Session 8 DFI Learning and Reflection

What's on top? Feeling a lot better now that reports are 95% done and ready to go out. Teachers around the country put in a lot of effort this time of year in particular to ensure what we are saying about our student's achievement is accurate and honest. We also try our best to point students and their families in the right direction for "what's next". 

I liked the way today's session sums up the journey we've been on so far this term. We have developed a lot of skill and experience while using Google Suite applications, shortcuts, extensions, websites and other useful 'hacks'. 

We'll all be back next week to sit our Level One Google Educator exam, which is also another great way to capitalise on the new information and experiences we have gained. 

What is computational thinking? According to digital technologies hub, Australia, "Computational thinking describes the processes and approaches we draw on when thinking about how a computer can help us to solve complex problems and create systems". It is a combination the skill and characteristics we bring as humans to create solutions and solve our own problems when using computer or digital technology. 

These are a few connections I made today about computational thinking and my experience as an educator: 

#1: Today's session and a former team leader advised me "we teach our students how to develop the skills and attitude they'll need for the jobs and careers which are future proof - not just for now". It was also a timely reminder to think carefully about how we empower students both in their actual and digital worlds. 

#2: Diversity in roles is important! A lot of engaging discussion with my DFI peers today came from a site called "Moral Machine", where you have to decide between two options for an automated car. To think and imagine AI cannot be fully relied on to recognise the "humanity" behind decision making. Diversity becomes that much more important as AI still needs human input if forced to choose one life over another; who to save in life and death situations. It's a grim comparison, and there are probably more other light-hearted situations to conjure but this one sticks for me to think our society is made up of MANY people from different backgrounds. 

#3: It feels good to know NZ has an AI algorithm charter; transparency and accountability in the use of data. It means there are people who acknowledge the moral code we still need to follow while online. 

Sandpit Learning 

Scratch practise #1 - Pong: This was my second attempt at Scratch using the tutorial which I highly recommend for beginners. 

Scratch practise #2: This was my second attempt at Scratch. I added my own profile picture, created a looping food truck and football player. The football player was an accident but I liked how well the two sprites combined. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

MIT-22 Project: Effective Practise and Algebro's

Image
Image attribution Algebro's progress So Far ... Algebro’s is getting that much closer to being a final product. The focus has been on recording enough videos per Transum Algebra Level. Student’s are getting more confident in their explanations and conversations with each other when solving algebraic equations. They have surpassed Level 1 (e.g. 2x=10) and more likely to start at Level 2 (2x + 3 = 13). Possibly the greatest learning has been recognising letters as variables. Students seem to be more likely to identify and use more of what they know vs not knowing where to start (“I dunno”).  Applying integers has tripped us up a handful of times in our problem solving. We’ve been doing enough algebra practise combined with integers to make sense of what we’re doing. I feel like we need more time teaching and practising before making tutorials for this section.  I’ve shared Algebro’s with the teachers at my school. They seem to like what I’ve created so far and that I’ve include...
Read more

MIT-22: Project Wrap Up for Algebro's

Image
I started on my Manaiakalani Innovative Teacher's (MIT) project knowing that maths was a problem area for achievement in my school, especially with our Year 7&8 students. This was confirmed with our school midyear data from 2021 and 2022.  I knew I had to find a solution but there is so much to cover in just one curriculum area. My discussions and connections with school colleagues and this year's MIT-2022 crew, I investigated the following statement:   How might we improve student achievement in, and basic understanding of, algebra?   At this point in a student's education, I'm trying to consolidate and extend student knowledge before they head on to high school.  However, with so many students behind their expected level of achievement it becomes even more important to give ākonga the tools, strategies and learning experiences they're going to need to confidently:  1) Solve simple and complex mathematical problems, and    2) Participat...
Read more

Room 1 Leads Amazing Whole School Assembly

Image
Room 1 were lead by Ray and Sefo in hosting the Week 5 Whole School Assembly. They showed a bit of nerves but spoke clearly in all of their parts to lead the acts, karakia and waiata. Room 1's class item was sharing their "wins" from the 2022 Commonwealth Games. I found it particularly interesting learning about the South Pacific Islands. Room 1 presented their learning on colourful A3 posters about New Zealand, Niue, Samoa, Tonga and a few other places.  My class did an awesome job to prepare and present. Everyone showed great leadership, teamwork and played their part in contributing to the assembly. Foli and I'Ola were great directors in the lead up, while many others stepped up to present, write a script or refine what it was they wanted to share.  Ka rawe, Room 1! 
Read more