Session One: Digital Fluency Intensive

uLearn infographic created while
 Pat Sneddon spoke.

Listening to the Manaiakalani story again from a different perspective was interesting and inspiring. I remember the first time I heard about this organisation or trust when listening to Pat Sneddon speak at a uLearn conference in Auckland and being totally blown away with the story. Today what was interesting to hear was the grassroots of how the journey got under way with the sharing of where the Learn Create Share model started and how it looked in its cyclic form. Seeing this as a process that included digital elements but wasn't digital in its essence was new and made it all make sense. I particularly liked the statement that we 'teach and learn' and are not digital classrooms or digital learners, but rather are swimming in a digital pool.

Link to Google Doc 

Using the Google Docs to create a visual media piece was great. I like using docs generally, and to have the parameters of its use expanded has made it even more popular for me. I enjoyed learning small elements that have frustrated me in the past. I was keen to learn how to use the png element with images where the white background of an image is not seen, but this made it slow to create, as finding the images was time consuming. Also I wanted the information to be correct so the document could be used by the school next week. This was good to experience as probably often the way it is for students. It's a work in progress so I have included the link.

What I learnt that could improve my capability and workflow was numerous.

**Creating Google groups: using one email address. I created a syndicate group immediately
and will also create a management one and others for the sports and trip activities I organise
throughout the year.

**Creating a personal google account separate to school - so all personal sites and connections are separated out from school and professional activities.

**Using - shift command v - to paste text etc without formatting. Something that has frustrated me immensely in the past!

**Using some of the add ons like Doc to form and MindMeister.

With my learners I am definitely going to share the correct way to paste above, plus

tips like Command Shift T to reopen a tab, right clicking on a tab to shut down all tabs or tabs to the right, shift z to create a shortcut for folders and especially using voice typing with students when writing. We have had some students resist using voice typing when we introduced read and write. Rather than only have a small group using it, we will teach it over several sessions to all students, so they can choose to use it when they want to or the situation benefits it. Learning about the annunciation of words - oral language - and speaking clearly so spelling mistakes can be picked up if annunciated properly would be a great starting point. 

Finally, it was a good reminder to use teacher dashboard to watch kids doing what we ask them to do AS we give them the instructions and teach and can feedback to them positively or hurry others along or notice problems that pop up for students.

Overall a day FULL of information and learning with a clear Learn Create Share format which highlighted for me the time needed to allow students to 'play' with new skills and knowledge as we all learn at such different speeds.