The focus today was all about using devices and being CyberSmart.
We began with Fiona Grant who talked about being CyberSmart and how this looks within Manaiakalani. The term Cybersmart is all about empowering people. It's about creating successful digital citizens through intentional programmes that support that kaupapa. It's all about keeping our tamariki safe, and being smart and secure. It was a good reminder to check out the CyberSmart programme on the Manaiakalani site. There are term by term units of mahi to implement with the tamariki. Term 1: Smart Learners, Term 2: Smart Footprints, Term 3: Smart Relationships. I always begin the year with a strong focus, but have never looked beyond Term 2. I also really liked the look of this programme by Google for another attractive option to share with the tamariki.
Some interesting points to note/thoughts I have at this stage:
- For children to develop as digital citizens, they need to be making choices about what they want to share. What they are creating and sharing has value and can make an impact. So then, what are they proud of? What will their whānau be proud of? Our tamariki are posting what we tell them to post, there's little room for empowerment in this respect.
- We used to tell tamariki - don't share anything personal. But actually, we want to empower them to make their own decisions. They can decide, "Is this information I'm happy and proud to say/share? What does it say about me and my digital footprint?"
- How are we supporting our whānau to connect with their child's online learning and how to be CyberSmart? This is very timely for us at kura. At the moment we're running a blog commenting competition across the school for parents and whānau. On the whole it's failing horribly due to a number of factors. Poor visibility after the initial sales pitch, staff not pushing it with their children, parents just not wanting to comment! It's extremely frustrating. So many factors... where to begin?
- The meaning of an 'authentic' audience - which we covered a few weeks back. This is an audience that CHOOSES to view/comment on what you are sharing. So here we are currently trying to beg parents to comment on their child's blog (and the majority still can't do that) for a period of 10 weeks. What happens after that?
- Manaiakalani push the blog commenting format - Is it Positive, is it thoughtful, is it helpful? This is great however very intimidating for our parents and whānau. We just want them connecting, so we're encouraging them to give feedback as simple as, "Ka pai my boy!"
- Do my tamariki need individual bogs? We're implementing a lot of the learn, create, share kaupapa I've picked up over the past 7 weeks, but 1 email address for the whole class is not cutting the mustard. This would mean I'd need more ipads so we could be 1:1 (smiling sweetly at you here, Gary).
Manaiakalani have aligned the Principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi ~ Partnership, Participation and Protection ~ to their kaupapa. These principles transcend time and generations and are relevant to a child developing their digital footprint. It's all about engagement through 1:1 ownership. Dorothy also touched on the BYOD kaupapa. Bring Your Own...Disaster?? Had a wee chuckle here. Different devices do not allow for equity and access.
After this wee chalk 'n Talk we had 30minutes to play with a Chromebook. This was really helpful as we've been using our TA's Chromebook to allow us 1 more device to use in the classroom. Some really helpful shortcuts can be found HERE.
After second break we had a chance to focus on ipads which is very relevant to me. Lot's of discussion today was around tamariki having their own devices. This is something we're hopefully working on in my akomanga. We're currently on 15 ipads and 1 mac for 19 tamariki. Not too far off. Dorothy mentioned that a stylus is essential for fine motor coordination! We had time to pay around with Explain Everything after this chalk 'n talk session. It's been sometime since I've used it and I know my previous experience hasn't been overly user-friendly. Perhaps now I've had time to explore I'll feel more confident. As you'll hear in my kirata below, it's tricky juggling Seesaw and apps pushed by Manaiakalani.
We also created a rauemi that would help us introduce the Kawa of Care kaupapa we implement with the tamariki. I really struggled with this... again due to our use of Seesaw in the junior school. I'd really love to hear from other junior teachers who feel that pull between Manaikalani and Seesaw! Here's a wee rauemi I made anyway.
Goals for the week
- Trial Google Forms. I've been saying that for 2 weeks.
- Re-introduce Explain Everything with the tamariki. Keep a positive attitude.
- Hassle the powers that be for 4 more ipads.
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