In control of PL & D with EduCampNZ

My thoughts after attending another EduCampNZ, this time one in the Bay Of Plenty:

Learner Agency is a topic that has been talked about a lot [since] a couple of years ago. My perception is that an EduCampNZ is the perfect place for teachers to take ownership of their own learning. This is Teacher Agency in Professional Learning & Development at its best!

What I enjoy about attending EduCampNZ is the networking and informal chats one can have with teachers from all over New Zealand as well as building face to face relationships. I like the fact that teachers have choice and voice. Anyone can be a presenter and anyone can attend. It is great to hear about best practice and to get 'tips' from others and also being able to share your ideas and experiences. 

If you haven't attend an EduCampNZ yet, there are events happening all over NZ. Events can be found on the EduCampNZ wiki.

You have the power to take control of your Professional Learning & development, you can develop ownership of your learning. Why wait any longer?...

My 'Storify' about what happened during the day:

The 'Smackdown' slides:

"Let’s talk leadership well-being"

"Let’s talk leadership well-being" was a great topic chosen by #ldrchatnz.

Well-being is an important topic for education, for students, for teachers and for leaders alike. Too often leaders focus on the well-being of those around them and forget about themselves...

I really valued the input from leaders around New Zealand in this discussion. Here is my Storify:



Reflection:
A leader has to make a difference and is often the one who has to lead change. In order to accomplish that they have to take care of themselves by having 'me' time and... they have to be pro-active.

A resource to look at: Wellbeing at School | NZCER

~ "A leader is someone who demonstrates what is possible." - Mark Yarnell ~

Learning - the moving spring of action...

Another great turnout for our fourth Educamp held in Rotorua with many 'newbies' present. A huge range of ideas and resources had been shared.

It was also great to receive this tweet from a first timer who displayed courage to present not only once, but twice!

My Storify:

Thank you to everyone for coming along and for sharing your wonderful ideas!

Thank you to +Justine Driver for a fab blog post.


~ "A genuine enthusiasm is an attitude that operates as an intellectual force."
- John Dewey ~

Modern Learning Practice - edchatNZ

"What great timing" I thought, seeing this week's edchatNZ topic, as this has been discussed at last weekend's Educamp in Hawkes Bay.

Due to me facilitating a blogging session on the Saturday, I was unable to attend the session around Modern Learning Practice and I was rightly exited to learn more.

My eFellowship inquiry last year, focused on Modern Learning Pedagogy and when following the chat, it was clear that many educators are starting to focus more on this.

However, I think that [at times] too many emphasis are being placed on the 'environments' rather than the practice.  

In my opinion, UDL (Universal Design for Learning) could be incorporated into this context. I am looking forward to learning more in due course. 

My Storify:

~ "Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today." - Malcolm Z

Sharing and Learning at EduCampHB

I thoroughly enjoyed my road trip to this year's EducampHB.  One of the highlights was meeting many of the people in my PLN. I cherish this moments where I have a chance to have a 'real life' conversation with them.  The learning conversations and ideas shared were endless.

Meet and greet opportunity

Contributing to the Smackdown presentation
on Blogging and TeachMeetNZ

One of the sessions that people choose to learn more about was around blogging.  I was happy to facilitate the session and answered questions around this wonderful tool 

My Storify of the day:

~ "Creative thinking inspires ideas. Ideas inspire change" - Barbara Januszkiewicz ~

"Kick-starting Learning in Term 1"

Annemarie confirmed the venue for our annual EducampRotovegas and I've had the e-Learning Smackdown slides and Sign-up form sorted long before schools started back for 2015.  We were ready and was looking forward to welcome educators to Rotorua.

Then we received this tweet from Network for Learning

and a blog entry by Andy Schick

http://www.n4l.co.nz/educamprotovegas-participants-thank-you/

Thank you N4L for recognizing teachers in this way!

We had a great turnout, the room was packed and it was wonderful to see so many newbies present.  The Smackdown did not disappoint, with a huge range of ideas and resources being shared.  

My Storify tells the story of the day, as it happened in the Twitter feed.

A warm thank you to all of the attendees! 

~ "To the world you may be 'just' a teacher, but to your students you are a HERO" 

- Unknown ~

EOTC and the Classroom - #primedchatnz with William Pike

After a couple of technical issues, the #primedchatnz Google Hangout went Live where the organiser James Hopkins as well as Kate from Learning Network NZ discussed EOTC with William Pike.

