My students were invited by Jen Apgar @JenApgar & Sean Hamiton @SHamilton1UGDSB to share during the Be a Game Changer 2.0 Global Citizenship discussion this evening.  I invited all of my 28 students and was thrilled that 13 were able to meet me at our school to share in this important discussion.  It was a whirlwind of excitement before we went "on air".  Although the students are well versed in Hangouts & online discussion, this evening produced a lot of nerves, excitement and pride in their accomplishments.

The longer I am an educator, the more value I see in using technology to transform learning.  I see the impact that making connections outside our school walls has on my students.  They are engaged and passionate about learning.  

Before they shared this evening, I asked the students to brainstorm and compile some answers to questions that Sean & Jen had prompted them with.  The questions linked to their experiences with the #CDNcraft project and other activities that we have done throughout this school year.  They were asked to share about their experiences, but also about how they value this type of learning and if they would encourage other students and educators to connect.  Their answers were too long to share during the Hangout this evening, but we have compiled them and shared them in this document.

The document contains more depth than what they were able to share in the Hangout.  I found their answers encouraging and enlightening.  I was thrilled to see that they are getting it!  They understand why we are sharing and connecting online. 

Looking at their words, I could see their growth.  They acknowledge where they were and how far they have come.  They identify the things that work for them and the things that don't.  They appreciate the risks I take as a teacher and acknowledge that there are moments of success and struggles.

Teaching in a connected classroom is far more like co-learning.  I feel like a partner in the journey my students are taking daily and they too see that we are working together.  I encourage all teachers to make an attempt.  Try one activity; one link to outside your four walls.  Feel free to connect with me or my class.  Our door is always open.  I know the journey.  I am still on the journey.  This journey doesn't end.  Education is constantly evolving, as it should, to meet the changing needs of learners.

​I am so proud of the sharing my students did in the Hangout this evening.  These class representatives shared an amazing summary of the thoughts of all their peers.  Some of my most self-conscious learners took risks and shared this evening.  I am truly proud of them all.

 Changing your practice and attempting new things is not easy, but it sure is fun.

As my students say, "just give it a try".  

I can't believe that this is my 5th year attending the #GAFESUMMIT in Kitchener!

I remember how I felt during my first year at the summit.  I was so overwhelmed.  I could hardly absorb any of the information that was being shared.  I felt out of the loop...behind on the times & so excited about the ideas spinning around in my head.

Fast forward to year 5 & I am relaxed, having fun...behind on the times & so excited about the ideas spinning around in my head. 

The moral of the story is that technology changes so fast, you are always behind on the times.  You never know everything.  It can be both disconcerting and comforting.  I suppose it is stressful knowing that you are not aware of the latest tricks and techniques, however I don't always feel that way.  I find comfort in the fact that technology is constantly changing.  It is a continuum of growth that never ends.  It is an evolution.

To be honest, if there was nothing to learn, I would be bored.  Conferences like this help me feel refreshed as an educator.  I am excited to refine my practice, better meet student needs and find ways to make learning fun & memorable.  

So here's to being behind...out of the loop & always running to catch up.  It make's you feel alive doesn't it?!  :)

In honour of the 5th Anniversary, here is a walk down memory lane.  My notes from the each of the Summits:

Compiled Tools for Learning List

Ontario #GAFESUMMIT Year 1 - 2013

Ontario #GAFESUMMIT Year 2 - 2014   Day 1   &   Day 2
(Apparently I was tricky this year)

Ontario #GAFESUMMIT Year 3 - 2015

Ontario #GAFESUMMIT Year 4 - 2016

Ontario #GAFESUMMIT Year 5 - 2017 
FOLLOW ALONG or COLLABORATE on these notes with me throughout the conference.
I also try to tweet throughout the conference, sharing links & awesome ideas from presenters.

Sue Vaz & I "caught in the act," loading up on snacks... as we take on the #edtechteam challenge to use our new pouches in a creative way.  Thanks for being my partner in crime for this summit Sue!