Week 9: Revision

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 Google Educator Exam


Well actually getting into the exam was the hardest part - okay maybe not but totally the most frustrating part! Once in though I had a much more relaxed approach to this exam than the last one. I'm sure there were mistakes made but the process of going through the scenarios and filtering out the definitely not answers in the multiple-choice section was good.

Reflecting on the past term I know I have learnt an awful lot of new information, consolidated a lot and now understand a lot more about the why of the Learn Create Share and actually everything we do in the New Entrants and Year 1 area impacts so dramatically (as with all learning) but if we can set up good Kawa of care, cyber smart behaviour and respect for the technology from day dot then our kids have a much better chance of turbocharging their learning. 

I now feel that all 1:1 teachers should do DFI - not suggesting that is what I am going to do but would feel a lot more confident integrating and teaching children how to use it well.


The reflection questions we were asked to think about 


In the light of COVID 19, what am I proud of? - I think the honest answer in relation to work, are the people I work with. The way collaboration was able to continue even though we were all at opposite corners of a city, that the needs of the children and their families drove our decision making and at the end - how pleased we all were to see each other. Did technology help this? Of course, but its nothing without the people.

I'm proud of the way teacher aides who shunned iPads in the classroom took them home and persevered with them so that they could join in with student google meets with the teachers and also our families for sending us blog post updates on what fabulous learning was taking place during Lockdown season 1.

What do I regret? to be fair, not a lot. Those who wanted to engage in home learning did. We organised home learning paper packs for those who couldn't or wouldn't. Contact was regular and calm. 

Taking forward new learning is something that happens all the time - I think what taking part in DFI has reminded me is that the use of technology in the learning spaces enhances and engages the students in the learning. It gives an authentic purpose for it, our youngest children need to know the "why" as much as high school students. I think if I can take that forward and keep it in mind whilst teaching I will make improvements to hook the students into the learning.

This has been a learning curve and to steal a phrase from one of my digital bubble mates, Cath - being comfortable with being uncomfortable has been a real motivator. 




















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