Posts

And we are back to school!

Back to school for term 3 2020. At least teaching and learning for this term is all in one place @school! Term 2 was busy, transitioning from @home to @school learning and coming to grips with the responsibilities of my new role as Deputy Principal. Term 3 finished with reports for all students - not something that would normally happen, but following COVID 19 it was deemed important to feedback to all parents. The reports were succinct - all tick boxes including traffic lights for achievement and progress. While some parents did ask for written feedback the tick box system was quite sufficient. For students who received 'need to improve' attitude ticks and red lights for their progress, it was fairly obvious that those students have work to do! It was great to finally wake up on Saturday 4th July knowing that it was okay to sleep in for the next two weeks! However, the holidays are well gone and it is back to teaching and learning and for Westland High School a renewed...
Post a Comment
Read more
Image
Dfi # 9 - this is it! Today I had a go at the Google 1 exam. It was okay but I didn't keep my eye on the time and so I ran out of time and couldn't go back to check any of my answers, and I also did not complete all of the questions. Consequently, I need to re-sit the test in a couple of weeks time. I was close but not close enough. Anyway if you are about to sit the exam, then you might like some tips: Preparation: go through all of the lessons in the fundamental training section in the teacher google centre - this is very helpful. As I was working through the lessons I had a second screen open so that I could put into to practice what I was reading about, - as the saying goes 'practice makes perfect' (well it tries to!) IN THE TEST: time yourself - this is very important. It was recommended to spend no more than 3 minutes per multiple choice question trust yourself on the multiple choice questions as you are probably not going to have time to go back and rev...
1 comment
Read more

Day # 8 Devices

Image
Today's topic is 'devices'. This was an interesting topic to focus on after 7 / 8 weeks of using devices and exploring what they can do for us as secondary and primary level educators in Aotearoa New Zealand. It was an opportunity to see how ipads are used in the primary sector and to upskill on using Chromebooks. Anyway, this week's blog is going to be rather short as I try to prepare for the Google Level 1 Certification assessment. I have deliberately called it an assessment as examination makes me feel anxious. As part of my revision, I have been working through the google teacher fundamental training units. These not only provide revision of what has been covered in Dfi they also dig a little deeper. I have found myself with two screens open - one with the information and the other putting the newly gained knowledge into practice. This blog is about to end because I just don't have time to be thinking and writing. One take home from #8 had to be substituting...
1 comment
Read more

Media day #7 at Dfi

Day # 7 Media - this was lots of fun and numerous ideas to use now! Today began with a clear focus on connected learning. One of the issues I am facing within my school is " we want to use google classrooms ". At a recent conference with teachers from all over New Zealand - the use of google classrooms came up again. Some maintained that the only difference between google classrooms and hapara is hapara highlights. I have never used google classrooms and was not able to respond. However, Dorothy's presentation this morning re-affirmed that the Learn Create and Share pedagogy is principled on visibility and connectedness. It is argued that google classrooms does not provide this. However, it is clear that I need to do some more research on google classrooms if I am to effectively explain the advantage of hapara. I use hapara for all of the functions it provides and I have just started using workspace which I have described as maybe the 'best thing since sliced bread...
1 comment
Read more

Week 6 DFI dealing with data

Image
Session #6 Dfi. Dealing with data, and much more . Today was a very busy session and there were times when I thought that I might not have enough take-home knowledge. For me it is important that I take something home from these sessions,' this is part of the empowerment that I need if these sessions are to have professional gain for me. Dorothy SHARED the journey for some of the students in her area which reminded me that it is not just about empowering students; this journey is also about empowering fellow teachers. That principals in this region have allowed teachers to attend these sessions during the week is commendable, and shows a realisation that 'digital' is real in the present educational environment. However, as attendees, our commitment goes beyond attendance and participation in these sessions for the 9-week duration. As I have previously shared, I have been holding wine and chocolate sessions at my school. At these sessions I have been able to share some of ...
2 comments
Read more

The new strands in the Digital Technology curriculum

Today's sessions, #5 Dfi (digital fluency intensive) was once again informative, thought-provoking and full of learning opportunities. Zoe and Vivienne of OMGTech! were like a breath of fresh air - they are energetic presenters, know their 'stuff' and kept us alert and involved for the duration of their presentation. I finally know what SCRATCH is and I even managed to build a really simple program game. It is not flash but this whole process is about learning and if I can learn something to take and away and build on then this course is meetings its objectives. Here is my cat and butterfly game and yes I know that it needs development but I have made a start. So , what else did I learn today? My education portfolio also includes being a member of the HETTANZ subject association and one of my foci in that role is professional learning for members. Viv and Zoe today, demonstrated that they are an untapped resource for HETTANZ and as an executive member of the associa...
3 comments
Read more