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Interview with Barry Janzen, teacher, Mt Douglas Secondary School in Saanich, B.C.
Mr. Janzen is our 2010/11 21st Century Classroom Video Challenge Western Winner from Victoria, B.C. for our Cross Canada Spotlight.

Dear Thought Leader,

I am pleased to share our October 5th Anniversary 21st Century Classroom Video Challenge: Cross Canada Spotlight on B.C. edition with you.

It’s been a hectic and exciting start to the school year with many interesting developments in this issue. I just returned from EdNET in Baltimore, where I connected with my Professional Learning Community (PLC) composed of international EdTech business leaders. There are many innovative developments around mobile and digital learning resources that will provide educators with more powerful and robust solutions for the classroom. Stay tuned!

Our team is thrilled to share a number of highlights in the Canadian Education space and beyond:

Read on, tune in to a podcast and be sure to share your success story with us as we continue the journey to transform learning in the 21st century. 

Until next time, keep the learning curve steep!

Cheers,

Follow us on Twitter @MindShareLearn

Robert Martellacci
M.A. EdTech
Publisher & Managing Editor, The MindShare Learning Report™
President, MindShare Learning™-- Connecting Education & Business to Support Student Success
mindsharelearning.com

Quotes of the Month

“Pedagogy is the powerhouse and technology is the accelerator.”
--Dr. Michael Fullan's presentation at the recent MaRS reception  honoring Sir Michael Barber and introducing MadCap Learning Systems

“We applaud the efforts of C21 Canada, and are proud to be a founding partner. The release of “Shifting Minds” provides the education sector and in particular school boards the opportunity to reflect and inspire new innovative practices in support of student outcomes in a global economy.”
--Sandi Urban Hall, President of Canadian School Boards Association

Need to invest in systemic innovation to get the next great leap forward in education.  
--Sir Michael Barber presenting at the MaRS MadCap Learning Systems reception

21st Century Spotlight

Officially Launched!

On Thursday, September 27, MindShare Learning launched their 5th Annual MindShare Learning 21st Century Classroom Video Challenge at Dundas Central Public School in the Grade 6 classroom of last year’s Central Canada winner, Ms. Heidi Siwak.

Joined by our contest sponsors, TakingITGlobal and SMART Technologies, Ms. Siwak talked about her contest experience and showcased her classroom’s technology prizes, including a mounted SMART Board.

During the kickoff event, the students were excited to use the new SMART Board and of course, to eat the celebratory cake.

Learn more about the challenge and how you can enter your class here.

Dundas Central P.S. is the oldest elementry school in Ontario, built in 1857.

Group shot of our Video Challenge kickoff with our lovely host Ms. Siwak. Along with representatives from SMART Technologies, TakingITGlobal, and Dr. Camille Rutherford, BrockU.

Interview with Heidi Siwak at our Video Challenge Kickoff Event
Our Central Canadian Winner from the 2011/12 21st Century Classroom Video Challenge. Ms Siwak graciously hosted this year's contest kickoff in her Grade 6 classroom at Dundas Central Public School in Dundas, Ontario. 

Cross Canada Spotlight on B.C.

Six new schools opening today benefit B.C. students
B.C. Ministry of Education News, 04/09/12

B.C. government supports innovative partnership
B.C. Ministry of Education News, 25/09/12


Read all about it: $500,000 for B.C. literacy campaign
B.C. Ministry of Education News, 04/09/12

Educating B.C. kids for a new world
The Globe and Mail, 20/09/12

Transforming B.C.’s Curriculum
The Ministry of Education

Conference Corner

Anne Wujcik, Editor of EdNet News Alert and Education Analyst at MDR Provides Shares the Challenges and Opportunities for education solution providers in the U.S.

MindShare Learning Embarks on a Learning Adventure at the 24th Annual EdNET12 International Industry Summit in Baltimore

My annual pilgrimage to EdNET serves as essential PD for EdTech industry leaders.  EdNET is where education technology suppliers connect, share and learn. This year I had the opportunity to collaborate and reflect on the future of learning amongst my vitally important PLN (Professional Learning Network).  My PLN is composed of a mix of youthful executives as well as very senior execs who thrive on providing solutions that engage students and save teachers time.  The conversations were deep and complex amongst passionate and highly dedicated leaders who try to make sense of the multitude of moving parts in this highly complicated process. Being among industry legends at EdNET was very rewarding and most inspiring as we each do our part to change the world one country at a time.

My conversation topics were numerous ranging from Mobile, Cloud, Assessment, BYOD, Pedagogy, 1:1, project-based learning, adaptive curriculum, assessments, assistive technologies and more! The EdTech industry is in a steep growth curve as the industry matures as a profession.

