15 MDT
Gallery 1

Research

14:15 MDT

BC Learning Network +

BC Learning Network is a non-profit consortium of sixty one BC and Yukon school districts and now some Alberta divisions devoted to developing digital media, shared resources and best practices in Distributed and Blended Learning across Western Canada. We will be demonstrating resources that are currently available within BCLN and will discuss future directions. Membership in the consortium is available for public school divisions across Western Canada. www.bclearningnetwork.com

LINK TO SHARED NOTE TAKING DOCUMENT

Speakers

Brent Sawatzky

Teacher/Developer, WCLN / eSchool23

WCLN is a consortium of districts where the goal is to work together to produce quality resources for OL and BL students. Brent is the technical director of WCLN.

Bruce Weitzel

Executive Director, WCLN

The Western Canadian Learning Network (WCLN) is a consortium school districts within BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, the Yukon, and NWT who work together to:Support distance learning, alternate, and blended learning programs.Support classroom teachers who are interested in... Read More →

Thursday October 26, 2017 14:15 - 15:15 MDT
Terrace 3

Resources & Tools

14:15 MDT

The Most Important Course in High School

Today’s teen is overwhelmed with information and for many, the thought of
exploring career and post-secondary options is daunting. ChatterHigh Founder Lee Taal uses examples from his unique career path to explain how active exploration contributes to hope in students and how this leads to the critical outcome of becoming adaptable in a constantly changing world. Lee’s talk with educators and students alike is engaging and inspiring and often requested on an annual basis in schools. Participants will also discover a free learning resource now used across Canada to gamify exploration of post-secondary and career pathways. ChatterHigh runs "Canada's Most Informed School" Competition, the official event for Canada Career Month this November. Schools have raised $182,000 during previous competitions!

LINK TO SHARED NOTES

Speakers

Lee Taal

Founder, Chatter High

A future paleontologist/football player who attended high school in Peterborough, Ontario, Lee’s career path was a complete surprise to him. A graduate of RRMC with a B.Sc in Oceanography & Space Science, he worked in the Arctic, has a medal from the UN and NATO, gave advice to... Read More →

Thursday October 26, 2017 14:15 - 15:15 MDT
Gallery 2/3

Resources & Tools Sponsor

14:15 MDT

Using Online Simulations to Improve Conceptual Understanding in Math and Science

Learn how online simulations help teachers take advantage of research-proven instructional strategies and help students of all ability levels develop conceptual understanding in math and science. Teachers can supplement and enhance instruction with powerful interactive visualizations of concepts. Students can manipulate key variables, generate and test hypotheses, and engage in extensive “what-if” experimentation.

LINK TO SHARED NOTES DOCUMENT

Speakers

Patty Low

Curriculum Consultant, ExploreLearning

UCET 2019, CMC - North 2019, CAST 2019, NCTM, former Technology Curriculum CoordinatorAs a former Educational Technology Coordinator in Klein ISD designing professional development sessions that emphasized personalized instruction for teachers and students Patty has a passion for... Read More →

Thursday October 26, 2017 14:15 - 15:15 MDT
Terrace 4

Resources & Tools Sponsor

15:15 MDT

Refreshment Break

Thursday October 26, 2017 15:15 - 15:30 MDT
Foyer

Breaks

15:30 MDT

World Cafe - Led by Norm Vaughan

Thursday October 26, 2017 15:30 - 16:30 MDT
Ballroom A/B

Keynote

16:30 MDT

Social

Thursday October 26, 2017 16:30 - 18:00 MDT
Ballroom C

Social

07:30 MDT

Buffet Breakfast

Friday October 27, 2017 07:30 - 08:15 MDT
Ballroom A/B

Breaks

08:15 MDT

Welcome

Friday October 27, 2017 08:15 - 08:30 MDT
Ballroom A/B

08:30 MDT

4 Practical Tips for Overcoming the Objections to a Blended Classroom

“Our kids spend enough time on computers!”, “It takes so much time to build my online courses”, “The teacher isn’t teaching anymore”, “Our school can’t afford this!”. These and many other objections abound as we start to tread into blended waters. 4 years into my blended classroom I have heard them all! In this session, I will give some practical tips on creating a blended classroom that addresses these objections head on. But I will also talk about the key purpose of blending your classroom which makes the whole process worth it.

