Today the tag line that follows my blog title “Teaching with technology in a Gr. 7/8 classroom means sometimes you fly by the seat of your pants.” was relived-in a positive light. The Idea Hive, heading into another year, was set for our first Skype call at 10:55 EST. While my teaching partner, Clarence Fisher, in Snow Lake, Manitoba, has very patiently tolerated the many snow days, and therefore class cancellations, we’ve put him and his students through over the past few years, I’m sure he (well, no one actually) expected today’s potential cancellation due to fog and bus delays, that almost offset our first classroom connection.
Actually, it was perfect! It gave me time to train two of my students, Jake and Riley, to run and broadcast the event live from our internet radio station, 105theHive, which I’d thought of while setting up this morning (there’s that “flying by the seat of your pants” mantra). They were awesome!
And by the time the students arrived and were directed into the largest classroom that could hold all 80 +, we were right on time.
With a grade 8 student body this large, none of this happens without the support of my fellow gr. 8 teachers. Mlle. Riley, the French teacher, offered her large classroom as the Skype site. Mr. Westra, my Language teaching partner, is supportive of jumping our language program into whatever unfolds during this adventure. And Ms. Martin, the math teacher, was willing to give up teaching time, in an unusually chaotic day, so all students could participate. As we re-introduce the Wingham end of the Idea Hive with gr. 8’s on a rotary schedule, we are not only bigger in student number, but in supportive teaching staff as well. I’m excited for this new transition.
Jump over to the Idea Hive to view more pics and listen to the broadcast recorded live today.
Mrs. D's Flight Plan 
It is always such a wonderful moment when we have an opportunity to listen in on your classroom, Heather! I have fond memories of listening to your reading of Half Brother (it seems like only yesterday) and smile every time your students’ 105theHive bumpers play. I’m very much looking forward to hearing and seeing more. (That looks like an amazing learning space you folks have there! And what a talented looking radio crew!)
I am so thrilled, Heather, to see that you are continuing the exciting work with the Idea Hive and 105thehive. Working collaboratively with your fellow teachers highlights what we aim for with all teachers in AMDSB. Keep up the excellent ‘flying by the seat of your pants”!