**NOTE** In this edition of the XL Blog, students in the English Literacy Development Program (ELD) at Hawthorne Public School share their story (in progress) of filmmaking as the method of language learning in their transition year from Elementary to … Read More
Made2HelpOttawa: Social Enterprise, Helping Others, & Learning Along the Way
In the midst of the most disruptive period in public education in recent memory, Jason Whiting chose two paths that stand out as exceptional: first, reflecting upon his practice he saw the urgency for more student agency; second, with a … Read More
“Made at Sir Wil” – Beyond Consumers: Creating in Our Own Image
Looking under the hood can be a dangerous discovery; in the case of Richard Young’s robotics program at Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School, it was an epiphany. Richard is the polymath engineer-cum-educator behind the most innovative robotics program that I … Read More
R6B’s Learning Adventure in Flight – To The Moon and Back, and Back Again
What if our belief in the capacity of students involved challenging our assumptions about baselines; challenged our thinking about “learning loss” by taking one giant leap, I mean a giant leap like in the footsteps of a space program…? What … Read More
Aliens and Pikachus: real-time tech goes to high school (Osgoode Township High School)
When Marc Dubeau first suggested that students, with the right tools, could create in augmented and virtual reality I was skeptical. It wasn’t a question of capacity. I had only just returned from a Canadian Apprenticeship Forum conference where, for … Read More
Bringing Students Together: Carleton University Students Use the OCDSBXL Planner
Written by: Kathleen Moss Instructor for Sociology of Education 3300 Carleton University We’re back…students in the Sociology of Education course (SOCI 3300) at Carleton University have been busy producing creative & innovative experiential learning (EL) projects targeted for students in … Read More
OCDSBXL Podcast (S2E3): GCI student historians uncover the truth about the True North
By Jessica McIntyre History students at Glebe Collegiate Institute, participating in the OCDSB’s Project True North, have been uncovering the hidden stories of Canada’s first and only segregated Black Battalion. By studying military service files, medical records, and other primary … Read More
5 Great Reasons for a Career in the Trades: An Evening with Parents and Students
On Feb, 25, 2021 the OCDSB and Innovation and Adolescent Learners, hosted a Q&A session with guest speaker Jon Callegher from JobTalks. The evening allowed students and parents to hear why there was job satisfaction in the Trades. Also, students … Read More
Tackling Homelessness at Adult HS: “These issues are important. I think we need to take action on something that is important.”
Alexandra Woods teaches at the OCDSB’s Adult High School. In this guest post, Xan shares the story of her Families in Canada (HHS4U) course moving from theory to action, a student driven project that culminated in timely and poignant advocacy. … Read More
OCDSBXL Podcast (S2,E1): Finding our Voices; Podcasting to the World
We’re back! The OCDSBXL Podcast is back with a more detailed look into our blog story about the amazing, cross-curricular, multi-grade, inter-panel podcast project by Angela Robinson and her students and colleagues at Henry Larsen PS in the OCDSB. Angela … Read More
5 Great Reasons for a Career in the Trade: Thur, Feb 25 @ 7pm
5 Great Reasons for a Career in the Trades: An Evening with Parents and Students. Come join us on Feb 25, 2021 at 7:00 pm as the OCDSB hosts a virtual evening for students and parents. This evening is more than an evening about … Read More
Students at Henry Larsen Elementary School Podcast into 21st Century Learning as Content Creators
Written by: Angela Robinson Students at Henry Larsen Elementary School explored podcasting this year and became their own content creators while developing their digital fluency skills https://anchor.fm/thehuskyden1 There has been a recent shift in the way we entertain ourselves and … Read More
TEJ3M Robotics – Mars Rover Project: LIVE in Mr. Young’s Living Room
By: Richard Young; Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School Normally, one of the highlights of our Robotics courses involves working with our programmable robotic vehicles. Unfortunately, the January lockdown meant that students and teachers were doing everything from home, which meant … Read More
Launch 2020: Keynote, Tina Varughese
OCDSB students in grades 11 and 12 are encourage to register for our first ever virtual post-secondary event on Wednesday, December 2nd. SIGN UP HERE The event’s equity keynote takes place at 9:30am. Who is Tina Varughese? Tina Varughese is … Read More
Launch 2020: Virtual Post-Secondary Event for OCDSB Students, Dec 2nd, 2020
REGISTER HERE ABOUT LAUNCH 2020 Launch 2020 is an Ottawa Carleton District School Board event for grade 11 and 12 students. You’ll get to meet exhibitors (employers, service providers, post-secondary institutions, etc.) and learn about different pathways, careers and skills … Read More
Craig Cardiff’s Songwriting Workshops Bring Learning to the Airwaves
Students, young and old are learning, and turning their words into the soundtrack of their lives. Craig Cardiff has spent a lifetime on the road uncovering stories to tell through songs based on the people he encounters. One need only … Read More