Link to Collaborative Notes Doc

Speakers

Anthony Green

Teacher, Rockyview School Board

I've been a teacher for 19 years. In the last 8 I've been delving deeper into online learning formats and the blended classroom. Particularly with Math and Science.

Friday October 27, 2017 08:30 - 09:30 MDT
Terrace 3

Blended - primarily Classroom Getting Started with Blended Learning

08:30 MDT

Beam Me Up! 10 Practical Ways to Increase Student-Centered Learning Using Google Classroom

Google Classroom is taking the digital learning world by storm with over 30 million users and over 1 billion assignments since its inception in 2014. While simple to begin using, many teachers aren’t sure how to really leverage this app to improve student learning and engagement. In this session, participants will see 10 concrete ways to move toward a more student-centered learning approach using Google Classroom that they can start using the very next day!

Presentation Slides Link

LINK TO SHARED NOTE TAKING DOC

Speakers

Danny Maas

Manager, Emerging Technology, Edmonton Catholic Schools

Danny Maas is the educational technology manager for Edmonton Catholic Schools, and also teaches pre-service teachers at Concordia University of Edmonton. Danny's has experience at Alberta Education and 2Learn.ca, and is a strong advocate for student-centered learning with digital... Read More →

Friday October 27, 2017 08:30 - 09:30 MDT
Edmonds

Blended - primarily Classroom Resources & Tools

08:30 MDT

Collaboration - How to Connect and Get Students Working Together

How can we foster collaboration in online, blended and structured classroom spaces? What tools, strategies and techniques work well to build this core competency in our classrooms?

Presentation: https://goo.gl/HBt3Qz

LINK TO SHARED NOTES DOCUMENT

Speakers

Jen Lefebvre

Director of Instruction, Wild Rose School Division No. 66

Director of Instruction for Wild Rose School Division. Passionate about all things in education, technology and the outdoors!

Friday October 27, 2017 08:30 - 09:30 MDT
Terrace 4

Blended - primarily Classroom Resources & Tools

08:30 MDT

Amazing Blended Learning Results with CONNECTIONS

CONNECTIONS is a province wide 5 credit CTS High School Diversity and Leadership Education Program that utilizes a very powerful blended learning process. It includes online discussions between students across Alberta, school based teacher instruction, online activities, a face to face workshop with all participants and student developed and delivered "Be The Change" projects.
The CONNECTIONS program has been recognized as one of the strongest diversity and leadership programs for high school students in the world. It is an example of how blended learning can be utilized to achieve amazing long term attitudinal and behavioral results for students.

LINK TO SHARED NOTES DOCUMENT

Speakers

George Taven

Teacher - 12 Month, Adlc Calgary

Teacher, Curriculum Program Designer and Program Administrator for over 35 years with the Calgary Board of Education. Has worked with all ages of students (K-12) and most recently has been working with 16 Alberta School Districts and over 60 High Schools in implementing the CONNECTIONS... Read More →

Friday October 27, 2017 08:30 - 09:30 MDT
Gallery 2/3

Blended Learning in Action

08:30 MDT

Using Curriculum to Drive Assessment

Teachers and Administrators have so much to do in their day that sometimes making those connections back to curriculum seems overwhelming. How can we use curriculum mapping to drive instruction and assessment in classrooms, whether in a face to face, blended or online learning environment? Teachers who develop curriculum maps learn what and when to assess and the importance of being explicit in their instruction. Let's talk about the process and the impact that it can have on student learning. Curriculum mapping provides a clear path to student assessment and instruction and gives everyone permission to know when to stop. Join our conversation to learn more.
LINK TO SHARED NOTES DOCUMENT

Speakers

Terri Reid

Curriculum Manager, Black Gold School Division

Terri is an experienced, innovative, and dynamic leader who is highly skilled in organizational change. As the Curriculum Manager with Black Gold School Division, her portfolio includes Curriculum and Instruction, Assessment, PD, Virtual and Blended Learning, and International St... Read More →

Friday October 27, 2017 08:30 - 09:30 MDT
Gallery 1

Leadership and Professional Learning

08:30 MDT

Creating authentic learning experiences by working with Real World Data

Never has it been more convenient to explore learning opportunities using real world data. In this sessions I will introduce participants to some international, national, provincial and local government open data resources. We will learn how to search, manipulate and then present data visually. We will then look at how we could create authentic learning opportunities for our students.

