Reflection and Steps Forward

Reflection and Steps Forward

Today is my final day of professional development with the Manaiakalani facilitators.

It's a day full of expectations and goals to succeed.  I know that this level one exam will be intense (three hours) and it was!  I believe I did the preparation and revision but unfortunately I did not complete this exam.  Time management was my foe!

My personal thoughts on the exam content

I was told that time management is essential I still spent too much time on the eleven scenarios.  There was a lot of scenarios under 'Google Classroom' this was not covered in the Manaiakalani programme.  At school and in my role I do not use Google Classroom.  I did find it difficult flicking from tab to tab reading the instructions, for me personally this wasted time.

I did learn so many skills, knowledge and terminology.  When I commenced this professional development I didn't even know what a 'widget' or gadget was.

I was in a unique position to do this professional development in an on-line meet with teachers from many regions in New Zealand.  The ability to listen and learn with quality presenters was amazing!

Ubiquitous

Presenter: Dorothy Burt

The goal for Manaiakalani programme is rewindable learning.

Effective teachers cause learning and this was evident with students who participated in the 'Summer Learning Journal' and blogged throughout their summer break.  It is important to know that these young bloggers receive feedback through comments from the facilitators.  Data is collected and analysed. 

The evidence for the power of Ubiquitous learning is most clearly displayed in the Summer Learning Journey reports.

Young people learning over the Summer holidays with no teacher present.

Their Term 1 progress / achievement is carefully matched with a non-blogger - and the infographic displays the clear difference between the groups.

Overall I am proud of my participation and learning throughout this professional development.  I have made huge steps with my digital learning and I will keep on practising and refining my knowledge and skills.

Computational Thinking

Empowered: Pedagogy & Kaupapa

Presenter: Dorothy Burt

It's NOT just a tool!

Digital learning needs to transform the way we learn, it needs to offer new experiences and empower learners, teachers and whanau.

Dorothy talked about the challenges for low income families and the statistics gathered about low decile learners.  

Below are some sobering statistics:

• The mean academic level of new entrant students is they come in at a level of a three year old.
• These young learners have 32 million less spoken words than a decile 10 school.  (It doesn't matter whether they speak Maori, Tongan, Hindu, Spanish)
• 1/3 of the children change school every year.
• 50% of students change schools where there are new government housing developments.

The Future of Technology & What it Means to Our Tamariki

Presenter: Gerald Vermeulen

Gerald focused on looking into the future.  

According to Bill Gates these are the 10 breakthrough  technologies.  These technologies were amazing, the skill and expertise with developing and programming.  Manaiakalani programme enables our young learners to develop skills and their own digital kete so they are not just participants but they have many opportunities to be creative and reflective programmers, users and confident cybersafe citizens.  Who knows what our students will become... its exciting!

10 BREAKTHROUGH TECHNOLOGIES
… according to Bill Gates

The New Digital Technologies Curriculum 2020

Presenter: Kerry Boyd Preece

Kerry talked about the new digital technologies curriculum, discussing the  new technologies in this curriculum and clarifying key points.  I definitely need to reread this presentation and familiarize myself with using the digital language.

Explore: Coding

Computational thinking and the Digital Technology Curriculum 

Presenter: Gerhard Vermeulen

Gerald's presentation gave me the opportunity to explore different coding games and attempt to some very simple coding.
Minecraft Coding Game
Breaking into small Google Meets was an excellent opportunity to practise basic coding.  I chose the Minecraft coding game which you can view on the link above.  I found this very easy to use.  There was no problems loading the game or using the coding tools and you get instant gratification.  For a first time user I was very chuffed with myself.

Now the 'Mihi Maker' coding game was not a great experience.  Initially I was so excited about the prospect of embedding this coding game in my blog but unfortunately I ended up feeling tired and exhausted.

Coding was at times very frustrating especially the coding game 'Mihi Maker' at times it froze then my computer got stuck with uploading a photo of myself that was too large.  On saying that according to the specifications on this game the photo was within the specifications.  Then I had difficulty publishing and embedding my animated mihi.  But unfortunately I still have a lot to learn as my mihi is not animated.  In fact you can't see view any of my mihi!

I am now in the final days of my professional development with the Manaiakalani facilitators, and it's time to revise and practise all the skills I have learnt.  My learning goal this week will be to do lots of deep dives and rewindable learning so I become more proficient and confident with Google sheets, and screencastify.

