#1 Digital Fluency Intensive - Core Business

Week 1: I wasn't too sure what this course entailed except that it would help me in my teaching practice by using digital learning to accelerate learning and achievement for our students.

It was only fitting to start with Manaiakalani karakia and introductions from our cohort 3 of 19 professionals including Dorothy and Gerhard.  

We got to hear the journey and humble beginnings of the start of Manaiakalani which begun November 2006.  From blending school    Spearheaded by Dorothy Burt who is now an international Apple & Google certified teacher.

The power of 'groups' - able to collaborate and communicate within a specific group.  This is easily created through group.google.com - it allows you to send emails through without waiting for 'accept' when an invitation has been sent.  This is useful when sending out emails to parents for 'sports' or small groups.  Not suitable for our students.  (Using Hapara is suitable).

Chalk n talk - learning shortcuts and tricks working with google chrome, such as using the omnibox, especially shifting the tabs by pushing 'control' & '#'.

My next steps:

Folders: One point that stood out for me was ensuring that our student's folders are 'sorted'.  Getting our students in the habit of going into the correct folder and 'create' a new doc/slide etc.  

Voice-typing: Using this facility to allow students to record their writing by voice, for students to proof-read and edit their work.  

I'll keep you posted with my DFI PD.  Feel free to leave a comment on my blog!