Reid and I worked behind the scenes as moderators, with me putting up questions on Twitter and Reid answering other tweeters, while we both engaged successfully with people who made time to join us and tweeted some of William's views on EOTC and the classroom.

The participation of other educators on Twitter was once again incredible. A warm thank you to everyone who has contributed to the discussion. I have learned so much and feel privileged to have been part [once again] of #primedchatnz.





Here is my Storify of the discussion that was happening on Twitter:

~ "Must we always teach our children with books? Let them look at the mountains and the stars up above. Let them look at the beauty of the waters and the trees and flowers on earth. They will then begin to think, and to think is the beginning of a real education." - Davi Polis ~

My fabulous #TeachMeetNZ experience

Today, I have had the opportunity to present [a second time] for #TeachMeetNZ. This was a special session, as we worked collaboratively with #TMSydney for Connected Educator Month.

Sonya [as usually] was an amazing host, which helped to make this experience even more enjoyable. Thank you for being my inspiration, Sonya!

When asked to base my presentation around a 'Connected Educator' I happily obliged, as I am a connected educator.  I have build a Personal Learning Network with incredible educators, locally and globally.  We are able to develop our shared visions and common goals and can discuss the needs for future focus learning.

We know the world is changing at an incredible pace for our students and if we want to prepare them for their future, it is important that we, as connected educators also become the connected learners.

Being a connected educator provides me with ongoing inspiration and support.  It is my wish that more educators would see the value of being connected.

I was blown away when Justine asked if she can share my presentation.

I felt humbled when reading the kind words of Kimberley. I am privileged to have had the opportunity to be in a #TeachMeetNZ session with you, Kimberley.  I think you are doing amazing things with your students and  I do hope we can have a proper chat in the near future!

Reflection:

Having the opportunity to grow my own practice, to question, to experiment and to make mistakes is invaluable.
I acknowledge that I have grown immensely [personally and professionally] since becoming a connected educator.  However, this is just the beginning... I know that there is still a lot more to learn and experience.

So where to next?

I am going to utilize the Google Hangout tool to get in touch with educators around topics that would make learning even more rewarding and purposeful for my students. 

A Storify:

~ The purpose of learning is growth, and our minds, unlike our bodies, can continue growing as we continue to live. - Mortimer J. Adler ~

#primedchatnz - Future Focused Learning with Tony Ryan

This was this year's second #primedchatnz and my first where I've been asked to moderate for #primedchatnz with James and Kate during the Live Google Hangout with Tony Ryan.

I was also responsible for pledging this event to Connected Educator Month.

I knew I would have to multi-task, as this was also one of the days [in the week leading up to uLearn14] where our #eFellows14 came together for our last sessions with what John and Louise had planned for us!

While the other eFellows were busy in a session, I was busy tweeting questions on twitter, while listening to the live conversation with Tony.  What an inspiring, thought provoking and inspiring session to have been part of.

Thankfully, I was able to [also] record the eFellow session and discussion for listening to afterwards.  I really can't imagine my life without technology!

My Storify of the discussion on Twitter:

And then... after working online together, the amazing moment when meeting #primedchatnz organizer James face to face...

as well as Kate from Learning Network NZ!

~ " Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away" - Anonymous"

#eFellow14 Storify - Wellington

As #eFellows14, we experienced another three amazing days in Wellington. Here is a quick snap shot of our Master Class #3 and a little bit on what we were up to.

A detailed blog post will follow soon.

Storify by Anne-Louise:

~ "Experience all that there is for you and discover who you truly are. Be all that you were meant to be, will help you follow your dreams and transform them into reality" - Anonymous ~

EduCamp Auckland

I have always wanted to attend an Educamp in Auckland, but it just never happened.  This year however, I took the plunge, registered and was brave enough to add slides to the 'Smackdown', after receiving this tweet from Fiona.

I was looking forward to my participation with much anticipation (however, not so much to the early rise).
Annemarie and Alex were [as usual] great company while driving. The discussions happening on our way to and from an educamp are interesting and many times thought provoking.

On arrival, I enjoyed meeting all the people I have already had many meaningful interactions with on Twitter, face to face.  It was also lovely to meet Reid, one of my fellow KidsedchatNZ co-coordinators in person. And it was great to catch up with people I already know!

The Smackdown got underway, which I found to be very interesting and worthwhile.  I consider myself lucky when receiving a wee gift for contributing to the 'Smackdown.'

Sonya gathered all the TeachMeetNZ participants [present] together for a photo opportunity.