  

Devices

Devices

The focus for this Manaiakalani professional development meet was devices.  Identifying the devices used and orienting my way around these devices. Throughout this professional development learning activities and presentations the Manaiakalani facilitators modelled and talked about 'kawa of care' the kaupapa of Manaiakalani - 'Learn, Create, Share.'

Being Cybersmart

Presenter: Fiona Grant

Fiona talked about empowering our learners so they can be connected and confident decisions makers.  The focus for all educations is to model positive language and encourage and expect our learners to use positive language in their digital communication.  Fiona stated that Google is focusing and modelling through their sites and presentation on how to have a positive digital footprint.

The Manaiakalani team have structure the cybersmart curriculum programme into three categories.  This programme is repeated every year.

Term 1: Smart Learners (Our LEARN term)

Term 2: Smart Footprint (Our CREATE term)

Term 3: Smart Relationships (Our SHARE term)

I have a link to Fiona's presentation which I would highly recommend as essential viewing for all educators.

Hapara      

Presentator: Dorothy Burt

Hapara was created by an amazingly clever Polish man Jan Zawadzki, he designed this programme specifically for the Manaiakalani programme.  The Hapara programme enables teachers to teach and monitor their students.  Teachers can monitor all students' learning, their blogs and how many people have blogged, cybersmart security notifying the teacher and leadership of students that are in sites not recommended or have attempted to go into unauthorized sites.

Here are some of the advantages of using this programme -

• Visible learning - access, manage and view learnerswork
• Create differential learning
• Keep learners safe online and focused
• Make data driven decisions

Chromebook and i-pad simulator 

Presenter: Gerald Vermeulen

With this presentation I had the opportunity to familiarize myself with using an ipad and chromebook.   Using the online simulators was an interesting and at times frustrating because the simulator was small and tricky to label the icons and keys.  I can definitely visual how a teacher could use it within a classroom, casting the screen and showing the students the keys and icons.

Here is a screenshot of taking a digital photo and using the digital drawing tools to draw an ipad.

Here is a link to Gerald's Manaiakalani ipad presentation, this also explains how junior teachers use the éxplain everything' digital programme.  This programme is interactive, screencasting whiteboard enabling both teacher and learner to create and share learning. There are also some examples of teachers designing learning for junior students.

Screencastify

Presenter: Maria Krausse

I was really excited to learn about screencastify as I can see so learning and sharing possibilities both for educators and within my role 'Learning Support Coordinator.'  

Here are the links to install screencastify and a guide on how to use screencastify.
I can see using this for shared stories, lessons, instructions and guides for educations, students and whanau.  the beautify of this programme is you can record, edit and share all your videos.  It is important that the basic screencastify only allows five minute videos - but on the positive it is a free download.  For a price you can get the screencastify extension that you have to pay but it has unlimited video recordings.  This programme makes the learning VISIBLE and REWINDABLE.

This is my first attempt using Screencastify to review a Manaiakalani resource titled 'Smart Teacher' and embedding the recording.

This is another way I presented my screencastify using the Google slides.

Blogging Tips

Presenter: Kerry Boyde-Preece

Kerry demonstrated how to go into the comment settings and how to be cybersmart with quality blog comments.  I must admit this presentation was very fast and I will need to revisit Kerry's presentation in order to use the tips and gain a greater understanding.

This is the link to blogging tips.

Phew another empowering and very interesting online professional development Google meet with the Manaiakalani facilitators.

Connecting with Manaiakalani

Connected

Pedagogy

Presenter: Dorothy Burt

Being connected digitally is very powerful for our learners, from the individual to the whole whole.  Back in 2016 the Manaiakalani schools were formed, the digital technology enables these schools to stay connected. There are currently 24,000 learners that are connected through the Manaiakalani digital programme.

Connecting with Manaiakalani

The Manaiakalani programme has designed multiple opportunities for teachers, learners and whanau to connect.   Manaiakalani has a site for teachers to access professional learners.

For example:  Tui Mai Tuhi Atu - Write to me, write to others    

Evaluating Sites

Presenter: Maria Krausse

This was a great opportunity to view and evaluate colleagues class sites.

Below is some bullet points that I evaluated as a professional engaging site...