LINK TO GOOGLE SLIDES

LINK TO SHARED NOTES DOCUMENT

Speakers

Dirk Meyer

Learning Specialist, Rocky View School Division No. 41

Creating authentic learning experiences by working with Real World Data pptx

Friday October 27, 2017 08:30 - 09:30 MDT
Terrace 1

Resources & Tools

09:30 MDT

Networking Break

Friday October 27, 2017 09:30 - 09:45 MDT
Foyer

Breaks

09:45 MDT

Blended Learning in Division 1

The journey of developing an online/blended learning program for students in grade one to three has been challenging, exciting and ever changing. What is important in the design of a blended learning program for young students? How do we create a classroom community? In what ways do we guide, support and assess student learning? These questions matter to educators and our young learners. Come to listen and share.
Shared Note Taking Document

Speakers

Marge Kobewka

Teacher, Argyll Centre

Marge Kobewka is an online educator at Argyll Centre in Edmonton. For the last ten years she has been active in the continuing evolution of the online/blended learning program for elementary students.

Friday October 27, 2017 09:45 - 10:45 MDT
Terrace 3

Blended - primarily online Getting Started with Blended Learning

09:45 MDT

Curriculum based lesson plans to encourage a just and moral society.

Educators will learn about our 2 free bilingual resources that are available online for both teachers and their students:

Choose Your Voice (chooseyourvoice.ca) for grades 4-8

Voices Into Action (voicesintoaction.ca) for grades 9-12

Both resources examine many different social justice issues such as Prejudice and Discrimination, The Aboriginal Experience, The Roots of Slavery, Gender Rights, The Holocaust, Islamophobia, Citizenship, Immigration, and so very much more. Units come equipped with a wealth of information, original videos of people recounting their experiences, ready made lesson plans for teachers, as well as grading rubrics, assessments and critical thinking strategies.
The lesson plans are completely adaptable and tie into curriculum in Social Studies, Language Arts, Health, Religion, Law, Psychology, Drama and Art, and will always be available FREE OF CHARGE.

LINK TO SHARED NOTES DOCUMENT

Speakers

Voice Into Action / Choose Your

Regional Director of Educational Programs - AB, Voice Into Action / Choose Your Voice

Award Winning Teaching Resources for all Humanities CoursesChoose Your Voice and Voices into Action offer a wealth of FREE curriculum-based bilingual lesson plans and tools to help educate students about prejudice, human rights and social justice. Past and current events are examined... Read More →

Friday October 27, 2017 09:45 - 10:45 MDT
Terrace 1

Blended - primarily online Leadership and Professional Learning

09:45 MDT

Alberta Education: Online Learning Toolkit

Alberta Education is currently in the process of developing an Online Learning Toolkit designed to support four target audiences: students, parents (and other family supports), teachers and school/system leaders. Input solicited into further development and refinement of the toolkit.

Updates regarding online learning in Alberta will also be shared, including amendments to the Guide to Education.

LINK TO SHARED NOTES DOCUMENT

Speakers

Neela Bell

Alberta Education

Neela Bell is an Educational Technology Consultant with Alberta Education, focused on the area of online/blended learning as well as technology and mental health.

Daylene Lauman

Online Learning Advisor, Alberta Education

Daylene Lauman is currently serving in the role of Online Learning Advisor with Alberta Education in Canada. In this role, she is responsible for the development of policy and and guidelines for 1-12 online learning in Alberta. Daylene leads practices and future directions for applying... Read More →

Friday October 27, 2017 09:45 - 10:45 MDT
Edmonds

Resources & Tools

09:45 MDT

I Didn't Know I Could Do That!! Google Ninja Secrets!!

An entertaining session filled with A-ha moments! Learn how to make the most out of your device with tips and tricks to be make you more organized, efficient, and engaging as a classroom teacher. From short cuts, to sensational apps/extensions/sites, to chromebook ninja secrets....attendees will walk away with an extensive list of tools that are easy to use in your classrooms today.

