TakingITGlobal

C o n n e c t e d N o r t h i n O u r C l a s s r o o m Introduction What helped to spark your sense of excitement for learning when you were a child? For me, I flourished when I was given a chance to experience something new and learn about a topic from different perspectives. When students are surrounded by people who believe in them, they are nurtured in ways that help them to flourish in their learning journey. Our team is delighted to introduce you to Connected North in Our Classroom: Perspectives from K-12 educators about their access to interactive learning experiences. This book provides readers with a unique window into the transformative power of technology in bringing virtual field trips and dynamic guest speakers to K-12 classrooms in remote, northern, Indigenous communities across Canada. Through a collection of firsthand accounts from dedicated educators across our network, this book showcases how the Connected North program has enriched learning experiences, sparked curiosity, and opened up new worlds for students who may otherwise have limited access to a diverse array of educational resources. There are also many practical tips for teachers new to the program. By connecting classrooms with artists, Elders, mentors, scientists, accountants, entrepreneurs, and role models through two-way video conferencing, Connected North is helping to bridge the equity gap and level the playing field for students in underserved areas. The stories and insights within these pages invite us to think differently about what is possible in education and to work toward a future in which every student, no matter where they live, has access to the tools and opportunities they need to thrive. Sincerely, Jennifer Corriero 3

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