Things I learned about Browsers and the Web

I found this jewel via the Christchurch GAFE Summit. It is an interactive experience created by Google about things you've always wanted to know about the web, but were afraid to ask. Learn about the web and browsers in this book.

~ "Learning is the only thing the mind never exhausts, never fears, and never regrets." 

- Leonardo da Vinci ~

I am still learning

The first term of 2014 has gone by very quickly, but it was one in which I've learned and experienced many things. 

I have started the beginning of this term with high hopes and with many things to accomplish.  I had to finalize my plan on the  purpose and process of my eFellow14 inquiry, setting up and managing our new iPad Air's & supporting colleagues in doing this, starting my training as a Reading Recovery Teacher, Maths PD, SOLO Inquiry PD, iPad apps PD, Co-organising @kidsedchatnz & #ConnectedRotorua as well as EduCampRotorua.  As if this was not enough, I put my hand up to organize our first EduIgnite evening in Rotorua.

I guess I can say it has been somewhat of a roller-coaster... and that there were days that I was exhausted, but I cherished every moment.

After our first eFellow master class, I was able to plan the purpose and process of my inquiry and I am now in the exciting stage of investigating it further.

I enjoyed the new teaching approach my Reading Recovery training is taking me into.  I can already see the value of this, and has even started using some of it within my own classroom.  One challenge though, is to keep on top of all the recordings and paperwork, but I am confident that this will get easier with time, as my skills as a Reading Recovery Teacher continues to develop.

This term also saw me as part of a 'shared teaching model' (due to my Reading Recovery responsibilities), which was very new to me.  To manage planning efficiently, I've decided to set up a Google Site.  Needless to say, that this was one of the best decisions I have made at the start of this year.  Everything is organised - just the way I like it!

With three terms to go, I am looking forward to other new opportunities that are coming my way.  I know I will have fun, because I love my job, I love to teach and I love to learn.

~ "If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you.  If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you! - Anonymous ~

Adjusting the pace and approach - connect to learners' interests & experiences

Ever since attending the It's a Learners' World: Mapping a New Landscape Conference in 2013, I have been interested in how I could adjust the pace and approach to connect to my learners' interests and experiences by using personalised learning.

As I felt that this was a concept worth looking into, I followed #azedchat (Arizona Educator Chat) on Student choice and Personalised learning with great excitement to see what other educators think and do. Visiting Stonefields School and Hobsonville Point Secondary School during our first #eFellow14 master class was of great significance. I also received fantastic help and insight from Sarah, the principal at Stonefields School.

Needless to say, that I am hooked now and when Annemarie asked me by the end of our EduIgnite Rotorua session if I am going to participate in our own New Zealand #edchatnz tonight - with the topic Personalised Learning - I was all for it. I did not hesitate to learn more and to share what I have learned so far.

Great ideas and learning are always evident in this chat and I have learned a lot from following/being involved in #edchatnz every fortnight.

~ "Don't wait for extraordinary opportunities. Seize common occasions and make them great. Weak men wait for opportunities; strong men make them." - Orison Swett Marden ~

The first EduIgnite Rotorua

It all started with a Tweet ....

I was fired up and ready to organize this fun and thought-provoking PD event and contacted my 'partner in crime' Annemarie, with whom I co-organize this twice a term #ConnectedRotorua and the yearly #EduCampRotovegas.

Planning started in all eagerness and attendance was looking good. At the end Annemarie did tweet that we were looking for some educators to present via GHO, to which the ever willing Sonya responded to.

This was also the first time that a GHO was used at an EduIgnite evening.

We had the privilege to listen to fantastic presentations by Sonya, Monika and Justine. Thank you all!

TeachMeetNZ - EduIgniteRotovegas 

Their reflections:

1. Sonya - TeachMeetReflection

2. Monika - EduIgnite Rotovegas: Building your online PLN

3. Justine - What are EduIgnite events and why are they so special and important?

Being MC was a fantastic learning curve and I am looking forward to planning the next EduIgnite in Rotorua.

~ "Why fit in when you were born to stand out!" - Dr Seuss ~