Session 2 DFI Reflection and Learning
Block One
We revisited Google Meet etiquette as a cohort. It would be a timely reminder to go through these with my class as there was definitely some behaviours which could have been done better. It might be a good idea to even practise having a Google Meet at school, like we did this morning.
Dorothy shared about the Learn | Ako in Connecting with Manaiakalani via Google Meet; she tuned in from Christchurch. I gained understanding of RATE and how this applies when we try to make links in our teaching by ensuring we provide effective teaching practise and the best use of digital technology.
R = Recognise
- What does learning look like in our school?
A = Amplify
- How do we harness technologies and learning opportunities to enable empowered learners?
T = Turbocharge
- Transforming the way we learn; modification and redefining
E = Effective Practise
- SOLO inquiry, maths pedagogy, values, PB4L, PBL, enabling student agency
We discussed what RATE means in the context of our own schools and questioned "What does learning look like in our school?". Starting this year as an experienced teacher but newbie to Manaiakalani, my focus was ensuring I created a classroom culture for learning. It's still a work in progress but making lots of positive jumps. The digital aspect allows my class to be online as needed and to keep making smart decisions about how they use their devices online.
Great to hear Google Keep being discussed. I think it is one of the most under-utilised Google tools. I find it useful as a 'scribble pad', especially for those moments when you desperately need a pen and paper. As much as I enjoy using Keep, something I've recently wondered is how much am I relying on an app rather than using my own ability to remember things.
Toby Mini: this Google extension is an epic lifesaver if you are someone who is prone to having several tabs regularly opened (i.e. student blogs).
Block Four
Google Meeting practise with James. Make sure you have done all necessary prep well in advance of any Google Meeting, especially if you are the one leading. In the video below, I practised how record a Google Meeting and spoke on a previous Manaiakalani mailout. I also reminded myself how to embed the video below. Practise makes perfect!
A good point of discussion raised by Fiona and Jeremy is reminding our students to include a task description with their own blog posts. This leads to the teaching point of the quality and content of their posts. For example, students being able to ask and identify what the purpose of their LEARNING was - not solely what the post is about, avoiding phrases like "This post is about ...".
Fiona: "Are you ready to share?". I like this phrase because it leads to one of my recent learnings from previous professional development which asks:
WHAT are we learning?
WHY are we learning this?
HOW do we know we have learned this?
Today's Takeaways
* Have a look at the Google Exam Prep tasks from today's presentation
* Find the remaining Calendar shortcuts

Thanks for this comprehensive reflection on the day Jono. I am so pleased you are finding aspects of the DFI support your own growth and practice. You mention those calendar shortcuts- we have a poster of those on the slide deck from week1 attached to the Create activity. One of the participants made the poste in docs during our create session.
ReplyDeleteKia ora Jono!
ReplyDeleteMaria from DFI here. I totally agree with this comment "What does learning look like in our school?". I had the similar thought especially with is it clear? Is it obvious? Are we walking our talk?
I also agreed with prepping before the Google Meet!
Kia ora, Maria
DeleteThank you for your comments. I used to prepare well in advance of online meetings but would still have that nagging feeling of missing something.
I would love to comment on your DFI learning, could you please advise or share your blog link?
Regards
Jono
Kia ora Jono! What an epic post, thanks for sharing! I love your breakdown and reflection for the day, especially your reflection on your own class and Google Meet practices. Love your work, keep it up!
ReplyDeleteKia ora, Matt
DeleteThanks for your comments and continued support with ICS. My class and I have really enjoyed all of the new learning you've shown us this year.
Regards
Jono
It's great to see you learning together with James. I like the way you also share about your class and what you have been doing with them. It's a great way to see learning in action. Like everything if you are leading any discussion, workshop etc there is a lot of planning that happens before hand to ensure you don't leave people waiting and waiting. Thanks for sharing Jono.
ReplyDeleteFakaalofa atu, Allison
DeleteThank you for commenting on my blog. I'm enjoying being part of the DFI programme. I'm learning a lot and have really enjoyed making connections with other schools.
Regards
Jono