Microsoft Gets into the ‘Critical Thinking’ Game

Being pushed by Google and Apple to get more academic-minded and begin supporting education at the grassroots levels in North America, Microsoft in collaboration with ISTE (International Society Technology in Education) put together a thirty-seven page "Critical Thinking in the Classroom" teacher's guide and program. The document is loaded with lesson plans include prerequisites, rationale, … Continue reading Microsoft Gets into the ‘Critical Thinking’ Game →

Wifi Electromagnetic Signals Dangerous?

The other day, in my hometown of St. Catharines, Ontario, the faculty and staff at Brock University were warned by the head of the drama department, Dr. David Fancy, about the possible risks involved in working in an environment bathed in wifi electromagnetic signals.http://www.cbc.ca/consumer/story/2010/08/31/con-wi-fi-warning.htmlMy initial cynical reaction? Is this another inconclusive cell-phone-causes-brain-cancer-fear-mongering or is there … Continue reading Wifi Electromagnetic Signals Dangerous? →

Plagiarism for Beginners

Former university professor, Crawford Killian, offers a terrific article this week in The Tyee; fair warning to all incoming freshmen. Check out 'Plagiarism for Beginners'.Killian notes that "When the big term papers come due late in the semester, some of you will submit examples of either dumb plagiarism or crooked plagiarism. This is not because … Continue reading Plagiarism for Beginners →

DEAR 2010 & National School Library Day

While it is still four months away preparations for the 2010 edition of 'Drop Everything And Read' are underway. DEAR is sponsored by the British Columbia Teacher-Librarians' Association (BCTLA), and celebrates National School Library Day (the last Monday in October). So, be sure to mark Monday, October 25th on your calendar. To view, and download, … Continue reading DEAR 2010 & National School Library Day →

Summer Time is Back To School Time

Summer is nearly here and the professional development continues. I'm really excited about returning to the Teacher Librarian Distance Learning diploma program through the University of Alberta. This summer's selection: Children and Young Adult Literature. The course is exciting with a heavy pre-load of reading--including Sylvia Vardell's text--(it is only five weeks long!); I'm excited … Continue reading Summer Time is Back To School Time →