DFI Session 7

Big Idea/ Talking Point-  Is digital learning more than a tool? The pros and cons of digital learning and its delivery within the Manaiakalani cluster can be debatable. 

From one perspective digital learning is considered only a tool.  Like all tools it is taken out of the  education tool kit only when it is needed.  Arguably, learning is only as good as the teacher that is delivering the digital curriculum.  

On the other hand... Whanau are investing a lot of money in digital learning.  The term empowerment is used to tap into the learn, create, share cycle often associated with student agency.   We must take advantage of the learning opportunities and capabilities technology offer.  In an evolving world of technology and digital platforms learners of today must be digitally fluent.  In essence we cannot afford to think lowly of tech devices instead we have to maximise its usage to empower our learners, especially in an ever digitally demanding word.    

DFI Session 6

Class Sites 

Key notes taken away 

• Class sites should be engaging and geared towards my intended learners
• Content should be 3 clicks or less away

Class sites ideally should have evidence of the following - 

• Visible Teaching and learning

• Rewindable learning

• Multimodal content

• Multitext content ie a variety of texts supporting the 'main' text

• Ubiquitous access to learning - could the child learn by self from eg the Starship Hospital?Connected (Blog links, school site)

• Opportunities for learners to be creative

• Are learners empowered (have agency) over data eg tracking sheets etc

• Effective teaching practice eg NZC, learning progressions, NZQA etc

DFI session 5 Collaboration with Sites

Visible Learning

• To inform others 
• Sharing teaching and learning and making it visible

Class Sites - In lesson 5, my partner and I created a multi-modal site for our learners.

https://sites.google.com/glentaylor.school.nz/sciencesitestatesofmatters/home

 No. 1 rule "have sites  that are 3 clicks away from any learning"

DFI Session 4

Data Collection 

• Excellent way to create a survey in minutes 
• Can work well to get student voice 
• Can be done often and for regularly

Google Maps 

• Interactive Tool 
• Can be used to collect data 

Spread Sheets 

• Data collection
• Multiple ways to graph data 

DFI Session 3 Media

Media 

Streaming video and recordings is an excellent way to share and rewind learning content. In addition, drones can further enhance visual effect and teaching.

Youtube content can be a good source of media and  information.  In contrast, it is recommended to use Google Drive when uploading media.  benefits include legal protections and safe accessible sharing.   

Google drawing is an excellent creating tool. It can be  used to create and share an endless array of art work . Here we have a rose that was done in   approximately 1.5 hours on Google Drawing.    

Creating using Google Drawing

DFI Session 2 Google Keeps

DFI Session 2: Note Taking Made Simple 

What is Google Keeps?  Keeps essentially is a platform for note taking.  Contents can include texts, images and Audio.

Benefits:  The real advantage of 'Google Keeps' is having a central location to store notes, ideas and information that could be used later on.  The purpose behind it is to have an inter-grated platform where information can be stored and can be accessed with ease. 

Moving forward: Much like new apps and tools it important to explore, use and regularly experiment with the platform.  I hope to centralise note taking and make retrieving notes more easier.