Kate

Hi Basia, I think it's a super interesting idea, however, I'm worried that students will ignore the app and use something like facebook messenger or WhatsApp instead. I think it would be interesting if there was a way that students had to "check-in" to class on the app and then it locked them out of other applications for an amount of time that the teachers sets. For example, students have to check in to class to get points (or participation marks or attendance) and once they're in the educator gets a notification and locks the room for a set amount of time. I'm not sure if something like this is possible, but I'm worried that without it students just wouldn't use the program. I'm not sure about Japanese students, but I know my middle schoolers would rather use a backchannel app I can't read than a chat program that I can moderate. Overall it's a super interesting idea that I would use, but I worry that as you initially presented it ClassChat would just allow my students an excuse to have their phones out on their desks playing Geometry Dash.

Hi Charmaine, I thought that your pitch was great! I can tell you're enthusiastic about your product because of the tone and excitement you used during your elevator pitch. It was awesome to hear someone be so excited about a project they're doing! Overall, I think that this is an excellent product. I have tons of students who would benefit from a product like this - ones who come to Canada and need leveled materials that aren't too juvenile. One of my students complained about having to read "animal books" on Raz Kids, so I would definitely purchase and use this product regularly. I have a question regarding the subscription plan outlined on your "Cube" tab. It says you will offer both school-based and district-based subscriptions. Does this mean the school has to buy a whole school subscription even if only one or two teachers want to use it in their class? I'm wondering if it's an admin decision (whole school) or teacher/educator decision. I think you did an awesome job! This is a great idea and I would love to see it become a reality.

Personalized learning is the way of the future. With personalized learning students can follow their own interests and learn how to be more independent learners. Personalized learning also allows for educators to reach students wherever they are in their learning. Suddenly a classroom with a wide variety of learners becomes less about worrying how to perfectly differentiate every activity for each student, and instead about how to best support students towards their learning goals. Educational technology is allowing teachers to meet their students where they are and best respond to their needs at any given time. If a student needs more help in a particular subject area, a particular unit, or even a particular concept there is a way for the teacher to meet all of these needs through personalized learning.

I think that Game Based Learning (GBL) is something that should be encouraged and explored regardless of the gender, age, or interest in traditional "gaming" in any given classroom. I've found that some of my most successful lessons or units are the ones in which I've constructed some sort of game-based scenario that allowed for my students to engage with the material on another level. Although applications like Classcraft can be an amazing way to enhance your classroom and subject matter, I'm personally more interested in the effect that focuses on the gameplay teach the lesson rather then the students competing for rewards (etc) through the application/program. I'm incredibly interested (and passionate!) about GBL and I try to incorporate it in my classes as much as possible. I'm excited to learn more about it!

Oh, wow! I teach at Citadel Middle so we really are neighbours! I look forward to working with you :)

It's the best feeling in the entire world! I was never good at Math - my 6th grade teacher told me I was awful at it and should stop trying, so I did. Now I love helping them learn and encouraging them to keep problem solving and trying their best. :)

Hi YoonJu! My entire extended family is from Mississauga too! Where did you live before moving to the GTA? I'm excited to work with you this term, and please feel free to reach out if you ever need help with anything tech-related :)

Hi Scott! You're so lucky you managed to get in! I was so caught up in teaching that I totally missed the sign-up time. Side note - what are your cats names? Do they like Mongolia? I have a little bit of an animal obsession :) Can't wait to hear more about your adventures and I look forward to learning with you!

Hi Reg, First of all - I love your dog's tie. That's absolutely adorable! You've got all sorts of cool experiences and I'm excited to work/learn with you! It sounds like you've got lots of knowledge to share. :)