@globeandmail, 2012-05-17 5:39 PM. GOOGLE IT? Nah…

The Globe and Mail (@globeandmail) 2012-05-17 5:39 PM Google it? Nah. Kid asks book author for homework help bit.ly/MpyVB7

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@globeandmail, 2012-05-17 5:39 PM. GOOGLE IT? Nah…

The Globe and Mail (@globeandmail) 2012-05-17 5:39 PM Google it? Nah. Kid asks book author for homework help bit.ly/MpyVB7

Sent from my iPad

@librarymall, 2012-05-15 10:35 AM

lisa domeier (@librarymall) 2012-05-15 10:35 AM Rethinking school lib “Libraries should be more like kitchens than grocery stores” plpnetwork.com/2011/07/08/sho… #sd36learn #libraries #bctla #bced

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@librarymall, 2012-05-15 10:35 AM

lisa domeier (@librarymall) 2012-05-15 10:35 AM Rethinking school lib “Libraries should be more like kitchens than grocery stores” plpnetwork.com/2011/07/08/sho… #sd36learn #libraries #bctla #bced

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To blog or not blog- that is a question, not the question

Should educators and students blog?  I’ve been an advocate of blogging for years.  I don’t consider myself an expert or even a proficient writer. I’m a librarian who could teach English not an English teacher or a Creative Writing instructor or even a Journalism coach; however, I do coach many others in the mechanics and the experience of blogging and social media platforms.  Blogs can serve educators in many ways. From personal journals to editorials and of course publishing tools for teaching strategies.  One superintendent I follow, Culture of Yes,  is not just a good writer but a thinker.  His community is stronger by his sharing. He does take a risk- a political risk of opinions, etc. but he also builds consensus and can motivate change.

There are pitfalls.  I’ve made my share.  One issue for me is finding the boundary of personal and occupational.  Here I write as a professional teacher-librarian from the KSS Learning Commons.  I’m modeling for a colleague.  I will cross-post on my own blog( a no no ) to make a point of how roles can get blurry.  This IS VERY IMPORTANT.  Not just for circulation but for integrity.  Our students- especially journalism students need to discuss and study this new digital publishing reality.  Whether it’s Facebook posts, Linked in resumes, or Pinterest albums, protecting integrity and privacy while sharing is important.

I don’t think we should avoid writing in the public sphere because there is risk.   We need to manage the risks and learn. Improve. Teach. Share. Learn some more. Isn’t all in the interest of communication? I think blogging has virtue because it provides greater scope and a timeline for writing quality not found in brief, fast tweets or updates. Teachers of English, Journalism, Social Studies, Sciences, heck everyone….can use blogs to enrich their classroom learning experience.  Even our Library is a stronger place with avenues to engage beyond the shelves.  This is the power of our age.

- Al Smith

Dancing on the Ceiling May 9/10 KSS Dance

Dancing on the Ceiling

KSS Dance Dept. May 9 5pm May 10 5/7:30pm

in the KSS Theatre. contact crystal.garbelya@sd23.bc.ca

Tix MPR May 7,8,9 Adults $8 Students $5

Man in motion – @kssowls hoopsters

iPhone message…
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Never confuse the special devices that connect us, with the precious moments that keep us together.

Even our Learning Commons has quiet moments

A senior takes a nap Friday with warm spring sun in the window

iPhone message…
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Never confuse the special devices that connect us, with the precious moments that keep us together.

@web20classroom, 4/19/12 6:04 PM redesigning spaces of learning

Steven W. Anderson (@web20classroom) 4/19/12 6:04 PM Re-designing spaces for learning zite.to/HGt9px

- Redesign spaces around collaborative teaching,
- Retrain teachers to work collaboratively and
- Empower and resource teachers to be the agents of change in any context

For the past 6 years we’ve consciously evolved our high school library to address these three action plans. The goal was to develop a new space within our walls to serve as many learning needs as possible. Our grade10-12 library looks, feels and functions like a learning commons- not just in name but form and function. This evolution took support of our new vision by admin but really grew from building capacity in the space and then serving our school culture. Visit us at http://www.kss.sd23.bc.ca/rc/commons.html

I really appreciate your healthy provoking and sharing.
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No dream-NightOwl theatre students and director fab Midsummer Night

Another spring production by  NightOwl Theatre.  After the fall production of Laremy Project, this Neal Facey rendition of Midsummer Night’s Dream illustrates the diverse skills and attributes of a great education program! – Al Smith

For anyone who wants to take in a great show, check out Night Owl Theatre’s  “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” playing in our school theatre this week. Neal’s students impress again with this tidy rendition of one of Shakespeare’s most famous comedies.

All of the students give strong performances but Isabella and Brett  absolutely shine as Puck and Nick Bottom, respectively. Jamie  also stands out with her fresh and hilarious version of Helena.The costumes, choreography and props are perfectly suited and the 80′s soundtrack will have you reach for a poofie hairdo or don a blouse with cardboard shoulders. (At the very least, you will go home and hunt for the music of Wham and give them another listen)

“Bottom” Line: this is a strong cast doing a fab rendition of a Shakespearian classic.

Surprisingly, Facey’s crew achieves the virtually impossible: taking an unnecessarily convoluted, improbable and sometimes confusing script and making it perfectly accessible to an audience of all ages. Very well done!

The play is on this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 7:30 pm.

Of course you are too busy to attend, but this is the kind of event that makes you proud to be involved in the education field. And let’s face it –in this current political climate, who could not benefit from such a reminder?  – Mr. M