Small successes matter

A few months ago I was pondering over how the fear of failure can cripple your self esteem. I have found this week that some of my students have achieved baby steps or some small but significant achievements. I have found it very encouraging to that the students are starting to notice small improvements in their study and are becoming more aware for themselves about what it is they are doing to improve their learning skills. A little bit chuffed watching them gain confidence and self esteem.


I have been a strong advocate of Google Docs and this week there was great success in creating Feedback forms. They just love the professional look of the forms and will be using them after they serve everyone on the campus coffee or tea for the Biggest Morning Tea. These forms are extremely simple to use and I like to use them to create self marking quizzes and reflection forms. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dHpWeGZORk1xV2h3MDFWSF9sdE9PbHc6MQ#gid=0 When I start a new course with new students one of the first things I do it get them to create a Google Account. Some of my classes are purely taught on Google Docs and I am finding I am dealing with tons less paper and losing papers is no longer a problem. It's wonderful that technology can support learning in such a meaningful way.


Those of you that have been following my learning journey I am quietly but surely overwhelmed by my future job prospects. I have not lost my dream of starting my own business as a consultant teaching teachers how to use technology in the classroom. I am hoping the logo will be done by next week and I really want to start by July. Have been thinking about how Google has a lot of success with their relaxed working environment. My good friend Sally and I have been thinking how this model could be used in training. Planning on developing this idea further. Watch this space.....Can't show all my cards.


Had a friend from one of my previous schools ask how I was enjoying my new job. My response was, "I love it" Life is never dull and over flowing with opportunity. Sometimes I just need time to breathe.


My favorite sites for the week are:
ifttt
Organise your social media.
https://ifttt.com/login


Moving image gateway
http://www.bufvc.ac.uk/gateway/
Ideas for short films


Digital storytelling (Photostory3)
 
Have been playing around with photostory3 (free download) with the kids
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7a96pndIWTI (It's very corny!! 1st attempt)
My 6 year old's attempt too http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfXBB6c0HVA


Until next week,
K

Technology, why bother?......

Have you ever been to a lecture that was so interesting that you hadn't noticed that an hour had gone by? There are some very talented individuals who can engage students purely on their skill as on orator. I stand back and admire the skill of these people and their gift. However, as a visual learner I would find this hard to sustain for a long period. With an aging population we find that there are many teachers who may retire in the next 5-10 years. With the fast pace of technology how can older teachers and new teachers keep up with the changes when for many years the same methods have worked? This is a question I find myself often engaging in with teachers and I am always met with a variety of responses. 

Change for some is too hard. There is a definite resistance to use technology for technologies sake. There is a great awareness by these teachers that young people love engaging with technology but for them as teachers they do not have the time, resources or willingness to even give it a go. However I do find that they are engage with their learners and by no means do I wish to criticise their ability or talent as a teacher. Teachers like many other professions in the work place are by and large time poor. Younger teachers adapt to new technologies and learn much faster than older teachers or those with less experience using technology. Younger teachers tend to engage with technology and social media on a daily basis and are quite apt to change. I see that there is a great need to more training on two fronts. Experienced teachers are wonderful in encouraging, guiding and supporting new teachers and younger teachers also have a role in supporting and encouraging experienced teacher in using technology. There is the potential a great wave of change bought about through mutual respect and understanding. 

There is no doubt that there have been numerous studies that suggest that life long learning can be achieved through engaging students in learning through technology. I endeavor to continue to highlight the benefits and achievements of these technologies to enhance learning and I know there are many others who share my passion. Why bother?... Because it is important to our learners and we can't put our blinkers on because it is too hard. Thanks to social media teachers can stay on top of trends and technologies that can best suit our learners where necessary. Educationalists are leading the way when it comes to sharing intellectual knowledge and it is the wonderful community of like minded individuals who continue to drive change and excellence for learners worldwide. Some traditional methods of teaching are greatly beneficial and the right tool should be used for the right purpose. 


I need to continue to remind myself of these truths when I too feel time poor and exhausted. I have learnt through my use of  technology I am connected and am not alone as a teacher and there are others who will support me on my journey through the mind field of new technology. Find time, make time....it's important.


