Did You Know...

On researching this assignment I have found that I am not at all familiar with the many links and sites or even how my own board’s website works.  Any search ends up giving me not the information I need but, much more information that I had expected.  

 I have discovered what Niagara Catholic District School Board calls PD place.  This is a link on our website that lists all professional development training sessions that are available.  All you do is register for the session, have it approved if it is during school time, then take advantage of the opportunity to learn something new to use in your classroom.  The site is restricted to employees of NCDSB, otherwise it would be great to compare if other boards are training their teachers the same.

Our board also offers a faith formation program that strengthens and builds spirituality of our teachers.  This was at one time  mandatory for all teachers in each school to come together, share thoughts, pray and enjoy time together.  Today they offer several opportunities for teachers and board employees to share their spirituality by offering interesting topics and spiritual activities during after school hours on a volunteer basis.  https://docushare.ncdsb.com/dsweb/ImageStoreViewer/Document-1646083

There are many great opportunities available yet, attendance is not that good at these events, compared to when teachers were “forced” to attend.  In my experience, spirituality is not something that can be forced.  Being open to new possibilities is how it should be presented.

Of course there is the Ontario Educational Resource Bank  that is available to all teachers in Ontario.  You need a login and password from your board to access the resources.  I contacted my principal as my old password was no longer valid and he directed me to the computer department who gave me the password. I have used this to create coursework for my students and also for them to work on the computer activities that enhance our class discussions.  

From the links given I understand that my board had acquired software through the ministry by purchasing programs through AutoCAD LT since 2007.  They have now made available programs for teachers students and parents for free.  In a link called Autodesk you can access so many different programs and view all the videos and instructions on how you can use these fabulous tools.