U-Learn13 - Inspiration from the crowds

The U-Learn Experience

 

Inspiration, wonder and excitement are three words that spring to mind when I think about my U-learn experience.

Over 3 days I met over 200 people, attended 6 workshops and shared the exciting digital projects with Cook Island’s education in Hamilton, New Zealand.

I have returned to Rarotonga feeling encouraged at just how far we have all come here with not only integrating ICT into the classroom but also empowering students to engage with technology to support and transform their learning. I also feel excited at the promise of where we are heading.

The milestones will continue to be reached so long as we remain focused on the vision of Cook Island’s Education as well as strategically planning for its inclusion in our own schools. This is particularly important when we consider the roles, uses and integration of ICT technologies, practices and pedagogies.

One of my interests at U-learn was leading change in schools.

The workshops I attended shared similar messages about making ICT integration a success.

-          Plan strategically

We plan for uipaanga, church functions, sports tournaments, weddings and trips away. We do this to make our project a success. It is no different with the use and integration of ICT in your school. There are many great places and people who can help you develop a plan right here in the Cooks! Websites are helpful too and my pick is:

http://www.elearning.tki.org.nz/Professional-learning/e-Learning-Planning-Framework2

 

-          Let your whole staff become involved in the planning

Everyone has a voice and we know everyone is at different levels of ability, interest and value with digital technologies. By including everyone in the planning process helps management see a big picture and shows that you value the input of the teachers who will be the ones championing the ICT strategy. Address teacher’s fears, worries and concerns through open communication and develop systems that scaffold these teachers to succeed. It may be mentoring, professional development or setting personal learning targets. Quality, clear communication is a cornerstone for developing your schools strategies.

http://www.elearning.tki.org.nz/Leadership/Using-the-eLPF-to-develop-literacy-learning-goals-supported-by-technologies

I highly recommend this video for management staff. An excellent principal whom I had the opportunity to meet at U-Learn.

-          Reward and support those teachers who show interest and activity with ICT use

“Feed the flowers don’t water the rocks” This message really got me thinking at U-learn. I will leave you all to think about what it means for you…..

-          Seek support from others who have or are working through the same process.

Having people to bounce your ideas off is invaluable. Create a network of teachers or principals. Use blogs, email groups, google docs, twitter, Facebook. All of these mediums are great for collaborating on a project.

Here are some useful readings that you might like to look at when planning strategically at your school

https://biblio.ugent.be/input/download?func=downloadFile&recordOId=431061&fileOId=793463

This is an academic article which explores to what extent does policy and planning influence the “actual” integration of ICT in the classroom. A thought provoking read.

http://www.elearning.tki.org.nz/Professional-learning/Teacher-inquiries-into-using-Google-docs

Scaffolding to succeed using a range of ICT. (Upper primary and secondary)



App-reciate - November 2013

Apps, websites and wickedness

We all like getting information about great websites. So, here are two. Enjoy.

SCIENCE IN THE CLASSROOM

 

http://www.diseasedetectives.org/

packed full of information and activities, photos and videos to learn about diseases. Bit gross maybe for those weak stomach adults. But, kids loooove it.

 

MATHEMATICS

 

No excuses! Maths Is an AMAZINGLY fun subject to teach. Check out the following site that is loaded with cool ideas for exploration and inspiration!!

 

http://momath.org/mathmonday/

 

 

 

 



Introductions - Turou turou

 

 

 

Kia Orana friends and fellow E-educators,

Here I share with you my thoughts about teaching and learning through a digital technology and e-learning integration lens. Please comment, share and contribute to broaden my understandings of the ideas raised by commenting below.

Teaching  has always been a complex, challenging and highly rewarding profession. It's constant evolution and commitment to change mirrors the diversity and ever changing needs of the learners.

The expectation for teachers  to engage with Digital Technologies and e-learning practices and pedagogies within the 21st Century classroom is, in my opinion; fast becoming a prerequisite to providing quality teaching and learning environments rather than a desirable, pedagogical "point of difference" that we have accredited teachers with over the past 10 - 15 years.

This fast paced digital age means that teachers must strive to "keep up" with changes and advancements in technology and the ever changing direction of how curriculum is delivered in the classroom using it. This challenge is compounded by experts in the education field lauding that there is no "best fit" model and that only by examining our practice, goals and the school ecology can we strategically design a program that closely meets the needs of the learners as well as the level of efficacy our teachers are at.

For our small nation we are beginning to ask the emergent questions. How  can we integrate? What is this technology for? Can we prove that it is engaging and raising student achievement? How can we utilize technology to promote and preserve the language, culture and heritage of the Cook Islands? The list goes on.

At this point in the Cook Islands we can celebrate the many teachers who are championing ICT integration and indeed inspiring other teachers to do the same in their classrooms. Limits or restrictions on internet connectivity and reliability have meant that teachers here are striving to be innovative by discovering other uses for devices within their schools and classrooms that are not just web based.

As I consider the movement forward for IT use in our Cook Island classrooms I can identify two areas in which we must collectively develop:

-Collaboration skills. The ability to openly share ideas, resources and work load. Valuing everybody's opinions, expertise and experiences is focal in developing systems and strategies that are diverse and inclusive by nature.
- Ownership. This means developing internal systems and structures that are unique to our own schools and communities. It means deciding on specific school wide goals and actively working towards them.

I am excited about the direction in which the Cook Islands is moving with ICT integration and use. I love that we are seeing more and more Cook Island champions for ICT. I am sure the ambition and foresight shown by the IT "movers and shakers" here can provide a great model for other Pacific Nations wishing to move forward with their own ICT projects.