Collaborative Notes Document

Speakers

Dane Sadownyk

Administrator/Educational Technology Consultant

Dane serves as an Administrator for specialized district programming, as well as a known Educational Technology Consultant. Dane is a past international presenter at ISTE (2018, 2019), as well as the Discovery Education Summer Institute. He was a featured presenter for the Northern... Read More →

Friday October 27, 2017 09:45 - 10:45 MDT
Gallery 1

Resources & Tools

09:45 MDT

Set Your Sites Higher

Google revamped Sites last year, and it’s easier to use for both teachers and students. In this presentation, we’ll demonstrate how New Sites can be used for collaboration, projects, student portfolios, and communication. Sites seamlessly integrates with other Google Apps, and you’ll get plenty of time to play and build your own site customized to what works for you and your learners.

Here's the link to our slides: http://bit.ly/blendedsites

LINK TO SHARED NOTES DOCUMENT

Speakers

Heather

Innovation Coach, Buffalo Trail Public Schools Regional Division No. 28

Hi! I work as an Innovation Coach for Buffalo Trail Public Schools. My role is to assist and collaborate with educators and administrators in the enhancement of teaching and learning practices. I strive to promote integration of 21st Century skills throughout the curriculum at all... Read More →

Vonglaxay Saysana

Innovation Coach, Buffalo Trail Public Schools

Xay is an Innovation Coach at Buffalo Trail Public Schools. He loves supporting all learners in his school district. He is continually amazed at how a little encouragement can leave lasting impressions in classrooms. Xay is a Google Certified Educator & Administrator. He is also... Read More →

Friday October 27, 2017 09:45 - 10:45 MDT
Gallery 2/3

Resources & Tools

09:45 MDT

Storyline - a great tool for creating online learning materials

This session will introduce you to Storyline and its applications in the development of online resources. We will demonstrate that this user friendly tool can yield many possibilities in the development of resources (animations, videos, screen casts, simulations, quizzes and much more.) It is a powerful tool, which will help you enhance all types of learning environments.

Bring your computer

LINK TO SHARED NOTES DOCUMENT

Speakers

Michel Gariepy

TEACHER, CFED

Michel Gariepy has been with Centre francophone d’éducation à distance (www.cfed.ca) since 2014 as a teacher and the coordinator of course development. His vast experience as a classroom teacher in mathematics, science and robotics has helped create some engaging and innovative... Read More →

Jean Mongrain

Directeur, Centre francophone d'éducation à distance

Friday October 27, 2017 09:45 - 10:45 MDT
Terrace 4

Resources & Tools

10:45 MDT

Refreshment Break

Friday October 27, 2017 10:45 - 11:00 MDT
Foyer

Breaks

11:00 MDT

Virtual Reality Learning

Imagine being able to learning in 360 degrees! With simple to use tools, teachers can transform lessons into online virtual reality! The educational tool ThingLink allows for 360 images, videos, Google Apps for Education and more! Participants will learn how to build their own virtual reality adventures!

Collaborative Note Taking Document

Speakers

Trisha Roffey

Emerging Technology Consultant, Edmonton Catholic Schools

Friday October 27, 2017 11:00 - 11:30 MDT
Terrace 3

Resources & Tools

11:00 MDT

Implementing Thinking Routines in the Classroom

In 2015, the educators at Sccyber E-Learning community began a multi-year project to study and implement the metacognitive "thinking routines" recommended by Ritchart, et al. in their book, "Making Thinking Visible". In this presentation, two Sccyber teachers will share the ways that our educators have successfully explored and adapted these routines to encourage deeper thinking and exploration of content by our students. Atendees will come away with an overview of this useful resource, and many ideas on practical implementation across asynchronous, synchronous or traditional environments that can be implemented immediately.

LINK TO SHARED NOTES DOCUMENT

Speakers

Karol Kamieniecki

Teacher and Registrar, SCcyber E-learning Community

Karol Kamieniecki is an experienced educator both in traditional and online classrooms. She is passionate about bringing technology and learning theory together to engage her students. She holds a Master of Education specializing in Distance Education and has been teaching synchronous... Read More →

Lianne Kanters

Online Educator, SCcyber E-learning Community

BlendEd SCcyber Presentation 1 pptx

Friday October 27, 2017 11:00 - 12:00 MDT
Gallery 1

Blended - primarily online Resources & Tools

11:00 MDT

Virtual Learning Commons Kijiji Style: The Power of Sharing Digital Resources.

