DFI Day 9

 DFI Day 9

I made it. What an excellent experience. 

It has been good to learn face to face so we can learn from each other. I have been reminded what it feels like to be a learner and that is a good thing for supporting my students and teachers in the future.

I have learned alot about how to use functions of Chrome. Some have made my work life more efficient and some will be useful when working with students.

I am impressed that the DFI has catered for my needs as a leader, as well as the teachers and teacher aides attending. A well balanced course.

Also, the background to Manaiakalani was done extremely well by Dorothy. So inspiring and throught provoking.

Perfectly named - digital fluency intensive. Fantastic learning experience. Very grateful for the experience.

What an awesome DFI group

 

DFI Day 8

 DFI Day 8

Today we used Chromebooks and Ipads. I also made a Screencastify about being cybersmart, I believe if our students use their hoe then they will be successful in being cybersmart. Here is the link to my (first ever) Screencastify recording.

I enjoyed Dorothy's korero about ubiquitous learning. This is learning anywhere, anytime, anypace and with anyone. Rewindable learning is essential for all learners - this has been highlighted to me by my attendance at DFI!

Explain Everything

Here is my very first attempt at using the Explain Everything app. I can see educational benefits for using this app. 

Programming in maths

 Check out my programming of Blue Bots to find all the equations that equal 8 - it blinks twice .

Stop Go Motion

 Check out our Stop Go Motion animation!

DFI Day 7

 Just great to be at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds Education Centre today. What a great resource.

We had a look at how far technology has come - robots, driverless trucks, 3D houses, etc. It boggles the mind and makes me nervous at the same time for future generation - especially employment opportunities and social interaction.  

Technology can apply to any area of learning at any year level. The opportunities are endless. The digital affordances of the devices through Manaiakalani empowers all stakeholders, especially parents and whanau as they invest in their child's future and they can be involved in the learning anywhere, anytime.

Enjoyed the computational aspect of the new technologies curriculum. This is an area for empowered, creative opportunities for teachers and students. It was refreshing to hear that someone who is digitally fluent is someone who knows how to find out - they don't have to know it all. This is particularly important for teachers to understand as some of our students are naturally more competent and greater risk takers than some of us. We cannot be expected to know everything - that is the joy of ako - we can learn from our students. How empowering! 

DFI Day 6

 DFI Day 6

So good to be back at the DFI after missing the last two. If only I could be in two places at once. 

As always a highlight was listening to Dorothy's korero. Today the focus was on being connected. Being connected means being inclusive - it is a two way process. 

One of the things that attracted me in 2013 to Manaiakalani schools was the opportunity for students to learn anywhere, anytime with anyone. How liberating for our rural, low decile students. In addition to this our parents and whanau can access their child's learning at any time of the day, where ever they are. 

Furthermore this kaupapa fits perfectly with our Kaikohekohe Education Network achievement challenge that came about as a result of extensive consulting with all stakeholders - learning together is empowering. Being connected is empowering.

Also we cannot work in isolation. It is liberating to work with like minded colleagues, removing the sense of competition and almost xenophobia that used to exist between schools. 

The analogy of the framework of a whare makes it clear to understand. Every house needs a systematic structure in order to be strong yet what happens within that structure reflects those within. This is the freedom afforded by being part of the Manaiakalani kaupapa. 

I remain in awe of the outstanding support we all receive through Manaiakalani - this DFI for starters but also things like Class on Air, MIT Teachers, Online Toolkits, Tuhi Mai, Tuhi Atu, etc.

It is heartening to know that this work is not a three year intervention but an on going commitment. 

Today we worked on our site. Sites allow for teachers, learners and parents to be connected to the learning. They are the perfect place for ubiquitous, empowered and visible teaching and learning. I have made a new site for all staff to be able to access all documents and information such as the Charter, timetables, Staff Handbook, etc. This site will be developed for the Board of Trustees too.

I have a new appreciation for the learning about setting up a site that our teachers have had to go through while having to plan and teach. I remain impressed with their tenacity and professional approach to a lot of learning.