[Robin Long]

December 16, 2024

Learning Management System (LMS): Moodle

Hello everyone!

Thanks for coming to the Voc Talk Café and if you weren’t able to make it, no worries! You can read the session summary below, and follow the links to check out the curated resources!

• presentation

• agenda, discussion notes, and shared resources

• session recording (not available quite yet!)

Summary

In today’s Digital Open Sandbox (DOS) session, we dove into all things Moodle as an LMS, its functions and advantages, and to see how we can get more creative with Moodle to boost student engagement. We looked at the customizable features of Moodle and discussed the advantages to using open-source software, even if the Moodle user interface is a bit clunky and requires a bit of technical know-how to use it. For student interactivity, it has lots of tools that are easily set up and used – quiz features, H5P plug-ins for more dynamic content, forums, badges & certificates for motivation, and even scenario-based learning and for engagement, branching scenarios, wikis, and interactive glossaries. We also looked at the different roles in Moodle — you can move down in permissions on your own, but only an admin can bump you up. Themes are customizable, and Moodle’s tracking and analytics are top-notch, letting us see how students interact with the platform. Lots to explore, but worth the effort!

Do you have an idea for a Voc Talk Café discussion topic that you would like to discuss with your fellow teachers across the province? Let us know! We can help you set it up! Thanks to all who participated in discussing this very interesting subject, and I look forward to the next session!

👩‍🍳📱 Robin

[Robin Long]

November 18, 2024

Writing AI Prompts for Better Results

Hello everyone!

Thanks for coming to the Voc Talk Café and if you weren’t able to make it, no worries! You can read the session summary below, and follow the links to check out the curated resources!

• presentation

• agenda, discussion notes, and shared resources

• session recording (not available quite yet!)

Summary

In today’s Digital Open Sandbox (DOS) session, we increased our awareness of AI tools, explored their practical uses, encouraged ethical and responsible AI usage, and promoted active experimentation. Key takeaways included the understanding that AI is a tool, not a thinker. Effective prompts, customization, and local adaptation are essential for better results. We discussed AI ethics, including bias in training data, private platform ownership, hallucinations, disinformation, and the handling of personal information. We explored various AI tools like Gemini, Copilot, Google Notebook LM, Gamma, and Eduaide.AI, each with unique strengths, from lesson planning to research support. Google’s PARTS model for prompt design (Persona, Aim, Recipients, Theme, Structure) was highlighted as a useful strategy. Discussions around student use of AI revealed different perspectives in vocational training (VT) versus academia. Research by Prof. Seyed Rahmini (U of Florida) on “stealth assessment” using AI to analyze student process data was especially intriguing, offering potential insights into elusive skills like creativity and teamwork. Practical AI applications included organizing meeting notes, editing, summarizing texts, and creating teaching materials like scenarios and case studies. Voice recognition tools also present learning opportunities through reflective conversations. Overall, we left inspired by the creative ways AI can support our educational practices.

Do you have an idea for a Voc Talk Café discussion topic that you would like to discuss with your fellow teachers across the province? Let us know! We can help you set it up! Thanks to all who participated in discussing this very interesting subject, and I look forward to the next session!

👩‍🍳📱Robin

[Robin Long]

October 21, 2024

Microsoft Forms: Using Digital Questionnaires for Formative Assessment

Hello everyone! 👋

Thanks for coming to the Voc Talk Café and if you weren’t able to make it, no worries! You can read the session summary below, and follow the links to check out the curated resources!

• presentation

• agenda, discussion notes, and shared resources

• session recording (not available quite yet!)

Summary

In today’s Digital Open Sandbox (DOS) session, we explored the importance of formative assessment in learning with digital questionnaires as a support tool. Our main takeaway was that formative assessment, supported by timely feedback, actively promotes learning. We discussed how digital questionnaires, while time-consuming to build, can significantly reduce correction time for teachers. For effective branching scenarios, mind mapping software can aid in planning these paths. We emphasized the value of nuance in branching, avoiding overly simplistic “right/wrong” options, as this approach encourages students to draw on prior knowledge and apply critical thinking. If you are new at this, it is helpful to start with the “happy path” — the ideal user journey — before adding branches. To ensure clarity and avoid hidden assumptions, it’s essential to have colleagues test the branching scenarios before launch. Their fresh perspectives can reveal gaps or areas of confusion. Overall, we left with a better understanding of how Microsoft Forms can support formative assessment, reduce workload, and create more dynamic learning experiences for students.

