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While On The Subject of Speeches...

Here are the highlights from five 2013 commencement speeches including Melinda Gates, Stephen Colbert and Richard Costolo, Chief Executive at Twitter.

Ontario Teachers' Union Votes to Ban Cell Phones in Classrooms

The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario voted to ban the use of cell phones in classrooms at their general meeting last week.  The new rules state that mobile devices should be turned off and stored during school hours, unless special permission is given.

Expert Urges 'Unified Approach' To Dealing With Bullies

While Canadian expert on bullying Wendy Craig applauds the provincial premiers' announcement that they intend to push to have bullying added to the Criminal Code, she is not without reservations.
Full Article.

Fascinating TED Talk...On So Many Levels

Working on Beau Lotto and Amy O'Toole's new TED talk, the team at Mozilla used their new web-based video editing/annotating tool, Popcorn Maker.  Watch Beau and Amy's talk below and click on the pop-ups to grab links to their papers, video, maps, Wikipedia references and much more data - as well as inspiring quotes from experts in the field of play and education.  Amy just happens to be one of the youngest presenters at TED.  It's truly a fascinating presentation.

Native Youth Suicide Stats Numbing: More Females Die Because Hanging Preferred Method

In the 100 years since Louis Riel was executed while fighting for native self-determination and native self-respect, Canada has come a long way.  We don't hang native men anymore.  Now 11 year old native boys hang themselves.

Student Selfies

More than half of students attend four-year colleges within 50 miles of home.  Then there are those who cross countries and oceans to make a cultural leap.  New and veteran students were asked to submit portraits of themselves in their home environment.  The result is a snapshot of cultural diversity.