Fortunately, a colleague of mine has also joined DFI
this term and we are quietly hidden away in a classroom used for teachers, both
of us eagerly working on our scavenger hunt and adjusting to the new online DFI
course this year. I have seen over 60 learners connect to this session and it
has shown me how valuable Google meet can be. Breaking down barriers geography
barriers!! Reviewing Google tools such as google drive and google document has
been a great reminder about how these tools can be used more effectively.
As I
am re-learning, I am also reflecting on how I use these tools on a daily basis and whether
I am fully utilising the suite of options available to me. Starting a new
year with a new class, I am also reminded about how I can better introduce these
tools to my students who have not had any experience with google or chrome books.
Setting good habits at the beginning of a students journey saves so much time in
the long run.
Last year, I had a class full of learners who were confident in
using google however I did have to spend time re-teaching and therefore removing
bad habits. Therefore my goal this year, is to take the time to teach learners
good habits and to revisit this learning throughout the term.
As a professional, I had an opportunity to visit a class at another school to
observe how the teacher integrated online learning in their class. This was a
valuable experience for my understanding of online learning and it also gave me
a benchmark to work towards. I would suggest to anyone looking at developing,
improving their confidence to physical visit(if possible) or partner with a
mentor who has established Manaiakalani pedagogy successfully in their class
room practice. Thank you for all the facilitators and look forward to the
upcoming sessions.
Nga mihinui
Here is a sample of my learning and creating
today.
