1. Share a method you've previously utilized or explored to research or remain current in the educational domain.

For myself, YouTube has been an invaluable resource for staying current. For instance, when preparing to teach topics like "masking in Photoshop/Photopea," I actively search for recent tutorials on YouTube. By incorporating any new updates or shortcuts shown in these videos into my lesson plans. This helps me keep my teaching fresh and relevant. I do use the filter in YouTube and sort by upload dates. YouTube helps for continuous learning and professional development in the educational domain.

2. Introduce a fresh strategy, tool, or resource you've recently come across that you believe would be beneficial for your teaching practices or for other educators in Ontario.

Introducing WeVideo has been a game-changer in my teaching practices. It's a versatile easy to use tool (cloud based) that not only fosters creativity but also gives me a chance to learn about my students' personalities and current technical abilities. Utilizing WeVideo for introductory Vlogs has allowed me to connect with my students on a deeper level, learning about their interests, aspirations, backgrounds and what they would like to take away from our class this semester.

By incorporating WeVideo into my teaching it helps not only create a more engaging and interactive classroom environment, but it also offers me the opportunity to gauge students' comfort levels with digital software. By observing how they navigate and utilize WeVideo, I can assess their current levels of navigating simple software and create future lessons accordingly, ensuring that all learns are supported.

TVDSB currenttly provides liscencing and do believe WeVideo can be a valuable resource for educators across Ontario, offering an easy platform for student expression and assessment. Its user-friendly interface makes it accessible to students of all skill levels, while its robust features encourage creativity and collaboration. By incorporating WeVideo into their teaching practices, educators can create a more inclusive and interactive learning environment, ultimately enhancing student engagement and achievement.

4. Highlight any techniques or methods you regularly employ to stay updated on educational advancements.

I personally use YouTube as my regular method that helps me stay current. YouTube provides a wealth of tutorials, lectures, and discussions on emerging trends and practices in the software that we use daily. TVDSB offers Outlook Group. This helps connect with colleagues and educators, sharing relevant articles, resources, and discussions on educational topics. Microsoft Teams also helps keep me updated through shared documents, discussions, and announcements.

Students are tasked to create a 30-60 second stop motion animation. The stop motion animation project I have used in my class is not only educational but also incredibly engaging and fun for students. We start on the history of stop motion and career opportunities before any practical creations begin. I utilize a program called “Stop Motion Studio”. It is an application available for all devices with free and paid versions. Students collaborate in pairs or individually to create 30-60 second animations. Students can easily create their animations using their cellphones or Chromebooks, and we incorporate environmentally-friendly practices by repurposing cardboard for set construction, sourced from either home or school recycling.

One of the highlights of this project is the opportunity for students to pitch their animation ideas before diving into production. This initial phase sparks creativity and encourages thoughtful planning. As students progress, they not only learn the technical aspects of stop motion animation but also develop critical thinking and teamwork skills as they collaborate with their peers.

Throughout the project, students are motivated by their classmates' ideas. This peer-to-peer learning creates a supportive classroom environment. To celebrate their hard work and showcase their creations, we host a Stop Motion movie day. Students watch each other's animations, enjoy snacks, and provide feedback using a tool like Poll Everywhere where I create an interactive cell phone poll to receive everyone's individual submissions. This movie day builds a sense of community within the classroom where we celebrate everyone's creations..

This stop motion animation project offers students a unique blend of creativity, collaboration, and technical skill development. This is an accessible tool and helps create a supportive learning environment.  Students are always encouraged to use their imaginations and express themselves through the animation. 

Overall Expectations

A1.5 identify different types of communications software used to create communications technology products and services

A2.1 demonstrate an understanding of communications technology terms, and use them correctly in oral and written communication

A2.2 demonstrate an understanding of basic scientific concepts that relate to processes and technologies used in communications technology

B3.1 apply creative skills, equipment operating skills, and software skills to create components for a media production

B3.2 apply editing skills to integrate the components into a unified and effective production.

In the attached YouTube video lesson, students are exposed to spot healing and cloning tools in Photoshop/Photopea. Students were given the same image and a copy of the final product.