Primary Immersion Streaming Resource

At a workshop Diane J and I presented at DRC, we focussed on some great AV resources Primary Immersion teachers can use in the classroom. Younger kids enjoy singing the same songs over and over, or hearing a funny story more than once. However, AV materials that are borrowed from the District Resource Centre often need to go back all too soon. The solution we presented was the mini-TFO series from Télé-Franco-Ontarienne. The show "Mini-TFO" was originally a weekly TV show that featured short clips of stories, games, songs, word-work and skills aimed at Pre-K and early Primary francophone students. Many of the clips are perfect for French language learners, and because they are available online, they can be watched anytime! Click HERE for notes and links to episodes on the site.

Digital Reading Resources

I've been going out to schools this past month and meeting teachers at lunch to talk about digital reading resources. While we have many great print materials in our schools, my hope is that teachers will begin to learn about the databases and other resources we make available. At the invitation of the TLs (who have been signing up via Doodle), I bring my laptop to their school library or lab. (All I need is a projector!) While staff eat their lunch, I spend 25 min or so demonstrating these resources and answering questions. I picked 3 to focus on this time 'round: 1) Orca Digital, 2) Tumblebooks and 3) Full-text PDF magazines available via EBSCO. Click here for the notes and links from my presentation.

URL Shortening Tip @ Smartboard Café

I went to the Smartboard Café today and met with a small but keen group. I had been asked to speak about URL shortening because I have been using goo.gl to abbreviate the link addresses of my presentations. Shorteners make it easier for participants (students, teachers, parents, etc) to make note of a URL. And the bonus with goo.gl, is that it also provides a QR code which offers another way to connect and communicate. Check this link to view my presentation notes: http://goo.gl/DLjyV  ...or use the QR code!