The favorite sites for the week:
Popcorn Share from The Teaching Channel. Nice little idea.
https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/popcorn-share-generating-rapid-fire-ideas?utm_source=Alpha+List&utm_campaign=27dfd03c8f-Newsletter_Apr28_2012&utm_medium=email


Poetic devices wordle
http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/5212665/Poetic_Devices


Essay Map
http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/essaymap/
Have been using this one this week. 


Hope you have a great week. 


Until next week,
K

Ponderings..the technology revolution

In the last six months I have really enjoyed watching the ongoing conversations with educators and the media as to how we as a community are embracing technology and what is the best way to go about it. At times in history there must have been great  groaning sounds as man attempted to work out how this technology was somehow going to enhance our lives. Electricity, the car, radio, telephones and movies with sound are some of the things that come to mind. Teachers and educationalists are in general a very creative and innovative bunch who themselves have grappled with and conquered new technology and further used it to enhance the learning outcome for students for many thousands of years. We are part of something great and valuable. For this I am grateful and I feel now more than ever that no man is an island and there is genuine support for teachers within a global community that is growing faster than ever before. How exciting to be part of mankind's technology revolution.

 Social media informs and connects where no connection had been made before and existing technologies continue to develop and spread. Skype for instance changed the access for teachers, schools and classrooms to connect on a large and global scale that has not been seen before. I look forward to engaging with students and teachers in a wide variety of technologies and excitedly watch in great anticipation where it will take me next. 

Last week I was blogging about Techy Work Stations. They went really well. However there are often problems that occur when engaging with new technology. I didn't realise that I had a few class members under 18 and they could not access Youtube or Twitter. The blog I set up on the Google site didn't allow them to make a post so I quickly changed tack and we started a Twitter stream. Those student who could join in did and the others continued work they could have access to. All in all I felt it went well. There are always teething problems when starting something new and I kept my cool and know for next time to fix this prob. 

I am still trying to keep my dream alive of running my own business and helping other teachers use technology classroom that is affordable, easy to use and engaging for students. Met up with Tracey B again from Level Playing Field and are getting close to finishing this logo. Have decided on color and layout and we are just getting to down to the line. 






This week I really want to focus on encouraging students to ask good questions. This week we will continue examining poems, reports and research essays and I don't want to do all the prompting. I would like to be more of a coach and facilitator and am going to try a few new strategies to get students to develop good questions amongst themselves.


Have been mega busy and time poor this week so I'll save up my favorite links for next week. 


Hope you all have a great week and I do really appreciate the time you take to read my blog. 


Until next week,
K

Mixing it up

During the school holidays it can be hard to find time to think about the term ahead. There are many distractions and ways to procrastinate however I have managed to do some work. Thank goodness.


In previous blogs I have mentioned the Teaching Channel. https://www.teachingchannel.org/ I have found it an excellent resource. The wonderful thing about it is that whilst some of the ideas come from primary teachers or high school teachers not in my faculty area, many of the ideas can be applied to what I do. Often in group work we are all doing a similar task however there is no reason why we can't have technology work stations. https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/poetry-and-technology This litle clip has inspired me to think about what technology the students bring to class and how I can I utilize it better. I could have iphone stations, laptop stations and podcasting stations, online mindmapping stations and ipad stations. Within group work this might be a good tool to break up activities. Our lessons are either 2hrs or 2 1/2 hours so a variety of activities would be beneficial to keeping students engaged. I have complained in the past that we have not always had the best access to technology but I really need to make more of an effort to engage students and given them confidence using a variety of technologies. Even if there us only 1 ipad there is no reason why pairs could not engage with it whilst others are off doing other activities. 

There are many aspects of learning and various learning styles and I have been reminded again off late to consider these in my lesson planning. It's one of those things you learn at uni and try and implement but really it is the consistency or remembering these that gives most benefit to the students. I am hoping to try out a few new strategies when teaching poetry this term and I'll keep you posted as to my success and failures. I love that this job provides the opportunity for me to continue to be a life long learner as well as my students. The more I learn the more I realise I know so little.