Afterwards, I wandered over to the wall to explore the options of what my next learning will involve.  I was however stopped by some teachers who wanted to learn more about blogging and using apps with students (after listening to me presenting my slides). So, I've ran a session with some teachers and received some positive feedback.

Amazingly, the sharing did not stop at the end of the session.  I also got involved in a twitter discussion with Sam afterwards as well as replying to a request from Alex

I've also supported Reid when he ran a session on KidsedchatNZ

At the end of the day...

Here is my Storify of this wonderful day (which you can also view at EduCampAKL).

~ "We should not only use the brains we have, but all that we can borrow." 
- Woodrow Wilson ~

Teacher Agency & my Quest for Further Learning

This week's #edchatNZ topic was Teacher agency - What is it? Why do we need it? And how do we build it?
My Storify shows the great discussions happening around these questions and the wonderful ideas shared by all the awesome educators taking part.

However, as always in my quest for further learning, I was lead to this captivating post by Jackie Gerstein, Ed.D: Teacher Agency: Educators moving from a Fixed to a Growth Mindset.

~ "Your life as a teacher begins the day you realize that you are always a learner." - Robert Johan Meehan ~

An #eFellow14 Storify

This is a snapshot of our three day Master Class #2 in Christchurch.

A more detailed blog post will follow soon!

~ I'll look back on this and smile, because it was life and I decided to live it. - Anonymous ~

In Charge of my Learning

Just back from an amazing and full on three days of learning with the 2014 CORE eFellows (Tim, Anne, Bec, Rowan, Vicki, Ben) and our mentors (John & Louise) in Christchurch, I was on my way to the Educamp in Hawkes Bay, which was organised by Juliet, Maurice and Rohan.

Coming home on a Friday evening and then having to get up very early the next morning, is not easy, but that is exactly what a passionate educator do.  I give up my time (with my family) to learn from, to engage and connect with other professionals.  

What is the reason why so many of us are doing this? I think it is because we are aware of the fact that we are playing a critical role in enabling the educational achievement of all of our learners, and therefore we need to keep on learning ourselves.

Around 80 educators were gathered from around the North Island.  The wisdom was in the room with great conversations led and inspired by passionate educators.

We started off with the usual Smackdown, where some attendees shared something they thought was useful and worthy of mention. I was grateful to hear beforehand from Tim, that there was a slide with my name added to it, to share about #TeachMeetNZ.  Phew, I had to think quickly as to what to say about this amazing project by Sonya and I hope I did it justice.  

After that, we used stickies to indicate our interests to form an 'unconference' for the rest of the day.

As usual, the learning and conversations did not stop when the educamp was over, thanks to my travelling companions Annemarie and Alex.

Evidence that even these discussions are valuable is reflected in this tweet:

It was fabulous spending time with like-minded educators and I am grateful for new connections made. 

~ "The beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take it away from you." - B.B. King ~

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 ~

A different approach to learning

I enjoy introducing my learners to new & different learning opportunities in which they can also have fun.

Last year, my class was involved in the global classroom project called 'The Travelling Rhino's'
Learners were so engaged that I've extended this with having a class production called 'Save the Earth' with much success.

I love this different approach to learning, something that Project Based Learning (I found out) exactly is.

As an ongoing learner and always on the lookout for personal learning opportunities, I read this tweet with great excitement:

With so much learned, this was a twitter chat worthwhile to be involved in.

        ~ "Learning is the only thing the mind never exhausts, never fears and never regrets." 
                                                                                                           - Leonardo da Vinci ~

Culture - Delving beyond the tip of the iceberg via #GlobalClassroom

Last night I participated in my first Global Classroom chat session, as I think culture plays a major role in the vision and values of New Zealand's unique identity.

My involvement in this chat session helped to clear some ideas about culture as well as reaffirmed my view on the importance of beliefs and values of a group of people.  I am convinced that if we treat others with dignity regarding different cultures, positive relationships will be build on trust.  Positive communication is the key.

Thanks to Sonya, who informed me about this chat, I had the privilege of learning more about this valuable topic from all the participants.

~ "No culture can live, if it attempts to be exclusive" - Mahatma Ghandi ~

Digital Leadership via #satchatwc

This morning I'd stumbled upon this Twitter chat, just as it came to a close.  After reading through the timeline, I've decided it would be worthwhile to capture some of the ideas shared. Great for my 'rewindable' learning and everybody else, interested in this topic.

Personalised Learning via #azedchat

Student choice and Personalised Learning....  Here's some ideas worthwhile to refer back to.