Back into the Swing of Things (...and already feeling the vertigo)

Well, hello! I hope you (my one and only fan) have had an excellent summer, just as I did. I must say that writing a new entry in my bloggety blog is rather bittersweet, as it signals the end of summer, but also the beginning of the final year of my "formal" education. That's right - one more summer 'til it's all about learning on the job (aka flying by the seat of my pants).

Although I do not technically continue my ICT education until next semester, I came across a tidbit that I just HAD to share. I can hear the snickers and feel the sneers (eager beaver, brown-noser, overachiever) from anyone who accidentally stumbles across this blog. In my defence, I feel academically obligated to share my newfound information since it actually has to do with technology AND education, thereby compensating for the large quantity of irrelevant cat photos and anecdotes that can be found in previous posts (though I can guarantee there are more to come).

You'd think I would come back from my summer rested and all rambled out...
apparently not so.

Okay, what I logged on to blog about is this:

1. Rivers Collegiate Institute's BYOD program

In five weeks I will be student teaching grade 7 and 8 at RCI under two delightfully different teachers, which, in itself, is exciting since my first week there was wonderful (it's nice to be back in a small-town school for a change). However, what is just as exciting (and far more relevant to the nature of this blog), is that I heard about Rivers' new BYOD (bring your own device) program. 

In this particular program, each grade nine student entering the school will be equipped with an electronic device of their choosing (either a laptop or tablet) that they will be responsible for throughout the entirety of their high school years. During this time they will be able to take it both to their classes AND to their homes. What is especially awesome about this program is that the device will be paid for by the school/division (?), and what is even more awesome is that each student gets to keep their device after they graduate. 

When I heard about Rivers' BYOD program, I got really excited for two reasons:

1. I got to see something I learned about in my classes occur in a real-life setting.
2. I think it's great that a small school like Rivers is not only embracing technology, but is also sending its students out into the world prepared to live in a society that is becoming increasingly advanced in this area.

I look forward to learning more about  BYOD programs and policies in the upcoming months during my time at Rivers, and also seeing a program put into action. 

And now I leave you with this:

Throwback 2011 :)

... I couldn't resist.