During the week I had the opportunity to teach more teachers about the benefits of twitter. In discussion with a variety of teachers over the last few weeks there is limited understanding about the benefits of twitter and social media to aid with teaching. I have found social media to be the best form of professional development I have ever done. I have paid thousands of dollars a year in professional development and I have had more support and follow up from my twitter teaching friends than I would from any course I have gone on. Not to say that these courses were not beneficial but teachers need to consider that social media can really help them in their classrooms. 

As the new term approaches I feel that I am slowly getting a handle of my new job and I feel that I can experiment a little further this term as I am really getting to know my learners. I relish the chance to challenge myself and my students to become life long learners and confident in the skills they are seeking.

Sites for the week:

• Have been thinking about how to incorporate video games into learning as adults purchase and play lots of video games too.

http://liamodonnell.com/feedingchange/2012/04/teachers-guide-five-ways-minecraft-and-other-video-games-can-boost-student-writing-skills/

• Grammar Bytes- More for high school students I think. I may use it this term. 

http://www.chompchomp.com/menu.htm

• Graphic novels and comics are very popular at the moment and I would love to incorporate these further this term.

http://graphicnovelreporter.com/content/comics-classroom-expert-advice-teachers-feature-stories

http://www.scoop.it/t/graphic-novels

Until next week,

K

A fork in the road

You just never know where life will take you. Life is always so full of surprises. I am happy announce that I made it through term 1 without losing the plot or falling apart. I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of my new job and have spent the last week reflecting on all the things I have learnt. I am left wondering if I have learnt more than the students as this has been a massive term. As I haven't had the chance to blog in the last couple of weeks clearly I must work on my discipline with blogging. 

There has been many things that have happened in the last few weeks and I find myself yet again faced with a new dilemma. Many of you who have followed me since November last year will remember that I was very unsure where I was going with work this year. Last week my boss announced that the HSC will not be offered next year and so TAFE is going to promote their own version of HSC called TPC (Tertiary Preparation Certificate).

 

He has also suggested that we look into partial online components of the course to attract more students. This has sent my head into a bit of a spin. However, last Thursday I was able to go on a course and meet, Maria D'Angelo a fantastic trainer and a pioneer in online delivery. Unfortunately I won't be able to do the course but I now have a clear vision as to how this can be achieved. I am so excited about this prospect and it is taking up much time in my creative thoughts. 

On Saturday I was reading a SMH article http://www.smh.com.au/national/theres-a-greener-pasture-for-mothers-juggling-family-with-parttime-work-20120406-1wgtq.html about the organisation Chief Executive Women that gives part time women scholarships to develop leadership in business. I don't know if this would extend to developing online training. This got me thinking that I could endevour to learn all I can about online delivery in the hope of showing others how different technologies can be used for learning and engaging online delivery. Or... I am hoping maybe I can get some funding from TAFE to work on development for these new courses. I really see this as a wonderful opportunity to use my creative talents and engage with technology.

 Not sure where this will lead. Am jumping on board and see where the ride will take me. 




My desire to start my company has taken a back step off late however I have managed to have some consultation with the lovely Tracey and we are working on getting the logo right. Should be ready in the next few weeks. Am running another Twitter and Blogging workshop for teachers next Wednesday. Am really getting good at this one as I have run 5 training sessions on Twitter in the last term alone. 


Too many thoughts and not enough time. Anyway for this week's fav websites:
Teaching trends:
https://www.teachingchannel.org/blog/2012/04/02/lights-cameras-collaboration/?utm_source=Alpha+List&utm_campaign=1b33cdff5f-Newsletter_Apr7_2012&utm_medium=email


If you haven't got onto teaching channel then you must!
https://www.teachingchannel.org/


Poetry and the Mic: Absolutely love this idea
https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/poetry-lesson-plan


Poetry and Technology: This is a little gem. I'm definately using this in the next few week as we start Wilfred Owen poems for HSC.
https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/poetry-and-technology

Until next week,
K

Pushing boundaries

I can't believe the last two weeks have gone so fast. We are nearly at the end of term one and I'm holding on by my fingernails. Last week was so crazy I didn't get to blog however I am back on track this week. 

