It is only a few weeks until Bring IT Together, Ontario’s education technology conference.
I am thrilled to be presenting an introductory workshop on Integrative Thinking on November 4th and even more thrilled to be providing the closing keynote on November 6th. I think it’s very important that front line workers, those testing out new models of learning directly with children, have the opportunity to share our Continue Reading
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My use of the knowledge building circle is becoming more deliberate and refined. This year I’ve introduced it earlier and we go to it more frequently. Continue Reading
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I am often asked by those wishing to improve classroom practice, “Where do I begin?”. Every teacher develops systems to start the school year and I have over the past few years devised, brought together and refined a series of activities to launch students into deep thinking and complex problem solving. Continue Reading
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Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending and presenting at Canada’s first Civic Design Camp held at the MaRS Discovery District in Toronto. The purpose of the day was to bring designers, public servants and innovators together to learn a process of design while working on real problems.
Reinventing civic society by design is gaining traction globally, but it was surprising to hear how far along some cities are. The mayor’s office of Boston has an innovation lab where new ideas to improve citizen experience are prototyped and tested with room for failure built right in. Clever ideas are improving citizen experience. As Nigel Jacobs said, “Good design makes people like you.” Spothole (a tool for getting potholes filled quickly), “Where’s My School Bus?” and City Hall to Go are some of the interesting solutions that have Continue Reading
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What would happen if an entire community became
better at thinking, collaboration and complex problem-solving? Continue Reading
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After 5 years of testing ideas in my classroom, and after the resounding success of the Spring Workshop for Educators, I am thrilled to bring a full day workshop to Ottawa on August 26. Continue Reading
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“By age 25, 20% of Canadian youth will have developed a mental illness.”
For those who work in education, this is no surprise. While organizations like the Continue Reading
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This winter/spring I have had the good fortune to be part of the Rotman IThink Practicum along with a small group of educators from TDSB, YRDSB, HWDSB and Bishop Strachan. This practicum grew out of a project that took place last year, during which Continue Reading
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It was on #knowledgebuilding.
It went well.
Here’s the storify from @24gizmo and from @Robitaille2011
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I’m bringing Experience the Shift Workshop for Educators to Ottawa.
When: Wednesday August 26 2015
Where: University of Ottawa
Please register here.
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Heidi is a middle school teacher from Ontario, Canada whose innovative work is creating new models of learning. She has been recognized by the Globe and Mail as one of Canada's innovative teachers. Her students undertake original projects that challenge the boundaries of learning and have won national awards. She has been featured on TVO's Learning 2030 series and as a guest blogger. Her blog is carried by CBC's digital media service in Hamilton. Heidi is currently exploring Integrative and Design Thinking and Knowledge Building with her students and has recently begun her MEd in Education Leadership and Policy. Heidi has created Experience the Shift - a series of workshops designed to help participants experience and develop insight about new models of learning. Follow #shiftxp2015 to see its impact.