External Recognition - Day 9 - DFI Online

External Recognition Agenda Day 9 

Online Cohort 1, 2021

LEARN:

1. Connecting with each other

• Last time in our digital bubbles! 😢I have so enjoyed getting to know these wonderful peeps/educators over the last nine weeks. I am sure I've probably talked too much and listened too little as I've found myself trying to verbally encourage them to keep going when it all became a bit manic! But then again I think that if we ever met at a coffee shop there would be plenty of banter, talking over one another and laughter from everyone. Thank you so much Tasmin, Malvina, Sam, Mike, Wendy, Fatima, Mike, Jason and the ever patient Vicki - you gals and guys are awesome and seeing your smiling faces on screen every Wednesday has been a highlight of my first term with Manaiakalani Outreach.

2. Connecting with Manaiakalani

• See reflections below...

3. Manaiakalani Opportunities

• Wow - plenty of opportunities there to extend and expand your teaching practice and digital fluency with Manaiakalani

4. Deep Dive: External Recognition Opportunities

• Google Educator Level 2 Exam
• Definitely a bit more challenging than Level 1. I suspect my puzzled expressions at some of the multi-choice questions at the beginning of this particular exam are because I am not an American - I think we think a bit different here in Aotearoa about how to engage with our learners! Some scenario questions I found a bit confusing as to what they were actually asking me to do and I had to keep going back to the instructions to reread them again. Two presentation screens might have been a winner on the day? I did have an iPad but forgot to sidecar it - silly me. Some other scenarios I flew through. Unfortunately while trying to embed a Google Maps journey into a Google Site my computer wouldn't upload it for some reason the first time around so I did run out of time to go back to three questions I had wanted to review. Never mind. Really couldn't say what the final outcome will be. Whether I pass this time or have to resit, it was a good experience and I have a much better idea of what to expect the next time around... if that is what has to happen. I think I am content that everything (even pivot tables - not that I understand what they really do!) was familiar to me and it is just a matter of learning how to do things more efficiently and more speedily to get through the scenarios with more time up your sleeve to go back and check those pesky multi-choice questions!

SHARE:

5. Bling your Blog

• He he! Not sure if it is the 'Kiwi way' and I am not normally into blowing my own trumpet, but I really want to add my DFI badges and certificates to anything and everything! Do they come as car bumper stickers?!?

6. DFI Demo Slam

• Some really cool apps, links and ideas in this slide deck! Worth a cup or two of coffee and an afternoon browsing in the sunshine this weekend.

7. Fun and Games

REFLECTIONS:

1. What did I learn that increased my understanding of Manaiakalani kaupapa and pedagogy? 

• I started my facilitation role with a very basic understanding of who Manaiakalani was, what they were trying to achieve and how they sought to do that. I think my favourite part of each DFI day was seeing, hearing (and feeling!) how the Manaiakalani puzzle pieces fit together. I now see more clearly the big picture and each deep dive into the Maniakalani kaupapa and pedagogy enabled me to understand the parts that make up the whole so I can carry out my role better. It has been challenging to keep up with the digital fluency aspects some weeks but rewindable learning is now my best friend!

2. What did I learn that could improve my confidence, capability or workflow as a professional? 

• I have learnt to give it a go. Google Search is powerful and is always there as a backup. And if you don't know something, and a Google Search still turns up a blank some wonderful DFI participant or coach will know a work around! And they are only a text, an email or Google Meet away!

3. What did I learn that could be used with my learners? 

• I get such a kick out of being able to direct my in class support teachers to resources or tips with Google Suite that enable them to work more confidently and efficiently in the digital world. We are all growing in our knowledge and skills together which is awesome. As I mentioned further up the page, getting to know the people in our wee bubble has also been a highlight. Teachers are such an interesting bunch!

4. What did I learn that could improve my confidence, capability or workflow in my personal life? 

• I think the DFI Online course is an amazingly well run machine! Vicki and her team of bubble coaches have done a fantastic job of disseminating vast quantities of knowledge and skills in an engaging and meaningful way. I feel very privileged to have been able to do this course as part of my own PLD. It has set me up with the confidence to push into things I might otherwise have skirted around because they looked too 'hard' or complicated. Dare I say it... you CAN teach an ol' dog new tricks! I still have a huge amount to learn with regards to digital fluency but now I know that I am capable of learning at my own speed (yes I probably am a bit slower at it than the 18 year old!) and building on new knowledge each time I use a skill again.

  Ngā mihi nui for this opportunity.