Do you have an idea for a Voc Talk Café discussion topic that you would like to discuss with your fellow teachers across the province? Let us know! We can help you set it up! Thanks to all who participated in discussing this very interesting subject, and I look forward to the next session!

👩‍🍳📱 Robin

[Robin Long]

December 2, 2024

Hello everyone! 👋

Thanks for coming to the Voc Talk Café and if you weren’t able to make it, no worries! You can read the session summary below, and follow the links to check out the curated resources!

• presentation

• agenda, discussion notes, and shared resources

• customizable tool

• session recording (not available quite yet!)

Summary

In our session today, we explored a rubric from 2 worked examples, identifying its key elements and discussing how they impact student learning. Together, we brainstormed ways to adapt this teaching tool to fit our diverse realities. A key takeaway was designing tools from a student’s perspective, using everyday language to clarify competencies. We highlighted the benefits of co-creating rubrics with students to enhance motivation, foster growth mindsets, and increase assessment transparency. Ideas included breaking tasks into steps, adding enrichment levels for fast learners, and incorporating badges as rewards. While we acknowledged that rubrics take time to create and refine, we agreed that collaboration with colleagues helps manage the workload. We also looked at tech tools like Microsoft Stream, with features like interactive media and a built-in prompter, as a way to create engaging content. Overall, we left with practical strategies for building growth-oriented, student-centered learning experiences.

Do you have an idea for a Voc Talk Café discussion topic that you would like to discuss with your fellow teachers across the province? Let us know! We can help you set it up! Thanks to all who participated in discussing this very interesting subject, and I look forward to the next session!

📱👩‍🍳 Robin

[Robin Long]

September 16, 2024

DOS Digital Open Sandbox: Google Classroom as a Learning Management System in VT

Hello everyone!

Thanks for coming to the Voc Talk Café and if you weren’t able to make it, no worries! You can read the session summary below, and follow the links to check out the curated resources!

• presentation

• agenda, discussion notes, and shared resources

• session recording (not available quite yet!)

Summary

Today, we explored the basic features of Google Classroom, identified activities relevant to our programs, and practiced using its key functions. We learned that learning management systems can support both online and in-person learning. The types of activities posted will vary depending on the trade and learning context, allowing for flexibility in instruction. We also recognized that investing time to understand the platform’s features can ultimately simplify our teaching tasks and improve overall efficiency.

Do you have an idea for a Voc Talk Café discussion topic that you would like to discuss with your fellow teachers across the province? Let us know! We can help you set it up! Thanks to all who participated in discussing this very interesting subject, and I look forward to the next session!

👩‍🍳📱 Robin

• This reply was modified 5 days, 6 hours ago by  Robin Long.

[Robin Long]

November 4, 2024

Dear Teacher Hotline – Student Syllabus

Hello everyone!

Thanks for coming to the Voc Talk Café and if you weren’t able to make it, no worries! You can read the session summary below, and follow the links to check out the curated resources!

• presentation

• agenda, discussion notes, and shared resources

• session recording (not available quite yet!)

Summary

In today’s Dear Teacher Hotline sessions, we explored a student syllabus through a worked example. We identified its key elements, and discussed how to adapt it to our teaching reality. We learned that a well-designed example serves as a roadmap, aligning learning goals and activities within a clear timeframe. It functions as a communication tool, setting expectations for students, and is most effective when created from a student’s perspective. By filling it out using the program of study and our macroplan, we can better connect teaching strategies, learning activities, and trade tasks. The document acts as both a motivational and organizational tool, offering students guidance on how to succeed in the course. It also serves as a contract between teacher and student, supporting collaboration and shared responsibility. As a professional development tool, it allows us to reflect on and compare teaching methods with colleagues, ensuring our approaches remain relevant, clear, and student-centered.

Do you have an idea for a Voc Talk Café discussion topic that you would like to discuss with your fellow teachers across the province? Let us know! We can help you set it up! Thanks to all who participated in discussing this very interesting subject, and I look forward to the next session!

👩‍🍳📱Robin

• This reply was modified 5 days, 5 hours ago by  Robin Long.

