The SHSM Innovation Zone is an initiative to showcase the creative and critical thinking of OCDSB SHSM students.
It is an opportunity to combine tools and technology designed to support students in learning how to collaborate, think critically about complex problems, design creative solutions to challenges, develop a variety of technology related skills and share knowledge. This supports the larger vision of all students having the opportunity to access a variety of technologies to sustain experiential learning and curriculum in all classes.
In April 2022, we asked schools offering SHSM opportunities to create the SHSM Innovation Zone. From the selected schools, students were tasked with a project using the tools to promote their SHSM opportunity through projects, training or events while simultaneously supporting the completion of some of their SHSM components.
OCDSB’s Innovation and Adolescent Learning (IAL) department then presented these projects through a virtual conference titled, Innovation Celebration. It celebrated student voice in their academic endeavours and learning experiences, particularly those involving an experiential learning lens. Both classroom-based, K-12, innovative and experiential learning experiences, alongside those from such opportunities as Co-op, SHSM, OYAP, Dual Credit, Tech and Trades, SWAC, and more were showcased at this event.