One of the big takeaways for me at EdNET was that the emphasis on the economic health of a country is being correlated to the education system and global student performances. It was staggering to learn that approximately 2,000 high schools in the U.S. have dropout rates of 50%.  Appropriately, the keynote presentation was themed: American Revolution 2.0.

As I reflect on Canada, we are extremely fortunate, being 5th ranking in the world in PISA rankings with a relatively stable economy. The most vital information that emerged from the conference is that other developing countries such as China and India are on the verge of leap frogging us if we don’t embrace innovation in a more meaningful way.
The good news is that converging technologies and cost reductions are creating a level playing field to accelerate the innovation curve in education. The revolution happened in health and business over the past three decades. The timing is ripe for education to leap into the next stratosphere.
MindShare had the good fortune once again this year to partner with MDR, producers of the EdNET conference.  Canada was well represented with SMART Technologies, Math Resources, Toon Boom, Desire2Learn, ePals to name a few companies.

Kudos to key organizers:  Vicki Bigham and Andrew Zvonek and the team at MDR for another excellent EdNET conference. Looking forward to the 25th anniversary celebration next year!  If you missed EdNET, checkout the twitter handle #EdNET12 for some great insights on presentations.

Luis Pinto, Director of Education Business Solutions, JP Inspiring Knowledge from Portugal Shares their Success Story in Implementing One to One Netbook and wireless initiative in Portugal

A MindShare Learning moment with Ron Reed, Executive Producer, SXSW edu on EdTech trends and the inspiration behind SXSW edu March 4-7, 2013, Austin Texas


Funding Opportunities

International E-Learning Company Desire2Learn Expanding to Newfoundland and Labrador

The Student Life Network presents Canada’s Luckiest Student, a contest with a prize of $20,000 towards school and five Dell XPS Ultrabooks to share with friends.

Best Buy: The Best in Class Fund supports schools by advancing learning through technology in the classroom.


Featured K-12 News

The Canadian Science Challenge at School--Astronaut Chris Hadfield Wants to Take Your Ideas to Space
Canadian Space Agency, 20/09/12

Canadian schools adopt old style architecture
The Globe and Mail, 05/09/12

Fredericton schools' cafeteria goes high tech
CBC News, 20/09/12

How kids outsmart learning disabilities
The Globe and Mail, 25/09/12

School board makes switch to specialization
Montreal Gazette, 18/09/12

Sugata Mitra: The Child-Driven Education
TED Talks, 09/10

 


K-12 Events

iEARN/OAS Preparing Tomorrow’s Teachers with Web 2.0 Tools and 21st Century Skills Online Course | October 4-November 29, 2012 

ERDI Fall 2012 | October 10, 2012 | Whistler, B.C. 

The Learning Partnership Technology Round Table:
Leading 21st Century Teaching and Learning

October 12, 2012 | Peel District School Board, ON

CUEBC - Digital Technology That Works | October 19, 2012 | Vancouver, BC

ECOO Inspire, Connect, Learn! | October 24-26, 2012 | Richmond Hill, Ontario

X-Summit 2012 | November 6 - 7, 2012 | Toronto, ON

MindShare Learning EdTech Leadership Summit
“Connecting to Success in Today’s Classroom” 
November 7, 2012 | Toronto, Ontario

ATLE Convergence 2012 | November 14th - 16th, 2012 | Edmonton, AB


Research + Innovation

Education Indicators in Canada: An International Perspective 2012
Statistics Canada, 11/09/12

Digital Textbooks and the Broadband Imperative go together 
See @SETDA's recently released reports 

Out of Print: Reimaging the K-12 Textbook in a Digital Age
State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA), 24/09/12

Investors give education technology firms the nod
The National Post, 11/09/12

25 Tips to Make the Best of a MOOC
Online College, 21/08/12


EdTech Startup

Can Venture Capital Foster Innovation in Canada?
Institut C.D. HOWE Institute, 19/09/12

5 Reasons to Found a Startup in Canada
Mashable, 06/09/12

Startup Canada Launches National Challenge to Mentor 10,000 Canadian Entrepreneurs
Techvibes, 28/09/12

10 reasons every college student should intern at a startup
VentureBeat, 15/09/12

Startup funding crucial to future innovation
Financial Post, 02/10/12

Podcast interview with Jane Wu, Co-Founder of Penyo Pal
Rob Martellacci, President, MindShare Learning caught up with Jane Wu, Co-Founder and Chief Happiness Officer, Penyo Pal at their first ever EdTechTO Pizza Party in Toronto. Penyo Pal is a Toronto-based startup that creates engaging learning experiences for kids. Focused on learning new languages while having fun.