[Robin Long]

October 2, 2024

Dear Teacher Hotline – Macroplanning

Hello everyone! 👋

Thanks for coming to the Voc Talk Café and if you weren’t able to make it, no worries! You can read the session summary below, and follow the links to check out the curated resources!

• presentation

• agenda, discussion notes, and shared resources

• interactive tool

• customizable tool

• session recording (not available quite yet!)

Summary

In today’s Voc Talk Café we we explored macroplanning as an essential tool for organizing learning goals and guiding teacher support. Using a spreadsheet helps teachers organize activities and goals within a set timeframe, ensuring alignment with the program of study and coverage of all course content. Key elements include scheduling, prior skills, formative assessments, and administrative details. While primarily for teachers, it’s crucial for creating the syllabus that students use, situating learning objectives in real-world contexts and showing how new knowledge builds on prior skills.

It is especially useful for pedagogical consultants working with novice teachers, facilitating discussions on lessons, topics, and subject matter, with guidance from the evaluation framework (such as inforouteFPT) to prioritize content. Adding verdict rules in a separate column can help streamline planning. Keeping a master document of macroplans supports consistency, and for a less linear approach, a mind map could be a helpful alternative. Both tools are vital for structuring and enhancing student learning.

Do you have an idea for a Voc Talk Café discussion topic that you would like to discuss with your fellow teachers across the province? Let us know! We can help you set it up! Thanks to all who participated in discussing this very interesting subject, and I look forward to the next session!

📱👩‍🍳 Robin

[Robin Long]

September 30, 2024

Candid Mic: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Hello everyone! 👋

Thanks for coming to the Voc Talk Café and if you weren’t able to make it, no worries! You can read the session summary below, and follow the links to check out the curated resources!

• presentation

• agenda, discussion notes, and shared resources

• session recording (not available quite yet!)

Summary

In today’s Voc Talk Café we discussed how education plays an important role in the journey towards addressing the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization on Indigenous peoples. We situated ourselves as listeners first to foster understanding and respect through education from authentic voices about Indigenous history, rights, and the legacy of residential schools. In vocational training, we can support reconciliation by incorporating reflection and inquiry through our trade culture and addressing Indigenous economic prosperity through entrepreneurship and public policy. Teaching resources available on the PROCEDE website promote cultural safety in healthcare and business programs also help build bridges. By embracing these approaches, vocational training can play a role in fostering reconciliation and mutual respect.

Do you have an idea for a Voc Talk Café discussion topic that you would like to discuss with your fellow teachers across the province? Let us know! We can help you set it up! Thanks to all who participated in discussing this very interesting subject, and I look forward to the next session!

📱👩‍🍳 Robin

[Robin Long]

May 5, 2024

Dear Teacher Hotline – Group Tracking Tool

Hello everyone!

Thanks for coming to the Voc Talk Café and if you weren’t able to make it, no worries! You can check out the recording, discussion notes and resources on the Voc Talk Café by Après-cours website page here, and read the session summary below!

Summary

In our session today, we looked at a group tracking tool. It was designed using spreadsheet software and features pre-filled drop-down menus in the cells for easy use during class. It focuses on analyzing and adapting a worked example. We had a deep discussion on crucial elements and their importance in student learning, as well as customizing the teaching tool to fit the needs of specific programs and the lab reality. The task emphasizes creating a document aligned with the program of study, incorporating both physical and digital learning elements to enhance accessibility, flexibility, and understanding of how various roles connect to the curriculum. Additionally, we suggested that allocating time to research and create a student account to gain insight into the student perspective and test sharing and permission features would be very beneficial to the final design.

▶ Click here to access the interactive tool

🛠 Click here to access a downloadable, customizable copy

Do you have an idea for a Voc Talk Café discussion topic that you would like to discuss with your fellow teachers across the province? Let us know! We can help you set it up! Thanks to all who participated in discussing this very interesting subject, and I look forward to the next session!

👩‍🍳📱 Robin

[Robin Long]

June 17, 2024

Cross-curricular/Review: A Year in Review and Moving Forward

Hello everyone!

Thanks for coming to the Voc Talk Café and if you weren’t able to make it, no worries! You can check out the recording, discussion notes and resources on the Voc Talk Café by Après-cours website page here, and read the session summary below!

