Literacy with ICT

It's interesting how threads emerge from the books we read. An idea springs out at you from one book and then occurs again in another or a link is found between the two. When it turns up a third time in a different place and from an alternate perspective you really take notice. I have had this experience with the concept of emotional or psychological safety.

"To cover the coronavirus is a challenge. Journalists should inform the public, but also don't want to create a panic with harmful consequences. We're trying to help. Here are 17 charts, maps and tables that show the latest numbers about the coronavirus:"

"In Canada, no cases of the coronavirus have yet emerged in elementary or secondary schools, but the virus has still impacted the lives of students. A number of school boards have cancelled class trips abroad and it's certainly possible that a student, or teacher, could become infected at some point during this crisis. Virus transmission in the school setting "is amplified" because young students are generally less compliant with effective hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette practices, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada's website. Also, they socialize with each other in a way that is likely to increase transmission, the website said.  CBC News looks at the ramifications if  a case of the novel coronavirus materializes in a school.  "

"As the coronavirus continues to spread across the country, students are coming into class with misconceptions about the outbreak-and teachers are trying to figure out how best to explain the facts and debunk rumors.   Some teachers have made COVID-19 a focus of their lessons. Discussing the origin and effects of a new virus easily lends itself to science class. But teachers in other subjects-like algebra, statistics, and media literacy-have found ways to address the topic, too.  Designing a lesson around the outbreak could be a helpful way to answer students' questions and calm fears, said Stephen Brock, a professor and coordinator of the school psychology program at California State University, Sacramento.  And if students have misconceptions about the virus or how it spreads, providing more information could help kids more accurately gauge threat, he said. "

"As educators, we hold a captive audience with our students. Our fear becomes our students' fear, and our calm becomes their calm. Of course this is a burden that we have to carry. When most of us signed up to be teachers or administrators, we didn't think that we would have to lead our students through events like 9/11, natural disasters, school shootings, and pandemics. But we do, and the reality is that this a burden we have to carry. We hold captive audiences whether we like it or not. But it is also an extraordinary gift that we can be an example of peace and calm in our students' lives. We can't control the hysteria they see on the news or experience at home. We cannot guarantee them safety and health. The superpowers of educators have limits. However, we can model what it means to be calm and collected. We can express our fears and vulnerabilities, but do it in a way that inspires hope and resolve for our students. "

K-12 Resources and Ideas for Remote Learning

With the emerging threat of COVID19 and the closure of schools, teachers are scrambling to move to online learning environments. This will bring with it a myriad of challenges the short time frame is not going to help the situation. While we are fortunate that there are many technological solutions for the provision of remote learning, the more significant challenges will revolve around how we interact with our learners.

"This site is intended for home learning use during our extended spring break... or anytime! I've collected some of my favourite sites, YouTube channels, and special events here for you. In this time of uncertainty, it is so amazing to see all of the individual teachers, artists, musicians, and authors as well as some of the big educational companies come together to offer free, fun activities and learning opportunities for kids and families to do at home. I hope you take some time to visit the links, and have some fun together. I know I will be visiting them with my own children! I will update this site as new events are scheduled and as I find more to share! "

"Even when schools are closed, you can keep the learning going with these special cross-curricular journeys. Every day includes four separate learning experiences, each built around a thrilling, meaningful story or video. Kids can do them on their own, with their families, or with their teachers. Just find your grade level and let the learning begin! -The Editors of Scholastic Classroom Magazines."

"Almost overnight, remote work has become mainstream. Companies around the world are encouraging their employees to work from home to prioritize the health and safety of their workforce and communities amid coronavirus. Working through this rapid change can be hard and we're moving quickly to help members get information they can trust, stay connected to their community and learn now to be more productive and successful in their jobs. Since January 2020 "remote working" searches on LinkedIn Learning have tripled as both employees and managers increasingly look for advice on how to navigate the challenges of working remotely and managing a remote workforce.   We now have a free learning path with 16 online courses that can help. These courses feature top tips from remote work experts to figure out how to: "

"In the last few years, Netflix has completely transformed the way many Americans watch movies.  Long gone are the days of driving to the video store, browsing through the aisles of endless new releases. Now,  you can do it all, right from the comfort of your home. From romance to dramas, there's something for everyone. Lucky for us, the streaming site is jam-packed with educational shows on Netflix."