On the move

Working with new technology provided a learning opportunity for both teachers and students This year we tried something new for professional development. Teachers were offered a choice of professional development topics (Problem Based Math, Coding and Google Apps). They could choose to attend one session and be paid for 3 hours of their time. The sessions were planned so that the teachers could spend the first half of the time learning and experimenting with new ideas. They then took what they learned and worked with the students in our summer program. Learning during the summer is much more relaxed but can be challenging because you do not have the opportunity to apply it right away. During these professional development sessions teachers had the chance to have the best of both worlds. They had the time to learn and then work with students while being supported. And the best part is that we all had fun learning!

The attraction of building of Legos is intense. All summer the Legos have been out as an engineering design option. Time after time the students have gone back to their projects or chosen to start new ones. Anytime they pass by the tables of Legos they have to stop and tinker. What is the attraction? I know that many of the students do not have Legos at home so they could be a novelty. Although I would suspect that after 4 weeks that would not sustain their attention. I guess some toys really are timeless.