Summer Learning Experience Development for OCDSB Staff
***Innovation and Adolescent Learning is accepting applications until Wednesday, July 8th*** This is an opportunity for K-12 educators (teachers, ECE’s, etc.) to build shared resources for the district over the summer to support blended learning. OCDSB Educators, K-12, have been … Read More
Kee’Adyn Pitawanakwat: Reconnecting with Anishinabek Traditions and Culture (Part 3)
Kee’Adyn Pitawanakwat reconnected with his Anishinabek traditions and culture in a learning experience like no other. #WhatLearningLooksLike Read the introduction by Derek Brez; and Part 1 by Kee’Adyn Pitawanakwat Project and Story By: Kee’Adyn Pitawanakwat (Sir Guy Carleton Secondary School) In this, the third installment of … Read More
Kee’Adyn Pitawanakwat: Reconnecting with Anishinabek Traditions and Culture (Part 2)
Sweat Lodge Read the introduction by Derek Brez; and Part 1 by Kee’Adyn Pitawanakwat Project and Story By: Kee’Adyn Pitawanakwat (Sir Guy Carleton Secondary School) A sweat lodge is a very sacred traditional way of helping out the “ spirit, mind and … Read More
#OCDSBTimeCapsule: Student Artefacts
We asked OCDSB students to “Leave an artefact; build a time capsule; share your experience.” And they did. In song.; as spoken word; with images and creations, videos and experiments. … Read More
Kee’Adyn Pitawanakwat: Reconnecting with Anishinabek Traditions and Culture (Part 1)
A little person’s pipe “memegwaas puagan” are created to use and to honor and speak to little people. … Read More
#OCDSBLearnAtHome Strategy: Storage Wars, Learn at Home edition
Curious about building inquiry and experiential learning into learning plans and student assignments during #OCDSBLearnAtHome? Mrs. Mott provides a sampling of the many projects her grade 5 class have been working on the past few weeks, including Storage Wars – … Read More
OCDSBXL & Carleton University: The importance of student engagement
Before distance learning & physical distancing measures were enacted due to COVID-19, Sociology of Education students at Carleton University listened to a guest lecture from fellow senior undergrad student Rachel Anderson-Houldsworth about how impactful student engagement is on motivation and … Read More
XL_Live Episode 4: Kelly Johnson, Chef
Kelly Johnson is the assistant pastry chef for the Governor General of Canada. If you are receiving a Medal of Honour or being inducted into the Order of Canada, you can be assured that Kelly Johnson and the rest of … Read More
XL_Live Episode 3: Jon Baron, Carpenter
xl_Live Episode 3 looks into the career of Jon Baron, Training Coordinator at the Carpenters’ Union Hall Local 93 in Ottawa ON. In this episode Jon shares his career pathway, from high school apprentice, to Red Seal Carpenter, and includes … Read More
Sir Will’s “LaurierLive” Students Continue to Broadcast from Home
LaurierLive is a student-run broadcast news station at Sir Wilfrid Laurier SS. Grade 11 and 12 students broadcast live announcements through closed circuit TVs in classrooms, and stream live to the LaurierLive Youtube channel at the start of every school … Read More
XL_Live Episode 2: Glen Gower, City Councillor
When asked for advice, Glen Gower’s hopes for students are simple but seem to give a window into his passion and drive: “Stay curious [and] get involved.” Glen Gower These are two things that continue to move the Carleton University … Read More
#OCDSBLearnAtHome Strategy: Choice Board
Mrs. Clark has been working to turn her classroom into an experiential learning hub. Inspired by fellow educators, Mrs.Clark has created a Google Slides Choice Board for her classes at Sir Guy Carleton Secondary School in order to facilitate #OCDSBLearnAt … Read More
**NEW XL_Challenges: Challenge 1 – #OCDSBTimeCapsule
The #OCDSBTimeCapsule is a living gallery, a collection of student curated artefacts that represent the lived experience of learning and expression present in the time of #LearnAtHome and Covid-19. It is a living history of youth expression in all its forms. In the … Read More
XL_Live Episode 1: ft Terry Dale, Motorsport Hall of Fame Member
Our newest feature, XL_Live sessions, feature interviews with industry-leading tech and trades figures. Subjects will range widely, and are designed to bring students, teachers, and community partners together in a distance learning setting. This is one of many innovative solutions … Read More
Collaboration for OCDSB Educators w/ #OCDSBLearnAtHome
One of the positive outcomes of our current LearnAtHome practice is that it is generating excellent examples of innovation and collaboration across the school district. Educators are seeking ways of collaborating with colleagues to build and share resources. One strategy … Read More
Carleton University Students Utilize the OCDSBXL Experiential Learning Plan Template
Student engagement and leadership skills are at the core of student work being undertaken in the Sociology of Education course (3300B) at Carleton University. The majority of students enrolled in the course are majoring in child studies, sociology, psychology, or … Read More
Student Design: A Low Cost, Eco-Friendly Solution for Home Insulation
–by J-P Brichta, Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School When faced with the challenge of, “How can you change the world for the better?”, Nicholas Steinke thought about dirt. Then rocks. Then rubber tires. And he was just getting “warmed” up. … Read More
