With 21^st Century learning as the main focus of many school systems across Canada, it comes as no surprise that education technology conferences are popping up more frequently than ever before. Recently, I attended one such conference and what amazed me, even more than the incredible ways in which we can integrate technology into our lessons, was the number of educators who have made remarkable strides by going the extra mile and taking their lessons to the next level. They are teachers who engage their students in ways never before imagined. These are the teachers that will make a positive difference in the ever-changing world of education. But they aren't the only ones.

Do you know of a teacher who is making a positive impact in the classroom or in the school community? Maybe you know of a teacher who inspires student leaders or who has gone to great lengths to instil a sense of environmental stewardship. Or perhaps it's a teacher who is using innovative practices in the classroom. Whoever it may be, now is the time to say thank you. Join Microsoft Canada in recognizing 21 schools across the country where teachers have made an impact in their community with the #ThankYouTeachers initiative. Launched on October 5^th, World Teachers Day, this campaign will award Teacher Appreciation Packages to 21 schools across Canada in recognition of their teachers' contributions to enriching the lives of their students and their surrounding community. One lucky school will also win new Surface tablets for their entire teaching staff!

Now is the time to nominate a school and celebrate teachers in your community. The Microsoft Canada #ThankYouTeachers initiative ends November 1^st so please complete your nominations soon. Statistics from a recent national parent-teacher study commissioned by Microsoft found that the use of technology leads to better student engagement and more efficient learning. So let's make the statistic a reality in 21 schools that will receive a special package containing a $1000 Staples Canada gift card that can be used towards technological needs, plus much more.

It goes without saying that carefully planned implementation of technology in the classroom can benefit students in many ways. In fact, I believe that technology is crucial in the education of our 21st century learners. Today students can gain greater insight more quickly and work together more efficiently than ever before, all the while developing collaborative, communicative and creative thinking skills through the use of technology. But what about students with special needs?

Recently, the Toronto District School Board teamed up with Microsoft on an initiative that will help ensure success for all students, in particular those that require assistive technology. Part of this initiative is the Microsoft OneNote Project which was designed to help students with learning disabilities alleviate anxiety and help them focus on learning, all the while preparing them for their transition to high school. Every student can benefit from it but those who are dyslexic, have ADD/ADHD, or other learning disabilities can achieve greater success by using this program.

Since organizational skills can improve the learning process, the OneNote software is an excellent tool to help students get organized and, in turn, build their confidence. Modelling the use of the software is also key, which is why Angie Scarano-Iuorio, Assistive Technology Central Coordinator with the TDSB, has put together an internal task force that provides resources, training and workshops to help teachers incorporate technology into their classrooms. It's all in the name of helping to pave a new road to higher success for all students. 

Kyle, a OneNote pilot project student, shares the benefits he has experienced from using Microsoft OneNote in the following video: