DFI Day 9 - Hamilton F2F Cohort

Today is the day we sat our Google Level 1 Exam!  Crikey!!

I have loved having the opportunity for this PLD, I have learnt many things about the Google world and the awesomeness that is Manaiakalani.  The Manaiakalani initiative is so great, helping so many tamariki and proving itself with it's many years going and positive track record.  Thank you to all the Manaiakalani staff and Manaiakalani Education Trust for making this possible for me and so many.

Our kura is a little different as we had all staff on the DFI.  I am the office manager, so support staff, and not in front of the tamariki teaching. I have been at this kura for over 17 years so know the ins and outs of the kura and like to know what the kaiako are are up to with their learning and teaching.  So being able to take part too has been invaluable.  Even though I am not using all these great tools for teaching I can see how I can use them in my mahi to make things easier and also how the kaiako can use them in their akomanga.  It has been great being able to join this journey with them and learn along side them.

The feedback survey for MET asked about what highlights we have learnt that may have impacted upon us, for me this was organising My Drive.  It may seem simple but cleaning up my drive and relating to it (and use folders) as I would on my computer C drive has been great.  Before this I did not relate to it at all like that but now that I see it works like that my drive is a lot tidier and a lot easier to navigate and find what I need.  Tip - when making a new doc/sheet/slide etc open it through the folder you want it saved to straight away, that way it's done, you aren't having to move it later and you know where it is.

The DFI sessions and help that we have been given through has been wonderful.  The facilitators that we have meet along the way have all been awesome and very helpful.  Thank you for the mahi you do!  Big shout out to Dave - he has been a real benefit to us all here, spending time at the kura and helping out lots!!  Ngā mihi nui!

Whoop whoop!!

DFI Day 8 - Hamilton F2F Cohort

Computational Thinking
Today was our last DFI, Computational Thinking, before our exam tomorrow.  We looked at Empowerment today, had a look at the new Digital Technologies Curriculum and the future of technologies.  We looked into Coding and trying out different sites for this.  I used Scratch to create something for the first time.  It is going to take a lot of playing and getting used to but I'm happy with my first creation.  

DFI Day 7 - Hamilton F2F Cohort

What did I learn that increased my understanding of Manaiakalani kaupapa and pedagogy?

Being Cybersmart isn't only for the kids, but for the kaiako, parents/whānau too. The Cybersmart Challenges that that Matt has created look like a fun way to learn all about it.

What did I learn that could improve my confidence, capability or workflow as a professional?

Being able to have a look and work on both the Chromebook and iPapa was worth while.  Not only to see what the tamariki have to use every day, but to get an understanding myself of shortcuts, especially for the chromebook, to help when they are having some trouble.

What did I learn that could be used with my learners? 

We had a go at using Show Me on the iPapa, and I also had a try and Explain Everything.

What did I learn that could improve my confidence, capability or workflow in my personal life?

The more I use these tools I am learning about through the DFIs the more confident I become.  

Below are the examples of my Show Me and Explain Everything creations.

Show me:

Explain Everything: