I'm extremely grateful for the collaboration and support the lead teachers of schools have been giving each other, the enthusiasm with which teachers with differing levels of experience have adapted their sites and set up Google Meets with their classes and with the gusto with with students have been posting on their blogs. This post is really to share and celebrate the awesome successes I have seen already.
I've been really impressed with the class sites I've seen with teachers considering how to make them visually appealing to students while keeping them simple and easy to navigate. This is true from new entrant classes up to Year 7 and 8 and also from beginning teachers through to more experienced staff. Here are a few examples:
I've also been inspired and enthused by students posting on their blogs and seeing teachers and support staff leaving positive, thoughtful and helpful comments.
And I also need to acknowledge the vast raft of support that has come from the Manaiakalani Outreach Programme and from facilitators around the country. I couldn't imagine being in the role I am in without the advice and expertise that is oozing from such an amazing group of professionals. Thanks team!
Moving forward my efforts with the cluster will channelled into blogging and engagement. I'm asking myself (and others) how we can best support students to blog independently and effectively, especially those who haven't had any practice at this (check out some 'how to' videos o the Ako Hiko Cybersmart site). In terms of of engagement, students seemed engaged by the Google Meet sessions. Our challenge may be how to keep the enthusiasm and engagement up as the days and Meets go on.
Ngā mihi.
Hi Phill, Thank you for sharing these amazing examples of teachers promoting and supporting distance learning. I agree with you we are so lucky to be part of such a large community focused on the same goals for learners. What have you found to be the most valuable support for teacher during this time?
ReplyDeleteThanks again for sharing,
Clarelle
Hi Clarelle, thanks for the comment. I think the most valuable support has been all of us helping each other. The facts that everyone is so open to sharing is amazing, especially as we are all learning as we go on this! But also the fact that the tools and processes we have been suing for years now are standing up in this climate and proving their value is great.
DeleteHi Phil, I agree, it is often those around us that inspire us to do more. I think this time has really highlighted the importance of the 'share' part of learn, create, share. The value we all get from what others are sharing is huge. Yes we definitely have an advantage on those who are new on their digital journey. It would be interesting to hear more about how those people are finding this adjustment.
DeleteKia ora Phil,
ReplyDeleteI too am amazed at the capabilities and capacity of teachers in adapting to distance learning. Thank you for sharing the sites and blogs in your post. In Tairāwhiti we have some fantastic sites and blogs emerging in our schools. And yes - having the Manaiakalani network of support has been a lifeline.
Mā te wā
Cheryl Torrie
Thanks Cheryl, yes I've enjoyed reading blogs from around the country that have been mentioned in Gerhard's update.
DeleteHi Phil!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this celebration post! I too am also super grateful for the collaboration and support that has been provided by the other Ako Hiko leaders, Manaiakalani facilitators and yourself! Such a tricky time to be starting a new role but you're off to a great start and know many teachers appreciate you (myself included)! None of us were taught how to prepare and teach for distance learning when we studied to become educators and yet I am constantly amazed by how teachers have taken this new challenge onboard!
Thanks Emma, yes it has been a strange time to start a new role but it's certainly provided lots of learning opportunities. I've been really impressed with the leadership in our cluster so keep up the great work!
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