Have had some small wins with all of my classes this week and I am taking them. Had a wonderful time with my older learners who were totally engaged in creating a Podcast. They worked wonderfully as a big team and they were really happy with the end result. This week saw them tackling Twitter and really having a go at understanding this new wave of technology. They really are a very inspiring bunch and I learn so many things from them also. 


Have been thinking about pushing boundaries for all my students. Have seen a real improvement in motivation with several of my classes and I have been reflecting on what I have changed. When teaching adult learners there is certainly more to consider than school students. They have less time as many of them have home responsibilities. However a few weeks ago I gave them all a motivational talk. I asked them to write down all the things in their past that had held them back from learning and succeeding. After about 15 min they scrunched it up or tore it up and chucked it in the bin. From this point on there has been a shift in attitude and motivation. 


In the last few weeks I have been pondering on this change. It has enabled me to set the bar a little higher in class because they are getting through the work. The discussion is improving, the group work and collaboration has been very beneficial and their marks are improving too. I was having a chat with one of my good friends and she pointed out to me that they had given themselves permission to succeed and so had I. The past is behind them and they are on this new journey. 


How wonderfully freeing it can be when we can put the past behind and enjoy the present.  

Adobe Captivate

Had a great day today learning about Adobe Captivate. I can see it has many good points but it is a very complicated piece of software. Would take a fair amount of playing to really get to know how it works. Time unfortunately I don't have at the moment. 


Tracey has come back with her first logo idea for the business but I am still thinking on it. I will share as soon as I have decided. I must make up my mind soon or else things will never get going. 


I have had a lovely time surfing the net off late and have come across a few interesting sites:-

27 Twitter Tools To Help You Find And Manage Followers

 

Essay Map

 

Protagonize lets you explore your hidden writing talent.


(If you click on the image and the link doesn't work please let me know.)


Until next week,
K

So many questions????

Ever since you can talk you are questioning what goes on in the world. It is a skill that is honed and developed over many years. Some questions are simple and require little explanation but others provoke deep, thoughtful and long term changes in people's lives. So can you teach critical thinking? Where and when is it appropriate to ask questions and ponder what might be? There have been great people in our history who have dared challenge the status quo and bring humanity to its knees before real positive change can affect the many. William Wilberforce sort to abolish the slave trade, Alexander Fleming examined and questioned the use of penicillin to save people's lives and Eddy Mabo challenged land rights for Australian Aboriginals. These people were driven by conviction and passion to provide alternative answers and to the right the wrongs for many.

Not all our students will become famous for their leadership of a generation but influence begins with asking the right questions. Critical thinking asks the student to 'take it up a notch' and go beyond what they can basically see. Inference and judgments can be used when they are exploring texts and images. Students must be allowed to ask the hard questions. Many students struggle to ask questions because of a fear of failure but this fear can be funneled to good purpose to allow the student to grow. True growth may be stifled and their answers become generic and familiar without the chance to take a risk. Creating platforms for students to engage in discussion has been taking place in schools since they began however it is not until life is lived that one realises how important these skills are in the adult world. Learning to walk and talk it fundamental to our growth but our ability to question and articulate our arguments are equally important. To have a voice that can be expressed clearly is one skill we hold onto for the rest of our lives. Confidence in asking good questions begins with trust in the classroom, with parents, friends and colleagues. A class that begins to debate and engage in critical thinking will benefit well beyond the school years. 

Such are my ramblings and thoughts for this week.


This week all the assessments were handed in and so I have spent much extra time marking and not as much time tweeting and blogging. I have begun to talk to some teachers about hosting a Teach Meet and there seems to be a good reaction so far. I am hoping this week find a venue for it and then a date. Must talk to Mesterman on Twitter who assisted organising  Teach Meet Sydney.

Here are my favorite links for the week,
Thinking tools:
http://www.cap.nsw.edu.au/thinking-tools


Teaching resources:
http://www.tes.co.uk/english-secondary-teaching-resources/


Blended learning:
http://www.cap.nsw.edu.au/blended-learning


Keep asking questions and seeking answer. 


Until next week,
K