June 21, 2013 – Technology is ‘Child’s Play’

Happy Summer Everyone!! 

As June is drawing to a close and school is about to take a hiatus for the summer months, so too will the Tech Tidbits Newsletter and Blog.  I have truly enjoyed writing the weekly tech tips and look forward to starting up again in the fall with many more new and interesting ideas.  Until then, I have one additional thought for you to take with you over the summer months - Technology is ‘Child’s Play’.  Earlier this week, I was speaking with a colleague about a recent visit with her granddaughter, who is just over two years old.  She was amazed to watch her adeptly maneuver the toy she was playing with.  Later she found out that the toy which had kept her interest for such a long time was in fact a smartphone.  This is just one example of the fearlessness and curiosity which takes over when children are given the opportunity to experiment with technology.  Over the summer months I challenge you to play with some form of technology.  Whether it is a tablet, a new app, the UGCloud or some other form of technology let your inner child out to play and explore. 

There are some fantastic opportunities to learn about utilizing technology in the classroom coming up and I encourage you to take advantage of some of these wonderful events.  The UGDSB Summer Institute will be held at Elora Public School on July 3^rd and 4^th and offers some exciting sessions on the UGCloud and Technology Fun.  You can sign up on PD Place.   In September, the board will be facilitating a series of online, face-to-face and afterschool workshops to help staff with introducing a ‘Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Program’ to your school.  Ask your administration for details if you are interested in attending.  Also, the Educational Computing Organization of Ontario will be having their Annual Conference, ‘Bring IT Together’, in Niagara Falls on October 23^rd, 24^th and 25^th.  With over 200 speakers, numerous vendors and fantastic key notes, you are certain to learn some new tools to use in your classroom.  More information is available at http://bringittogether.ca/ 

Finally, thank you so much for participating in the weekly newsletter and blog over the past few months!  I never imagined it would gain the interest it has, and I look forward to connecting with you again in the fall.  Until then, if there is a topic you would like to revisit or a new technique you would like to try, all of my previous posts are available online at http://techtidbitz.blogspot.ca/ .  You can leave a comment or search out information on previous posts. 

Thanks again and have a very relaxing and playful summer,

Stace