• Clarity/clear layout
• Teacher profile had real faces
• Professional graphics
• Use of slides for the juniors
• Easy to access the learning - just a click on the personalised button
• Colour and exciting - a hook for the learners
• Use of familiar icons
• Use of different tools for the learners to access
• Insert of personalised learning so the students could rewind
• Photos

Setting up Your Class Site

Presenter: Gerald Vermeule

Lead Learning Using Google Sites

Class sites are an opportunity to provide rewindable learning.  This is such a valuable and reusable digital tool.  Learners do not have to rely on their memories to learn a concept or strategies.  It's only a click away - a link or a video tutorial.

Gerald made an important statement...

Know your audience!

It's no use creating a website if you are not sure of the purpose or your audience and their skills and capabilities.
Gerald outlined three options for students to access their learning...

1. Google Slides are great for juniors
2. Putting content straight onto the site with links and buttons
3. Using Hapara for secondary context

In this changing society digital learning has been amplified.  Connecting through Google meets and hangouts is essential for the wellbeing of our students, teachers and whanau.

Tips Side Bar/Blog List

Presenter: Kerry Boyd-Preece

Kerry talked about the importance of having adding a gadget list for links to blogs and websites.  I will definitely need to revisit and do a deep dive with this presentation.

My Learning Support Coordinator Website

Collaborative Teaching and Learning

What is visible teaching and learning?

Presentor: Dorothy Burt

The definition for visible áccording to the Oxford dictionary, 'that can be seen.

The Manaiakalani programme's pedagogy and kaupapa is teaching and learning is visible.  There are no barriers for learners, setting everyone up for success!  This means teachers and colleagues need to ensure their practice is visible  - planning, learning outcomes, feedback and feedward for their students, whanau and colleagues.

It is important the learning journey is completely visible!

Dorothy emphasised the use of digital technology so young people can learn how to be successful and practise this lifelong skill.

Google web sites are a fantastic online tool for young people and colleagues to access learning.

Google web sites  are...

• mobile                                                    
• visible
• accessible
• connected
• rewindable learning
• authentic 

Learn Create Share  according to McNaughton, Jesson, Wilson 2018

Kerry Boyde-Preece did a deep dive on Multi Modal - an inclusive approach to teaching in a digital environment. The key concepts of this presentation was:

• engagement
• personalised learning
• acceleration
• empowering

You need ....

• a great bag of tricks!

• limit the links

• back it up with sound pedagogy

• get your learners on task - behaviour & cognitively

• access authentic texts and modes

Your class site is an excellent opportunity to present multi modal learning and multi textual.
I enjoyed the opportunity to view a range of Google web sites that teachers had created.  I certainly saw sites that were creative with their presentations both visually and with a range of authentic learning tasks.  
My next learning opportunity was to make two Google web sites.  With the outstanding support from Hannah West she expertly supported me to make a site.  Once again we were in small collaborative meet groups to brainstorm our topic.  We stayed in these groups whilst we made our sites.  

I will be practising and editing my site, especially the positioning of information so it looks professional and eye-catching.  This will be my focus this week!

Mars Mission

I have also been practising my website skills in my role as Learning Support Coordinator.
Blog Etiquette & Tips

I have also learnt that there is 'Blog Etiquette,' I had no idea!  If someone comments on my blog I need to reply.  I also learnt you need to push the publish button after you have replied!

I will also be deep diving into Blog Tips this week!

A fantastic day of digital learning!

Credit to all the Manaiakalani facilitators.

On-LIne Manaiakalani Professional Development

Share Tohatoha

Welcome

Today was an exciting day, I was learning online under the guidance of the Manaiakalani presenters.  I was feeling a bit apprehensive ... What if I can't join the meet or follow the instructions.  These are all thoughts and feelings that our students would be experiencing.  It was great to be connected through Google Meet, to visually see everyone, share our learning and instantly receive feedback!

Pedagogy 

Sharing has completing changed over the centuries from talking on a one to one basis, writing letters to family and friends and waiting eagerly for the arrival of the post. To the introduction in 2005 of Facebook, Bebo, You Tube, Twitter.  This transformed sharing to a much wider audience - THE WORLD IS OUR PLATFORM!

Manaiakalani focus' was to raise the achievement outcomes of young people specifically those who were disadvantaged e.g. isolation, poverty.

