Clair2014 as if you were there

(First of 2 parts) On January 30, 31 and February 1, the 5^e edition of Clair2014 international conference, New Brunswick. This event, which is among the most inspiring in the opinion of the participants, will have once again fulfilled its mandate. A participant brings it to us from the inside.

A record number of teachers, education professionals and managers have visited the small village of Clair, near Edmundston, New Brunswick, to see how it is possible to experience school differently with the help of technologies, but also the support of an entire community that believes in the potential of its children.

From the moment we set foot in the Haut-Madawaska Learning Center (CAHM), we understand that the days to come will be special, in particular by the warm welcome from Roberto Gauvin, organizer of the event, and his team, as well as the presence of all these inspiring educators who, for the most part, already communicate with each other through the social network Twitter. After many handshakes and greetings, the participants proceed to the school gymnasium to attend the first conference. This year, it is Jacques Cool, technopedagogue well known in the twittosphere, who has open the ball.

At the Clair Colloquium, we take good care of the participants. The Thursday evening conference was followed by a generous “wine and cheese”, accompanied by an orchestra from the region. These moments allow us to network, to “walk in our Twitter account”, as Andrée Marcotte, French educational advisor at the Cs des Laurentides, puts it so well. And this is the richness of this annual meeting: to exchange "in real life" with those we admire, and to get to know people who have the same values as oneself in education.

And this is the richness of this annual meeting: to exchange "in real life" with those we admire, and to get to know people who have the same values as oneself in education.

Friday is a very busy day. Starting at 9 a.m., participants are invited to move around the classrooms to see the students and teachers in action. Kindergarten to 12^e year, all await visitors with open arms. The little ones live the Flight program, which consists of participating in various guidance-oriented workshops, led by teachers. Whether it's jewelry making, science, drama or relaxation, it's obvious that students love to participate. Watching them sing into the microphone using karaoke, we understand that the notion of pleasure is well established at the CAHM!

From the 4^e at the 12^e year, students are engaged in different activities such as student radio, harmony, robotics, e-journals, television studio and many others. With an openness and confidence worthy of professionals, they are happy to answer questions and explain their projects in detail.

Then comes the time to visit the 25 kiosks prepared by the participants of the Symposium. This is a great opportunity to discuss with them the winning practices and innovators that are experienced through the Francophonie. It's with a video conference by Michael Fullan (to review here!), Professor Emeritus of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, let the morning end.

(To be continued here ...)