News release

Teachers Study Technology in the Classroom at Summer Institute

Education (July 1999 - March 2013)

More than 70 Nova Scotian teachers were in class this week learning about online resources and how to integrate technology more effectively into the classroom.

Teachers from Nova Scotia's regional school boards and the Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey board participated in the Information and Communication Technology Summer Institute from Aug. 1-3 at the Agricultural College in Truro.

"The summer institute is an excellent opportunity for teachers to learn how to use technology effectively for 21st century learning," said Truro-Bible Hill MLA Lenore Zann on behalf of Education Minister Ramona Jennex. "Nova Scotian teachers are extremely hard-working, dedicated individuals, and it's great to see so many from across the province putting kids and learning first by spending part of their summer upgrading their knowledge to make a real difference for their students this fall.

"And what better place than at the NSAC in Bible Hill which is soon to become a faculty of Dalhousie University."

The sessions offered at the summer institute include using digital images to meet learning outcomes, using digital microscopes and science tools, creating webpages for classrooms, using GPS technology to enhance students' exploration, and creating stop motion animation. Teachers also received an introduction to MOODLE, an interactive web-based tool that helps teachers share resources and deliver curriculum materials to students.

"Technology integration allows teachers of all subjects and grade levels, as well as from every region of the province, to collaborate together to benefit students and learning," said Tami Cox Jardine, a Grade 6 teacher at Falmouth District School and facilitator at the event. "The summer institute is an opportunity for teachers to gain insight, wherever they are teaching."

Participating teachers also explored tech-gadgets such as SMARTBoards, tablet computers and cameras, along with online resources and apps used in classrooms.

"These summer sessions are all about promoting technology innovations and excellence in the classroom," said Eric Therrien, Information Technology Integration Consultant and keynote speaker of the summer institute. "The summer institute provides a portal for teachers that gives them easy access to the many online resources that assist in the teaching practice and are valuable for students' success."