Sharing must have a purpose and needs an authentic audience!  Dorothy Burt stated, 'who choose to listen to you.''

It was very interesting to hear Maniakalani's story ... why they selected Blogger?

• Blogger is the main online space for young people to share.
• It resembles spaces our people want to be on.
• Able to provide this legally, systematically and securely.
• No sign in required for G-suite users.
• Largest audience reach via Google.
• Multi-purposed.
• Can be used by learners and teachers.
• Guaranteed three check.
• Kids (under 18 years in NZ) can't sign up to Google Products.  The Board of Trustees owns the kids blogs.

My Professional Learning - Forms - Presenter Gerhard Vermeulen

I didn't even know that Google Forms existed, but within my role as Learning Support Coordinator I can definitely see myself using this digital tool.  I will be practising using forms especially with teachers across my cluster.  Another area I will be utilising this tool will be to collect data from families and the wider community.

Google MyMaps 

This presentation given by Gerhard Vermeulen was really interesting!  The ability for students to map out routes for school and family trips, mapping out distances and routes that the Maori took from Hawaiki to Aotearoa, measuring the distance of local parks and sports fields, mapping and identifying cities, countries of the Olympic Games.  The learning opportunities are immense and very exciting.  

But unfortunately I had a couple of hiccups, initially I had navigated to a view of the world in globe form, then I could locate my tools bar to insert pins images etc.  My learning goal for this week is to create a personalized map of distances between my clusters and also to create one with local landmarks of historical interest in the Tairawhiti region.

Google Sheets

Indepth presentation showing how to use Google sheets.I have had some experience using Google sheets within my role as Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENCO).  I am familiar with some of the tools.  The most useful tools I have learnt today is using autofill, find the sum and averages and creating interesting graphs.

Each time I embed a graph or image I learn something new and I can more confidence and develop my skill level.  
Another valuable and timesaving skill I learnt today was how to freeze the headings.  This has been really frustrating in my role as SENCO and will be used with the online registers in my new role as Learning Support Coordinator that are scheduled to come online sometime this year in New Zealand.

Blogger Tips-Labels 

Presenter Kerry Boyde-Preece

Thank Goodness for rewindable learning as I was nearly 'brain dead' by this stage.  I will have to go into a deep dive and rewind my learning for this presentation.  I have some labels but I definitely need to learn and add relevant labels to my blog.

Overall this day was all about sharing knowledge and learning using the digital medium Google Meet.  It was authentic and a valuable learning experience!

Vicki Swider

It's all about the media and creating!

Google Hangout

Another day of intensive learning.  My first Google Hangout for the day was with presenter Anne Sinclair.  She discussed 'empowering children through create'.

One of the foundation goals of the Manaiakalani programme is to motivate our learners to engage with the curriculum,' it is a driver for engagement.

Our society is currently experiencing a lot of change - with the onset and pace of the Coronavirus disease.  Using Google hangout will enable us to communicate safely and effectively face to face through this online digital tool.  In my role as Learning Support Coordinator this enable me to communicate with whanau, and teachers.

Create - What is Create?  Create is a 'doing word'

Empowering through...

• Choice

• Developing skills

• Building capacity

• Scaffolding

The are ideas and activities that are novel, creative - 'playfully creative.'  All these experiences are highly metacognitive activities.

Live Streaming 

Presenter: Kent Somerville

Phew!  Kent presented how to live stream using U-Tube.  He talked about the three sides to U-Tube - consumer, create live stream and create a studio.

I will be doing a deep dive and rewinding my learning with live streaming.

Kent showed me how to create a playlist from U-tube.  This would be very valuable to have learning clips saved for quick access... e.g. mathematical concepts and strategies.  Within my role I could be sharing autism behaviours and strategies with colleagues.  

Google Drawing

Presenter: Aimee Williams

Google drawing can be use to develop students and teachers creativity with animations, drawings, mindmaps, formating and developing schoolwide reporting... the list was endless.  This digital tool can be used in all areas of role.  This would be a great tool to show a flow chart of my role and links with agencies, teachers, students and whanau.

Google Slides

Presenter: Maria Krausse

This presentation highlighted that Google slide was not just for the use of presentations.  Slides can be used to create learning experiences through animation.  Creating my own animation was at first daunting but by taking a risk I found it was a fun and rewarding learning experience.