This presentation is about the examination and discovery of existing resources and networks in order to develop a open virtual learning commons for our district. Learning Commons have tended to have a focus on face to face learning environments. In actuality, Standards of Practice for Effective School Library Learning Commons include online and blended learners in a wide variety of ways. These include: 1)Facilitating Collaborative Engagement to Cultivate and Empower a Community of Learners, 2) Advancing the Learning Community to Achieve School Goals, 3) Cultivating Effective Instructional Design to Co-plan, Teach and Assess Learning 4) Fostering Literacies to Empower Life-Long Learners and 5) Designing Learning Environments to Support Participatory Learning. In this presentation we will discuss how to establish guidelines and evaluation tools that target resources to address the digital learning needs within our schools, district and community through a, "Virtual learning Commons".

LINK TO SHARED NOTES DOCUMENT

Speakers

Chris Gartner

Verena Roberts

Sessional Instructor, Research Assistant, University of Calgary & University of Victoria

Friday October 27, 2017 11:00 - 12:00 MDT
Terrace 4

Blended Learning in Action Online

11:00 MDT

FAME - The future of Visual Arts education

In this workshop Vancouver Animation School will demonstrate how they bring the creative industries into the Visual Arts classroom through a blended learning platform called FAME, designed in collaboration with teachers and institutions across the world. Delegates will also have the opportunity to get hands on, and experience FAME themselves.

LINK TO SHARED NOTES DOCUMENT

Speakers

Laura Haseley

Representative, Vancouver Animation School

VANAS has been working in the field of Visual Arts blended learning education since 2009. Laura Haseley has been working in education for over 20 years including in the fields of Music, Mathematics, ESL and Visual Arts. She has particular interests in ubiquitous learning and the teaching... Read More →

Mario Pochat

FAME

Mario Pochat is the CEO and Founder of FAME (www.myfame.org), an educational platform for digital entertainment teaching the Art & Science behind movies and video games. His hobby as a teenager led to a career that has taken him around the world while winning a national award for... Read More →

Friday October 27, 2017 11:00 - 12:00 MDT
Terrace 1

Blended Learning in Action Resources & Tools Sponsor

11:00 MDT

Narrowing the gap so they don't slip through the cracks

Imagine being able to quickly learn about a student or groups of students through a dashboard rather than a CUM file. This isn't science fiction. Existing data collected everyday by Alberta teachers can be used to inform teaching practice so that students can receive timely support. Rocky View Schools is in the 3rd year of a learning analytics project. Join Rocky Views Schools Director of Technology for learning and Ahmad Jawad from Intellimedia to learn about the Rocky View SIS enhancement project. (Dossier)

LINK TO SHARED NOTES DOCUMENT

Speakers

Ahmad Jawad

Kevin Wttewaall

Director of Technology for Learning, Rvs

Kevin passionately and creatively supports the people that enhance teaching and learning through education and information technologies within a 22K student K-12 school district. He and his team provide ongoing leadership and support to staff, students and stakeholders as they embrace... Read More →

Friday October 27, 2017 11:00 - 12:00 MDT
Edmonds

Leadership and Professional Learning Resources & Tools

11:00 MDT

StudyForge Hands On: Getting Practical for Split-Classes and Small Schools

Having a digital math curriculum that allows personalized learning (AKA student ownership and accountability) can solve many challenges, especially for smaller schools where split classes are the norm and it is challenging to offer all course options. Before attending this session, create an account by going to https://goo.gl/MRxxpQ , click on the “BlendED 2017 Presentation” account and use the enrolment key “luv2blend” to get your preview of StudyForge. Seriously! Do it right now.

Shared Notes Document

Speakers

Richard Bitgood

Director, StudyForge

Anthony Green

Teacher, Rockyview School Board

I've been a teacher for 19 years. In the last 8 I've been delving deeper into online learning formats and the blended classroom. Particularly with Math and Science.

Friday October 27, 2017 11:00 - 12:00 MDT
Gallery 2/3

Resources & Tools Sponsor

12:00 MDT

Buffet Lunch

Friday October 27, 2017 12:00 - 12:45 MDT
Ballroom A/B

Breaks

13:45 MDT

Closing/Draws

Friday October 27, 2017 13:45 - 14:00 MDT
Ballroom A/B