School Vision/Goals

As part of our call back day for Term 3, we worked in teams to gain further understanding of our current teaching practise and where we heading as a school. This was an opportunity to reflect about what we are currently doing and also to look forward to the future aspirations.

Best 12 Hours of PLD.... #edtechteam Google Summit 20/21 April 2017

Last week I had the privileged of attending the Google Summit hosted by Edtech in Auckland (Aorere College). 

My highlights from the conference

• establishing and maintaining professional relationships by connecting with educators from all over New Zealand. I was excited to meet Richard Wells, author of "A learner's paradise, How New Zealand is reimagining education". His key note message motivated me to think about how I am giving agency to my students. 
• So many practical tools to use in the classroom, A-Z of Googley Goodness from Kim Sutton's was amazing. 
• On going professional learning, especially around Computer Science. I am looking forward to showing leadership by sharing this new learning.
• Digit-Tastic Modelling books - WOW
• Learning more about the Admin console for GSuite
• Talking to other educators regarding becoming a Google Educator and gaining Level 1 and 2. 
• Discussing future focused plans with colleagues at local primary school. Finding ways to bridge the gap and develop collaboration between the local cluster of schools.
• Adding to Twitter
• 
  

Looking closer at assessment data

Today our professional development focused on using data from assessment and what we know about what makes students learn to think about how we can raise achievement. We learnt how to use the student over time report to compare scale scores to reflect on a students learning over a year. 

My key learning today has been about selecting the appropriate test for the student. This will help me receive more accurate information to make the decisions of 'where to next' for a student.

Gafesummit 2016

Here's what:
I attended a 2 day GAFE (Google Apps for Education) summit in Wellington in the holidays.

So What:

Professional learning development included:

• Practical skills to use Google Classroom
• Skills to teach and use coding using Google CS
• Genius hour
• Effective use of slides, forms
• Breakout Edu - challenging games
• Use of Cinematography/Digital Storytelling
• Using Google for administration in schools
• Google extensions - Bit Moji

What stuck with me was a clear message by the key note speakers that encouraged us as teachers to enable students to think of using technology for a message beyond an audience of one. And to think about how a video, blog, podcast by a student/s could impact their community and beyond. 

Now What:

I want to think about ways in which I can enable my student to use technology Responsibility and how they can have their "Voice" or story impact others.

I plan to use google docs, drive, forms, slides more effectively in the classroom.

One day Wananga

This Saturday I had fun at a one day Wananga, as part of my Level 2 Te Reo Māori paper. I have been able to advance my knowledge through this professional development.

In this activity we were divided into groups and each person had an opportunity to teach one sentence structure to the group. We were challenged to korero Māori throughout our explanation. At first I was nervous but soon I was able to grow in confidence and enjoyed the experience.

Making booklets for our Haerenga - Holiday plans

Developing an effective Writing Program

On Friday 14 August I attended a Professional Learning Development day with Sheena Cameron held at Urenui Community Centre.

Sheena led us through an engaging, interactive and fun day.

    

We learnt about three lesson types.

Some key points that were important to me:


Modelling to students is important. Enforce points like "clever writers cross out and find a better word"

Adding detail symbols can be used to to make criteria of writing clear for students - have a checklist that lets the students know what you expect.

Keep criteria Visual, Memorable and Measurable.

Keep the criteria the same - change the motivation.

I liked the idea of setting partners for think-pair-discussion times.

Modelling how to use a planning sheet is important

Coding and more...

This week I attended at PLD event hosted by Noel Leeming. I had heard about Osmo before on Twitter, but it was exciting to get to have a play at the event.

The highlight of the event was learning about coding using Ozobot. Users take control of the Ozobot's movement by using colour codes. This is the starting point for teaching the basics of coding.

Osmo is a interactive system that allows you to work alongside an iPad.

Google Cardboard is a great way to view 3D videos.

3D printing