Summary

In today’s session, we highlighted the importance of comprehensive discussions, favourite moments, and future aspirations. Key takeaways included the value of exploring diverse topics, especially AI and sustainability, and the enlightening perspectives shared by teachers. Suggestions for improvement included better timing notifications and maintaining the café’s relaxed atmosphere despite busy schedules. The positive impact of empathy and diverse viewpoints was emphasized. Future plans involve refining the session structure, modifying sector communications, and enhancing publicity. Adding a calendar button and continuing the slide tryptic were proposed to improve engagement. Overall, the café sessions were deemed valuable for fostering discussions and professional growth.

Do you have an idea for a Voc Talk Café discussion topic that you would like to discuss with your fellow teachers across the province? Let us know! We can help you set it up! Thanks to all who participated in discussing this very interesting subject, and I look forward to the next session!

📱👩‍🍳 Robin

[Robin Long]

April 29, 2024

Digital Open Sandbox: Handout Creation 101 with MS Word or Google Docs

Hello everyone!

Thanks for coming to the Voc Talk Café and if you weren’t able to make it, no worries! You can check out the recording, discussion notes and resources on the Voc Talk Café by Après-cours website page here, and read the session summary below!

Summary

In today’s session, we looked at creating handouts and situating document creation in the andrological context. We looked at the options in MS Word and Google Docs and then had a working session supporting participants in formatting their own documents. We discussed moving between the two systems, and we discussed similarities in other document creation software such as Adobe InDesign and Canva. Teachers talked about students bringing design vision to documents in programs where this is taught and how adding images, icons and colour make the document more professional looking but keep it fun and engaging. A picture is worth 1000 words! We also got to customize a handout to our own program and have 1:1 support to integrate different pieces into our designs. Finally, participants requested another session to explore using forms in TEAMS, to be organized in the future.

▶ Click here to access a workable document

▶ Click here to access the finished product

Do you have an idea for a Voc Talk Café discussion topic that you would like to discuss with your fellow teachers across the province? Let us know! We can help you set it up! Thanks to all who participated in discussing this very interesting subject, and I look forward to the next session!

👩‍🍳📱 Robin

[Robin Long]

September 18, 2023

Food and Tourism: Project-based Learning: The Secret is in the Sauce

Hello everyone!

Thanks for coming to the Voc Talk Café and if you weren’t able to make it, no worries! You can check out the recording, discussion notes and resources on the Voc Talk Café by Après-cours website page here, and read the session summary below!

Summary

PBL is about authentic learning – an underlying principle in VT – but what makes it a bit different is that there can be a different focus on the project that is not in alignment with the industry, but in alignment with what the student needs to learn. Eg focus on quality of language in a document.
Student cookbook – multi-competency project that involved students creating and standardising recipes for a service menu that they then put into a cookbook that was sold to the restaurant patrons as a souvenir.
PBL often mentions learning retention, but what was noticeable in this project was student engagement – it was hard, a lot of work, but students were driven to push through the struggle.
Difficult for the teacher – let go of the end result and focus on the student learning.
Sounds great, but how do you motivate students to participate in big projects like this?
In perspective, this project was done at the end of the program and a student -teacher rapport was already established.
As a teacher, the pre-work is heavy. Everything has to be planned out, a back-up plan established and the learning goals and relationship to competency content have to be very clear to the students. In this case, the student had the possiblity to opt out of the project but still do the competency learning.
You also have to let go – It isn’t about the teacher’s expectations, but rather about the students self-appropriation of the result. It might be that their vision of the result is different, but as long as the learning goals are met, that is ok.
Does the fact that it will be shared with the public motivate the students?
For some yes, others no. It can be a source of aniexity, but accounting for that is part of the teachers plan B, C, D…
For some teachers, PBL is more comfortable once they have a rapport with the students, for others it isn’t necessary since they frame it out with Universal Design in Learning (UDL) principles.

Do you have an idea for a Voc Talk Café discussion topic that you would like to discuss with your fellow teachers across the province? Let us know! We can help you set it up! Thanks to all who participated in discussing this very interesting subject, and I look forward to the next session!

📱👩‍🍳 Robin

[Robin Long]

March 11, 2024

Dear Teacher Hotline – Process Checklist

Hello everyone!