Featured Post Secondary News

Lazaridis Quantum Nano Centre Creates 21st Century 'Mind Space'
KPMB Architects, 25/09/12

uToronto's Coursera computer science courses draw 85,000 students
UofT News, 10/09/12

Google Launches Open Course Builder
TechCrunch, 11/09/12

Ronald B. Bond Named the 2012 Recipient of the CRKN Ron MacDonald Distinguished Service Award
Canadian Research Knowledge Network, 05/09/12

Canada leads the world in highly-educated adults
CBC News, 28/09/12

An Inside Look at Oslo’s Intensive Teacher Technology Training
Edudemic, 18/09/12

ClevrU partners with Schulich School of Business Professors to target online education market
MaRS Discovery District, 02/10/12


Post Secondary Events

E-Learn 2012 | October 9 -12, 2012 | Montreal, QC

Free Software and Open Source Symposium (FSOSS) 2012 | October 25-26 | Seneca College, Toronto, ON

EDUCAUSE 2012 Annual Conference | November 6 - 9, 2012 | Denver, Colorado (Online)

MindShare Learning EdTech Leadership Summit
“Connecting to Success in Today’s Classroom” 
November 7, 2012 | Toronto, ON

Higher Education Summit 2012 | November 25 - 26, 2012 | Toronto, ON

Open Education Conference: Beyond Content | October 16 - 18, 2012 | Vancouver, BC

Blended Learning: A Strategy for Transforming Teaching and Learning
October 18 - 19, 2012 | Calgary, AB

ACCESS Conference 2012 | October 18 - 21, 2012 | Montreal, QC

World Congress on Information Technology:
Fulfilling the Promise of the Digital Age

October 22 - 24, 2012 | Montreal, QC


Web 2.0 Spotlight

Edsby is a cloud-based social learning platform that helps schools and districts transform communication. It’s the brainstorm of the individuals who put together FirstClass and it’s Canadian-based. Truly worth a serious look if you’re looking to replace your current LMS!

Present.me - Touted as a business tool, but definitely has application in the educational community. This is part online slideshow combined with YouTube combined with screen recording! Nice feature set and definitely worth the time to explore if you want to stay a step ahead of the online slide revolution.

Deeyoon is  an online platform that lets you participate in live debates, create your own video debates, and even watch and vote on other debates. Definitely an interesting forum; but can you ‘can it’ for the classroom?

Mobile

After 14 books, Don Tapscott's new book is not a book - it's an app
18/09/12, Thinkers50 and the Rotman School of Management

Teachers, tech sector join forces to help students create new apps
Ottawa Citizen, 26/09/12

Corus Invests in Kids' Mobile Gaming Network
Corus Entertainment, 05/09/12

TVOKids teaches children ABC and 123 fundamentals this fall
TVO, 06/09/12

Green IT

Toyota Evergreen Learning Grounds School Ground Greening Grants
Transforming the Outdoor Landscape of Canada's Schools

Earth Rangers partners with children across Canada to "Bring Back the Wild" by launching four new kid-powered


EdTech 101

We’re devoting this space to education and industry leaders who are new to the EdTech space to help you accelerate your learning curve in this growing area of specialization.
Visit mindsharelearning.ca/edtech-101


Industry News

Discovery Education Transforms Social Studies Curriculum with Engaging Digital Textbook
Discovery Education, 27/09/12

Adaptive Curriculum's deep conceptual learning solutions now included in the Alleyoop online college prep tutoring site
Adaptive Curriculum, 06/09/12

FrontRow Unveils Revolutionary Classroom Communication Tool
FrontRow, 25/06/12

Teachers Benefit from the NEW EPSON iProjection App!
Display content from your iPhone®, iPad®, iPod Touch®, and now on your Android™ device with the newly upgraded EPSON iProjection app.
• Project a Keynote or PowerPoint
• Project a photo slideshow
• Share content and walk around the room

Download from iTunes®
Download from Google Play

See How EPSON Doc Cams Can Enhance YOUR Classroom
Connecting with your learners has never been easier

Whether you're sharing a textbook, experiments, or 3-D objects, document cameras are a vital tool for today's classroom. The DC-11's advanced features and intuitive interface make this an ideal addition to any educational setting.

Find out how teachers and students are using the EPSON DC-11 Document Camera.
Watch the video


Careers

SMART Board Education Consultant/Trainer
Advanced Education, Greater Toronto Area, 24/09/12
Advanced Education has an opening for an Education Consultant to deliver Smart Board and SMART Notebook professional development for educators in the GTA. This position is ideal for a retired educator, or an educator interested in supporting teachers as they integrate technology into their teaching practice.

Literacy Coach
First Nations Education Steering Committee, West Vancouver, 28/09/12
We are recruiting for a part-time contracted Literacy Coach within the province of BC to service First Nations schools. The Literacy Coach is responsible for working with First Nations schools to support student achievement in literacy. As part of the FNESC Instructional Services team, the Literacy Coach will implement strategies that will lead to improvements in school programs and have a positive impact on student learning.

