RDPSD Division Wide Staff Learning Day 2025: Full Schedule

8:30am MDT

Brightspace Tips & Tricks for Elementary

Friday April 4, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am MDT

This session will provide a look at the Brightspace platform from the perspective of an Elementary educator & student. You will learn about a few of the ways you can use Brightspace in your classrooms to save you some time, provide a welcoming and safe digital space for your learners, and create engaging growth opportunities for your learners you didn't know were possible!

Speakers

Whitney Williams

Senior Adoption Specialist, D2L

Heather Lochhead

Adoption Specialist, D2L

Friday April 4, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am MDT
1305

Technology, Division 1, Division 2

8:30am MDT

Magic School to Enhance Instruction and Assessment

Friday April 4, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am MDT

1333

During this session, we will explore how Magic School can support teachers in streamlining instruction and enhancing assessment. This session offers practical strategies for integrating Magic School into your workflow, from automating tasks to uncovering insights about student learning—all while keeping a human-centered approach to teaching.

Speakers

Tracy Wirtanen

Certified Director of Educational Technology, Red Deer Public School District

As the Certified Director of Educational Technology for RDPSD, Tracy has a passion for helping educators bridge the gap between teaching and the ever-evolving landscape of technology. She believes that when harnessed correctly, technology can be a powerful tool to unlock new realms... Read More →

Friday April 4, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am MDT
1333

Technology, Division 1, Division 2, Division 3, Division 4, Teacher / Administrator

10:15am MDT

Gizmos: Online Simulations Supporting the New Elementary Math and Science Curricula

Friday April 4, 2025 10:15am - 11:30am MDT

1344

Inspire students to think like scientists and mathematicians using ExploreLearning Gizmos! Providing engaging learning opportunities promotes life long learning at all grade levels. Gizmos online simulations support classroom instruction using models and inquiry practices. Students build conceptual understanding through thoughtful exploration. This is an interactive session and participants are encouraged to bring an electronic device. K - 6 teachers in Alberta have access to Gizmos through a subscription provided by Alberta Education.

Speakers

Karen Blumhagen

Implementation Coordinator, Alberta, ExploreLearning

Karen Blumhagen is an Implementation Coordinator with ExploreLearning. She has over thirty years of experience in education as a classroom teacher, learning facilitator, and administrator. Karen has observed firsthand the positive impacts of online simulations on student understanding... Read More →

Friday April 4, 2025 10:15am - 11:30am MDT
1344

Technology, Division 1, Division 2, Teacher / Administrator

10:15am MDT

Using Magic School as a Student's Tool: AI Powered Learning in Action

Friday April 4, 2025 10:15am - 11:30am MDT

1333

During this session we will explore how Magic School may be used by students to increase engagement, and deepen learning, while also teaching Digital Literacy and responsible AI use.

Speakers

Tracy Wirtanen

Certified Director of Educational Technology, Red Deer Public School District

Friday April 4, 2025 10:15am - 11:30am MDT
1333

Technology, Division 2, Division 3, Division 4, Teacher / Administrator