Kirsten Thompson

We've attended conferences together, sat on committees, fought through hard topics, and worked to bring new events and initiatives to our field.

It is through my connection to them that innovation has grown.

As someone who was based rurally, in-person networking options weren't readily available. So many of those early connections, those who started as a "stranger on the internet" have now turned in to my dearest friends.

Earlier this week, I had a chance to listen to Gabrielle Rodman speak at our #SoarWithMENTOR session about networking and the impact it can have on your profession.

I feel so fortunate to have started my career in what I truly believe was the peak of authentic intentional digital networking.

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.

🧵

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

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

💡 Innovation isn’t just about new tools; it’s about using the ones you already have, better.

Yesterday we facilitated a session focused on leveraging M365 for efficiency and innovation in education.

When technology works with you, innovation becomes everyday practice

#MERLIN_MB #TechTuesday

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

Our network isn’t haunted… it just has a few ghost users. 👻

Happy Halloween from all of us at MERLIN!

#MERLIN_MB

Real Or Not The growing quality in AI images makes them harder to spot. Can you tell if an image is real or AI generated?

Media Literacy isnt about skepticism, it's about empowerment. It's the skill that allows us to navigate an AI-infused world with curiosity and confidence rather than confusion.

Want to test your skills? Check out the "Real or Not" quiz www.realornotquiz.com

#MediaLiteracyWeek

It is not enough to be able to find information online, we must be able to question, analyze, and contextualize what we see.

One of the images above is AI generated, one is real. Can you tell the difference? Can your 9 year old? Can your grandma?

🧵

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.

🧵

🗓 visit the Media Literacy Week event page

🦛 their "Break the Fake" series is your go-to spot for teaching & learning about verifying online information

👩‍💻Digital Smarts is designed to teach important everyday digital skills

Learn more at: mediasmarts.ca/media-literacy-week

#ToolboxTuesday

#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!

🧵

Media Literacy Week is a chance for all of us to pause and reflect on how we assess information, whose voices we trust, and what strategies we model in our classrooms and workplaces.

Digital literacy isn’t just a skill anymore, it’s a life competency

#MediaLiteracyWeek

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.

🧵

Cybersecurity and media literacy share one big goal: helping us think critically online💡💻

Remember that every click and share matters

✅ Verify before you share
✅ Protect your data
✅ Think about what information you give away

Smart media habits = safer online communities

#MERLIN_MB

Can't wait to see you all tomorrow for #MTSPDDay

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.

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

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

"When one of us shines, all of us shine."

I look forward to sharing and learning alongside this great group!

#SoarWithMENTOR #WomanInSTEM

While I am proud to have many amazing male colleagues in ed tech, many of whom I consider my dearest friends, this field can be isolating & challenging as a woman. I am honoured to have an opportunity to give back through Dell & work with woman from across Canada in their professional pursuits

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

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

For Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we asked some of our MERLIN staff to share their biggest password pet peeves.

These everyday habits can open the door to major risks. Strong, unique passwords keep our classrooms and campuses secure. 🔐

#WhoWeAreWednesday #MERLIN_MB

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

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.

Looking forward to leading our evening session today!

⬛️ Minecraft EDU Cybersafe adventures

👨‍👦‍👦 Prepare Your Child With Cybersecurity Essentials (MS Learn module for caregivers)

👩🏼‍🏫 Build Cybersecurity Resiliance in K-12 Classrooms (MS Learn module for educators)

Cybersecurity isn't just a buzzword, it's part of digital citizenship

#ToolboxTuesday