Kirsten Thompson
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thompsonclassroom.bsky.social
Kirsten Thompson
@thompsonclassroom.bsky.social
👩🏼‍💻 Ed Tech Enthusiast
👩🏼‍🎓 Lifelong Learner
💫 #MicrosoftEdu Trainer
💫 Google Educator Level 1
🚨 Professional account, personally managed
- Learn more at @misslwbt.bsky.social
I got to start my week off with the staff of Erickson Collegiate in RRSD

We spent a full day diving into the topic of AI & helping strengthen staff understanding so that they are prepared to discuss this tech with their stakeholders and make informed decisions on their own AI use

#MERLIN_MB
November 14, 2025 at 8:07 PM
When we talk about innovation, it can often bring up visions of experimentation and STEM "tinkering." While this can be true, a big component of innovation for me is through my networking connections.

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November 6, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Last Friday, I had the privilege of spending Halloween with the Westman School Clinicians Association (WSCA) in Brandon.

We chatted about AI and the potential role that this tool may play in the operations of their members.

Thank you, WSCA, for having me join your team!

#MERLIN_MB
November 5, 2025 at 8:31 PM
Exploring what’s new in MS Copilot for Ed💡

Two components I think educators should know about:

📘 Teach

🎓 The AI for Educators Learning Path

This is one example of how these tools are evolving to meet educator needs; blending innovation with intentional design.

#ToolboxTuesday
November 4, 2025 at 6:38 PM
October was all about connections. From social posts and emails to conversations with divisions and partners from across MB; every step helped strengthen the network we have.

A personal highlight for October was being able to attend my first ever @merlin.mb.ca Partner Program Meeting!

#MERLIN_MB
October 31, 2025 at 9:32 PM
The line between real and realistic has never been thinner.

AI has amplified creation options while simultaneously accelerating misinformation. This has forced us to reevaluate what it means to "verify", "trust", and "understand.

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October 30, 2025 at 6:26 PM
#MediaLiteracyWeek is here! This week's post had to highlight the amazing resources created, curated, and shared out via @mediasmarts.ca

For 20 years, this event has been promoting digital media literacy, and their website is full of resources for everyone!

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October 28, 2025 at 7:13 PM
This finding from Motives and Methods: Building Resilience to Online Misinformation in Canada (2025) is a powerful reminder: confidence doesn’t always equal competence when it comes to navigating the online world.

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October 28, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Last "office" day of the week as I'm heading to Winnipeg tomorrow to set up and attend @manacemb.bsky.social #MTSPDDay conference!

I have to say, after 6 years of having an office with no windows, this fall sunshine is soooooo nice.
October 22, 2025 at 8:39 PM
Digital safety starts with awareness and grows through practice.

Google's "Be Internet Awesome" program helps educators, students, & families build digital confidence:

🎮 Explore Interland
📄 Access ready-to-use curriculum
🏡 Share the Family Guide

#ToolboxTuesday #Cybersecurity
October 21, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Today will be my 1st day serving on the Riding The Wave planning committee; an event I've been able to be a part of as an attendee & presenter over the past 8 yrs

💡When we connect ideas, people, & tech, we create meaningful opportunities for learners everywhere

#MissionMonday #RTW_MB #MERLIN_MB
October 20, 2025 at 4:14 PM
I'm thrilled to share that I'm joining the DellTechnologies Soar with MENTOR program as a mentor!

I've been thankful to have connected with Katina Papulkas; as we were both presenting at Cyber Summit & Riding The Wave. It was through her support that I was able to bring Data Dunkers to rural MB
October 17, 2025 at 7:29 PM
Thrilled to be in Brandon with @maetl.mb.ca today as ed tech leaders from across MB join in-person & online to learn and network

Our morning provided an opportunity to continue critical reflections on AI, our role and responsibility as leaders, and identifying next steps for an ever-changing topic
October 16, 2025 at 6:00 PM
As your inbox fills up, remember the basics of spotting potential phishing emails:

🔍 Look for suspicious details like odd addresses, typos, or details that feel "off"
⚠️ Be aware of messaging that plays on urgency
💰 Watch for financial requests

#ToolboxTuesday #CybersecurityAwarenessMonth
October 14, 2025 at 8:53 PM
As we head into winter, it's the perfect time to revisit policies, refresh response plans, and make sure teams are equipped for the months ahead.

Cybersecurity isn't just an exercise, its a mindset; one of resiliance, shared responsibility, and proactive leadership.
October 9, 2025 at 9:28 PM
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and digital safety starts with education.

As someone in the Microsoft domain, I wanted to highlight some of the awesome tools available to strengthen digital awareness for all users:

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#ToolboxTuesday #Cybersecurity
October 7, 2025 at 3:14 PM
At MERLIN, professional learning is one of the most powerful ways we can close gaps and create opportunities. Whether in-person or virtual, training helps educators & technical staff build the confidence and capacity they need to make tech meaningful in every classroom.

#MERLIN_MB #missionMonday
October 6, 2025 at 2:28 PM
October is shaping up to be a busy month of collaboration & learning - and I'm especially looking forward to @manacemb.bsky.social #MTSPDDay event later this month

These days are always a highlight of the year!

Make sure you visit this page and get registered today

#FutureFriday
October 3, 2025 at 8:27 PM
Spending a part of my day at Brandon University with @manacemb.bsky.social for their fall planning day.

This continues to be one of my favourite venues to come back to!
October 2, 2025 at 9:48 PM
Today was the @merlin.mb.ca Partner Program Meeting which meant it was time to capture ALL the media content

📸 Shout out to Warren for making sure I also got my photo taken!

#MERLIN_MB
October 1, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Today I am wearing orange to honour those affected by the genocide resulting from residential schools in Canada.

I acknowledge that systems are still in place that marginalize Indigenous people & much work needs to be done to move toward reconciliation.
September 30, 2025 at 2:56 PM
September was full of fresh starts. From connecting with school divisions and partners, to video calls and social media posts, its been a busy and energizing month.

Always grateful for the chance to do meaningful work that connects technology, people, and learning.

🍂 Onward to October!

#MERLIN_MB
September 29, 2025 at 6:12 PM
After showing up on my FYP last year (thanks TikTok), I can't get Danielle Boyer's Skobots out of my head!

Such a fan of their approach to this language reviatalization project and hope we can help bring some of these to Manitoba

#MERLIN_MB ##FutureFriday
September 26, 2025 at 5:21 PM
💻 💫 3 weeks in & already feeling consumed by your screen time? This is a great time to reflect and build strategies to protect your focus & energy:

1️⃣ Batch notifications to minimize distractions

2️⃣ Take regular screen breaks

3️⃣ Curate your digital space for clarity & calm

#ToolboxTuesday
September 23, 2025 at 2:29 PM
🤖 Back-to-school feels different this year - not just because of new routines & faces, but because AI has changed what it means to be literate in a digital world.

The challenge isn't whether AI will shape education because it already is....

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September 22, 2025 at 3:47 PM