Projet passionnel à Mutchmor avec Glebe CI
Auteure: Vy Tran (étudiante) Même avant le début du projet, “project-based learning” m’avait toujours intéressée. Donc, j’étais très enthousiaste quand notre classe a commencé les projets passionnels. En particulier, mon groupe avait décidé de faire notre projet à une école … Read More
Morgan’s Story: #BellLetsTalk
“Tired”Words by: MorganPerformed by: MorganMusic by: Micco; used with permission. Contributor: Ruth McKeague and Morgan Bouncing Back (#RHSBouncingBack) is a school-wide initiative at Ridgemont High School aimed at building resilience and wellness into students’ day to day experiences. It promotes a school … Read More
Students at Elizabeth Wyn Wood Enjoy Salad Bar Learning Opportunities
Contributor: Farm to Cafeteria Canada (Reprinted with permission) Interested in following their lead? Apply now for a grant. There’s an old adage about how food brings people together. The students at Elizabeth Wyn Wood alternate program have experienced that first … Read More
Focus on Research: Meaningful Work
Student voice refers to listening to and valuing students’ views regarding their learning experiences, as well as treating them as equal partners in the evaluation process (Blau & Shamir-Inbal, 2018). This is expected, in turn, to empower students to take … Read More
B< Launches 2nd Design Challenge: ‘Caring’
This year, B< (Business and Learning Technology) is challenging students to use their Maker-skills. There will be a total of 3 Maker Challenges that students, classes, and clubs can participate in by coding, making, sewing, creating, programming an app, filming, … Read More
Craig Cardiff explores the power of song with Woodroffe HS English Language Learners
English Language Learners at Woodroffe High School were given the opportunity to put their words (in multiple languages!) to music with singer-songwriter, Craig Cardiff. Cardiff is a Juno-nominated Canadian folk artist who, in addition to recording and touring, runs workshops … Read More
OCDSBXL Podcast (Ep2): “Growing thinkers; Feeding learning.”
In Episode 2 we talk with Derek Brez from Sir Guy Carleton Secondary School, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Derek is pushing the boundaries of what Science education looks like in high schools, with some of the most reluctant learners. When … Read More
Youth Ottawa & OCDSBXL Featured in 1310 News Interview
Check out the interview featuring the great work done by our friends at Youth Ottawa in partnerships with OCDSBXL.
Time to Take Action: Ridgemont High School and the National Capital Commission (NCC) #LookOutside
Recently, as part of the larger #RHSBouncingBack initiative, grade 10 and 11 Science students at Ridgemont High School, in partnership with the National Capital Commission (NCC), applied their learning to combat climate change as citizen scientists. Students and staff alike … Read More
Project Period: Featherston Drive PS Students Promote Gender Equity
Written by Grade 8 Students : Mariam Abdulhamidkhon, Abod AlAmeer and Rokayah Karim, R8A At Featherston Drive Public School, the students of R8A have worked on a project to empower girls and to ensure every female has the right to … Read More
Environmental Activism & English Language Learning in Adult High School
Students in the Central Orientation Class at Adult HS spent weeks completing an environmental audit for the school. They were shocked by their findings. This ignited in students a desire to bring school wide awareness to the issue, inform their … Read More
Are you an OCDSB High School Student Interested in Spending Semester 2 in Nature? Learn More…
Before becoming a classroom teacher, Chris Drummond worked as an ecologist, a park naturalist, and an outdoor educator. His passion for the outdoors and how human beings interact in the ecosystems around Ottawa and beyond led him to develop a … Read More
OTSS Students learn about Manufacturing & Business with Junior Achievement
Submitted by: Heather Galigan, Teacher Librarian OTSS students in the Manufacturing class are learning all about product development through participating in the Junior Achievement (JA) program organized by ONFE. Through trial and error they developed a mid century modern plant … Read More
Focus on Research: Student Choice
Student participation, voice and control have been widely cited and documented in the education research literature. Specifically, research exploring the impacts of student voice in the classroom has focused on student autonomy and content, assessment formats, and motivation. According to … Read More
Share Your Stories With Us
OCDSBXL wants to share your stories! Staff and students from the OCDSB are invited to submit stories about the innovative learning going on in their classrooms and communities, which embodies the pillars of the board’s strategic plan: innovation, caring, and … Read More
Featherston Drive PS: “Shooting Stars & Stories”
Written by Larisa Taha & Malak Mutter, Grade 7 Students Since October, Ms.Conley’s grade 7 class from Featherston Drive has been working on a storytelling showcase. We went to see Jacqui … Read More
OCDSBXL Hosts Women in Trades 2019 at OTSS
Women in Trades 2019 took place last week at the OCDSB’s Ottawa Technical Secondary School. The event was attended by approximately 200 grade 7 and grade 8 girls from schools across the Ottawa-Carleton District. The success of the Women in … Read More