DFI 9

 The final session today. 

I am really pleased to have been part of the face-to-face DFI. The facilitators have been very patient and understanding, running a very inclusive classroom. They have explained all the areas covered well, and answered everyone's questions.

The last 8 weeks have shown me so much that initially I was a bit swamped by it all. I have enjoyed finding out about all the programmes and apps available and have appreciated the chance to explore them. Now I just have to work out what works for me, what I feel comfortable using and what is going to provide the best ‘hook’ for the children. I am glad that we have access to the rewindable learning notes, so I can look back and find out how to do the things I have forgotten.

It has been interesting to hear about the Manaiakalani journey. The fact it has come so far without any/much MOE involvement is probably quite a telling point.

I will be trying to incorporate some of my new learning into my planning, and hopefully find the children "Hooked", and excited about some of the things they can do.

DFI 8

 A big day with Computational Thinking and Designing and Developing Digital Outcomes with OMGTech. Lots of resources that are suitable for in the class. Had a go at a Pick a Path on Twine.

I can see it producing an interesting final product, but it took some time to get my head around the coding needed.

OMGTech also had some really interesting ideas about modern day, ethical use of coding with Big Dog, Sophia, Clearview AI. A bit scary to think what could happen with some of these.

I think I prefer the idea of reading 5+ a day texts, and talking to the children.

 

 

DFI7

 Data from WFRC shows the effect of learning being ubiquitous - where learning opportunities are available anytime, anywhere, at any pace, from or for anyone. This is one of the important features of Manaiakalani, where a big focus has been on ensuring all learners have access to their own device to expand and accelerate their learning opportunities. 

We tried a digital dig on Chromebooks and used Explain Everything on the ipad. I can see Explain Everything as a good way of children sharing their ideas and learning with others, especially recording them talking through their learning.

Later in the day I tried to use Workspaces on Hapara to create some learning activities. This did not go well, and it is doubtful if this will be a method of setting up work for my class. I think that for me there are other, quicker ways.

 

DFI 6

The pedagogy was Connected, which teams up with the Visible from last week. Within the Learn/Create/Share thinking, if it is visible it must be connecting with someone. There are many ways of connecting with others, and the teaching point is about how this connection happens, rather than the device used. Really important to be teaching children to connect in Positive, Thoughtful, Helpful ways.

Then we had a look at sites! There are some very good ones out there that were great examples of what can be done. (Thanks to all the teachers that shared their sites with us.) It was good to have some time to work on my own site as it is not something I have really used much. After seeing how other teachers use their sites I have tried to make mine more user friendly and get more of the children's learning onto it. It is something that I will be continuing to develop. 

DFI 5

 Dorothy shared the importance of teaching and learning being visible, to the learner, to the whanau and to the teachers. The Google Site app seemed to be the easiest, and a very versatile way, to do this.

We had a look at some sites shared by other teachers. These were great examples of what can be done.

Then it was our turn to put something together. Some of the group sped through very quickly - I was not one of those people and my site is still in progress. It will be really interesting to see how the class react when they get to work on it.

DFI 4

 Dealing with Data

Dorothy spoke to us about the importance of Share. An authentic audience being those who choose to view the learning that is being shared. Sharing is also a good way to finish a task - it gives the task an end point. It can also lead to a new cycle of learning.

Todays session focussed on Data. 

One way of gathering this is through Google Forms. This has many  uses, not only as a way of collecting learners ideas and information, but it can be used as a way of assessing learning.

My Maps is another resource that can be used in a variety of ways, in Maths, Writing and Topic areas. It can be used in conjunction with Forms.

Our last focus was on Sheets. This one has so many things that can it can be used for, it was a bit overwhelming. It will take a while to get my head around it.

All of these Google areas have so many ways of being incorporated into the class. The challenge for me will be to do that.  

DFI 3

 Welcome to my latest learnings. An online session, moving from Meets, to activities, and back.

The big learning for me in this session (and I am sure many people already knew this) was making a playlist on You Tube, so I don't have to hunt out those songs I use for skipping. I can see this being very handy. Not just for the music, but for putting all those videos I use in Topic work as well. I can vet the link and then access it easily to pass on to the children.

I focused on Google Slides as an option. This was about making them more interesting and engaging for children, when using them as a learning tool. I can see that while doing this takes quite a bit of time, there are many positives. Over time the resource will build up and can be reused with new classes - just like the old 'planning' on paper. It is much more accessible for the children and can be revisited (rewindable). Once it is there it is easy to update, as new resources become available, or when part of it may not be something that interests the learners. (I was going to include an example of one I prepared earlier, but that will have to be my next learning step.) 

There were some useful ideas around Media. This was ways of creating something that could show the thinking and learning. And it also gave ideas on how children could share their work.

DFI 2

 Started the day by looking at the Meet functions - how to get there, set one up, the etiquette around using Meet and being involved with one. It was a good refresh, after the home learning experiences last year during the great covid lockdown.

Joined a meet with Dorothy Burt. She covered the Learn Create Share pedagogy, with the emphasis on effective practice still being effective practice regardless of the tools and programmes. It was interesting to see the Learn part of the NZ Curriculum is still very relevant. (Someone obviously got it right.)

Had a look at Google Keep. Unsure how I would use this one. Then looked at Google Mail. Lots of little helpful parts that I didn't know much about. I operate at a basic 'get an email, answer it if I have to, leave it alone if it looks important, delete it if I don't understand what it is about,' kind of level. Might look at labelling as a way of tidying things up. 

Calendar looks like a good way to manage time. And it can be accessed from the phone too which is handy. The idea of being able to run more than one calendar appeals, as I have not used it for personal use, but it will be handy keeping track of work meetings and personal happenings.

Taming Tabs has never been a problem, usually having 4 or 5 open at the most at any one time. I might have a look at Toby and Workona to see if they have anything to offer.

Working with Meet, recording and using the recording in the blog.

DFI 1

 The first DFI session. It was interesting to learn this all began in 2006. 

I have been involved with 1:1 Chromebook use since 2016 with a Year 3-4 class in a team teaching role. After some initial reservations I found myself becoming very supportive when I saw the way the children became so much more involved in their learning.

During this session of the DFI, covering what is available through Chrome, it was interesting to find out there are still so many things I have to learn. It has given me some new ideas of things to cover with the class, in terms of organising their drive, and in sharing items with others.

There were some useful tips on how versatile Google Docs actually is, and how it can be made to look more interesting and user friendly. After some time to experiment, I started a HyperDoc that I can plan to use in class. Still a work in progress.