Learning Strategist
Northlands College, Buffalo Narrows, Saskatchewan, 28/09/12
The Learning Strategist will assist adult students who are experiencing learning difficulties due to an interrupted education, a learning disability, or as a result of learning English as a second language. In this position, the primary duties include: providing remedial, individual, and/or small group instruction.

MindShare Musings

The Connectors, Leaders, and People on the Move

Tweet Button
I enjoyed attending Dr. Michael Fullan’s reception at MaRs recently honoring Sir Michael Barber and to introduce MadCap Learning Systems. Watch for more news on MadCap later this year. Checkout Sir Michael's latest report with the intriguing title: Oceans of Innovation. The invite list included who’s who in education in Ontario.  I enjoyed meeting Dr. Julia O’Sullivan, Dean of OISE. Tom D’Amico, superintendent of Technology at Ottawa Catholic DSB was also in attendance. Thanks for your kind words on how valuable you find our publication. Very humbled and greatly appreciated! Keep Reading

Until next time, be sure to walk the digital talk!

Cheers, R.

 

 

Sir Michael Barber addresses the audience at
MaRs reception.


Advisory Board

The MindShare Report is grateful of the guidance and support provided by our esteemed advisory board.  Members include:

Laurent Burman, M.B.A., Chief Client Officer, POSSIBLE
Chip Fesko, Sr. Director of Advertising & Strategic Alliances, George Lucas Educational Foundation, Edutopia Magazine
Timothy Gard, Educator - Media Literacy & Technology, Toronto District School Board
Dr. Eric Hamilton, Associate Dean of Education, Pepperdine University, Graduate School of Education and Psychology
Marty Keast, President, Pearson Learning K-12 Canada
Gary Kern, Principal, Technology & Innovation, West Vancouver School District
Dr. Greg Malszecki, Professor, Department of Kinesiology & Health Sciences, York University
David Marsi, AVP, Learning & Development, Invesco
Jamie McNamara, Superintendent of Schools, St. Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic Schools, Leduc, Alberta
Dr. Ron Owston, Director, Institute for Research on Learning Technology, York University
Cheryl Paige, Principal, Joyce Public School, Toronto District School Board
Dr. Camille Rutherford, Associate Professor, Education at Brock University

Ron Sedran, MD, Equity Capital Markets, Canaccord Adams
Joni Turville, B.Ed, M. Ed (Instructional Technology), Educator, AISI Coordinator, St. Albert Protestant Schools


About Us

The MindShare Learning Report team is made up of the following individuals:

Robert Martellacci,  M.A. Ed Tech., Publisher and Managing Editor
Timothy Gard, M.A., B.Ed K-12 Editor
Aislinn Malszecki, B.A. Hons., Digital Media Specialist

Natalie Gilbert, B.A., B.Ed, Digital Education Consultant
Valerie Rusnov, B.A. Hons., B.Ed., Editor
Terri-Jo Fennell, B.A., B.Ed, Jr. Digital Education Consultant


About The MindShare Learning Report™ 
Canada's Leadership, Learning & Technology eMagazine.  

Our mission is to transform education by sharing knowledge of 21st Century innovative best practices and success stories in the Canadian education market space and beyond. We harness the power of Web 2.0 technologies to feature engaging Vodcasts, podcasts, polling, Canadian educational technology news headlines & upcoming strategic industry events in the K-12, Higher Ed and corporate eLearning market segments. Other elements of the MSL Report eMagazine include: successful practices, ask an educator, ask a professor, research & tech tools, GreenIT and career listings, to support educators and educational technology providers in maintaining a pulse for emerging trends in Canada. mindsharelearning.com/report

Editorial content for the monthly issue is due the third week of each month.

Please forward your news releases as web links to
info @ mindsharelearning.com

Advertising opportunities are available, please contact,
info @ mindsharelearning.com

Annual subscriptions to the MindShare Learning Report can be purchased at $99 CDN

About MindShare Learning

MindShare Learning is a privately held company based in the Greater Toronto Area, Canada. Its hallmark is providing strategic marketing solutions to learning & technology solution providers in the K-12, HED and corporate learning markets, to support new market expansion and revenue growth. MindShare Learning's partial client list includes: Adobe, Blackboard Inc., EPSON, GlobalScholar, Learning.com, RM PLC UK, Softease Ltd. UK, netTrekker, IMSI (ClipArt.com), CERC (Canadian Education Resources Council), Tech4Learning, Xoolon, NECTAR Foundation and ERDI Canada.
mindsharelearning.com

Inquire about our EdTech Strategy Consulting Services.