Thanks for coming to the Voc Talk Café and if you weren’t able to make it, no worries! You can check out the recording, discussion notes and resources on the Voc Talk Café by Après-cours website page here, and read the session summary below!

Summary

In this week’s Dear Teacher Hotline, we discussed using a process checklist to help students focus on the steps in the process during an authentic work task. To create a tailored checklist for effective learning, it’s essential to consider the targeted learning goal as well as the student’s current level of proficiency. For beginners, tasks should be broken down into manageable steps, while advanced learners may require less detailed guidance. Feedback from the instructor is important, and sticky points or teacher checkpoints can be incorporated into the checklist. As well, encouraging students to reflect on their performance, identify challenges, and rewrite the checklist in narrative form promotes deeper understanding and consolidation of knowledge.

In terms of format and tools, leveraging common text software like Microsoft Word or Google Docs facilitates accessibility. Structuring the checklist using tables, checkboxes, and strikethrough features aids in progress tracking, while including identification details ensures clarity and organization.

To customize the content of this checklist for your trade, look at the competency and think about job tasks in the workforce and list the steps in the process of completing that task. Asking colleagues or students to collaborate is essential to identify common pitfalls and critical steps. Present tasks logically, grouped by natural categories, and incorporate sensory descriptors to foster comprehension and introduce industry terminology. The customized checklist serves as a comprehensive guide, facilitating effective learning experiences aligned with students’ needs and objectives.

▶Click here to access the interactive tool

📋Click here to access a downloadable, customizable copy

Do you have an idea for a Voc Talk Café discussion topic that you would like to discuss with your fellow teachers across the province? Let us know! We can help you set it up! Thanks to all who participated in discussing this very interesting subject, and I look forward to the next session!

📱👩‍🍳 Robin

[Robin Long]

November 6, 2023 Food and Tourism: Are Digital Libraries the Future of Education?

Hello everyone!

Thanks for coming to the Voc Talk Café and if you weren’t able to make it, no worries! You can check out the recording, discussion notes and resources on the Voc Talk Café by Après-cours website page here, and read the session summary below!

Summary

Digital libraries have lots of great features that enhance the learning experience, such as access to a large collection, interactive media and built-in translation tools. In today’s discussion, we explored the advantages of the ckbk platform used by the culinary department at PACC. We spoke about access to hundreds of cookbooks, including the traditional textbook, but with user-friendly features such as translation tools, downloadable recipe files, keyword database searches, and multi-media content. Also, access to both the textbook and a cookbook library acts as an incentive for motivated learners to explore more, without penalizing the learners who are focused on entry-level requirements. The cost for the student is much lower than the physical textbook, and having access via a mobile app means devices can be sanitized for hygiene and food safety protocol. As the department uses this platform, more information will be shared about activity ideas in competencies.

Do you have an idea for a Voc Talk Café discussion topic that you would like to discuss with your fellow teachers across the province? Let us know! We can help you set it up! Thanks to all who participated in discussing this very interesting subject, and I look forward to the next session!

📱👩‍🍳 Robin

[Robin Long]

Oct 16, 2023: The Future of the Trade

Hello everyone! If you missed this week’s Voc Talk café, here is the summary. You can check out the recording and minutes on the Voc Talk café by Après-cours website!

As a society, we enjoy eating out and having a dining experience and the front of the house staff is an integral part of this. We recognise the need for servers and maitre d’s and we know the transferability of their people, management and sales skills, but as a collective we have a hard time seeing past the perception that being a server is not a legitimate trade, it is something you do ‘while you are waiting for something else.’ We explored some of the difficulties in recruiting students for the program, and some of the innovative program offers centres have tried to increase student inscription. The discussion revolved around programs of study in other parts of the world that combine cooking and F&B, the workforce resolution to have a work-life balance that is very hard to do in the restaurant world, and how the front of the hours curates and creates and experience for the diner. The cultural and social aspect of dining and relaxing is an integral part of who we are as humans, and the desire for this continues to grow even as the workforce struggles to find workers. We finished our discussion with a look at a pilot project with an industry partner and RAC to assess workers and support their missing skills with on-the-job training. This situation could be an interesting asynchronous learning project, lending itself to project funding through a TechnoFAD measure.

Thanks to all who attended for the great discussion, and we look forward to the next session!

📱👩‍🍳 Robin