Core-Conference
Join us for ABEL SUMMER INSTITUTE 2008 on August 18th to 20th 2008 at York University. Investigate new approaches to learning and collaboration using the latest learning tools and applications, gain insight on emerging teaching technologies and practices; and share and discuss your thoughts and experiences through this highly engaging professional learning opportunity.
The ABEL program is proud to present Dr. Chris Dede (Harvard University) and George Siemens (University of Manitoba, Complexive Systems) as 2008 ASI keynote speakers. George Siemens will share insight into the emerging learning landscapes and provide practical advice on how to build teaching and learning strategies that reflect this new landscape. Dr. Chris Dede’s talk will highlight effective strategies for learning and leading with new tools, curriculum design and leadership.
ABEL Summer Institute Goals: Breaking New Ground: Designing New Landscapes promotes:
- Greater appreciation of the significance of job-embedded learning and collaborative communities for teacher efficacy, classroom practice and student achievement,
- Heightened awareness of how new technological tools and resources enrich classroom learning and increase student engagement,
- Clearer understanding of what the twenty-first century learning landscape looks like in real classroom projects and student activities,
- Greater sharing of individual interests and concerns, classroom successes and failures and professional doubts and certainties in a supportive and collaborative community, and
- Expanded opportunities to reflect as individuals, to share as school teams, to shape new learning landscapes and to benefit from ongoing professional learning.
Click here to view the 2008 Summer Institute agenda
Student Program combines Streaming Video, Blogs and Wikis to Actively Promote Environmental Responsibility
As part of the ABEL Summer Institute, 50 students from York Region and the Toronto District School Board are provided with the opportunity to investigate environmental issues such as global warming, and actively work towards raising public awareness of the environmental concerns and alternatives. Using a range of ABEL media and communications technologies, their final product will be presented at the Institute. The project will be posted into the ABEL community and become an interactive component of the 2008-2009 professional learning program. Through the engagement and participation of elementary and secondary schools across both districts over the course of the next academic year, the outcome of their work at the Summer Institute has the potential to live on!
In preparation for the ASI Student Program, a Focus Group of student initiators and leaders (10-12 students) gathered on February 13 to guide the planning and development of the project-based inquiry. Then, on April 29, all 50 student participants met to form project teams, learn specifics about the institute, and engage in pre-conference learning activities to set their projects up for success in August.
ABEL Partners With IBM to Create Environmentality Student Portal
ABEL and IBM are working together to develop an environmental portal that is student-driven and teacher facilitated and will be launched at the ABEL Summer Institute. As a part of this year's ABEL Summer Institute, delegate students from across the GTA will be provided with a learning opportunity that includes investigating environmental issues, such as global warming and alternative energy sources. In preparation for ASI 08, students expressed a keen interest in creating a website that might include posting their research findings, participatory forums, and blogs that would empower youth and adults to be a part of the environmental solution.
ABEL has been awarded an IBM Community Grant that includes building a portal that will provide students with these and other collaborative tools. With this interactive, web-based resource, students expect that their peers, locally and globally, will contribute to the project to increase its learning value, build awareness, and inspire mobilization. Look for the launch of this site at www.abelearn.ca after the summer institute.