DFI - Day 2

Kia Ora,

Today was Day 2 of DFI. We focussed on Workflow and Google Meet.

Akohia/Learn:

We began with a shared reflection. I shared that I have improved the look and usability of my ability group reading and math slides, as a result of using the 'remove.bg' extension application.

I have found 'remove.bg' to be a useful application because I have been able to improve the look and usability of the slides for my pupils and the professional appearance of the slides as well. 

Next, we had online Google Meet with Dorothy. Dorothy spoke about how the Learn, Create, Share model should be understood as an inclusive and simple idea that provides for a 'seamless learning experience in the digital age' for all students, and helps teachers create an effective teaching practice in their classrooms. Her talk focussed on the 'Learn' part of the model, which is designed to both amplify teacher practice and turbocharge student learning.

For me, the great thing about this model is that it can be adapted for individual schools and teachers, and I have begun to put into practice what this 'seamless learning experience' looks like in my classroom, Room 4.

For example, my students have engaged in 'Learn' through Ako Ano. Ako Ano is any important deliberate act of teaching that is made into visual and rewindable learning for students. In Room 4, my students have visual and rewindable learning in maths and reading that they can look back at for support.

We also 'Explored' by participating in another Meet and we took turns sharing a meaningful place and song with our group members.

Finally, we explored Google Keep and Gmail as an application. For me, I'm comfortable using the note function on my MacBook Air school laptop instead, and I've used Gmail confidently over the last few years.

Hanga/Create:

This part of the day was for us to 'Create' and make meaning of the day's content with Google Meet. Our task was to use Meet to connect with a DFI colleague. The colleague that I connected with was Anita from Waikowhai Primary School in Roskill South.

We discussed a blog posted by a student called Duncan who had constructed a table to store his motocross gear, which he completed during the March 2020 lockdown.

It was fun to create and host a Meet, and I enjoyed embracing the experience.

Tohatoha/Share:

Lastly, we 'Shared' our learning. We focussed on embedding and rewinding the content we had created through our blogs, which can be seen above for my future reference, if needed.

Finally, in reflecting upon this blog, I have answered a couple of questions.

What have I learned that has helped increase my understanding of the Manaiakalani kaupapa and pedagogy?

I have learned how to create and host a Google Meet, and have the confidence to use this in my professional life and in my classroom.

What have I learned that can be used with my learners?

I definitely think with effective teaching I can instruct and facilitate my students to create their own Meets. For this to be successful in Room 4, I need to consider that my students are Year 3 juniors who only use iPads, while the Meet function is best utilised using Chromebooks.

Mā te wā.