Students learning online getting virtual visits from special guest speakers
With another round of virtual learning for students, some are trying to help make things more interesting. The kids are getting the chance to connect with some special guest speakers over Zoom, and so far, it's been a big hit.
A Grade 5 class at Kanata Academy got the chance to ask Ottawa’s mayor some hard hitting questions.
“It’s a great opportunity to hear from some young people. They always have some great questions,” said Mayor Jim Watson.
All week, Watson has been meeting with teachers and students over Zoom, giving them some insight into what it's like to be the mayor of Ottawa.
“You know, I remember as a kid I used to like when a guest speaker came into a classroom as well. Something a little different,” says Watson. “Teachers are finding it difficult, as are students, to try to learn virtually. And if they can bring in a guest speaker every once in a while, it helps them out.”
Teacher Heather McShane says the students loved the special guest appearance.
“After they’ve had all this on and off virtual learning over the past two years, I think anything that mixes that up and adds a guest appearance, and changing up just listening to my voice though a screen is really important for them,” said McShane.
Watson says he has about 50 Zoom calls this week.
But he’s not the only one showing up in the virtual classrooms these days.
“We get them up off their chair and we do an exercise,” Says BodyBreak’s Joanne McLeod.
Bodybreak's Hal Johnson and Joanne McLeod have been busy over the past two days, doing close to 50 Zoom calls with students all over the country.
Joanne McLeod doing a virtual exercise class for students. (BodyBreak/Instagram)
“They’re creating their own BodyBreaks,” says Johnson. “We’re getting the kids thinking about creating their own BodyBreaks. So now all the classes, we’re challenging them.”
And the kids, which range from kindergarten right up to Grade 12, have been glued to their screens for tips on staying healthy and the importance of exercise.
“Nothing but positive response,” says McLeod. “Happy to engage with us. They participated in the BodyBreak.”
“If you can make somebody else smile, I tell you this has made us smile more than anything else,” says Johnson. “Just the smile on other people's faces. So we feel good.”
The Canadian fitness duo, doing what they do best, including their iconic tagline.
“Until next time, keep fit, and have fun.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.