Quadblogging success

Four classes and four teachers thoroughly enjoyed our quad in 2014!  We all agreed that we've made some great connections with each other and our classes.  As such, we've decided that we would like to keep in touch with each other in 2015.

Therefore we will continue our Quadblogging together in 2015 and have decided not to sign up for new quads.

The classess involved are:

• Reefton Area School - Judy McKenzie    
• Clyde School - Steph Kitto
• Eastern Hutt School - Alina Pescini
• Broadlands School - Marnel van der Spuy      

Thank you to Barbs (creator of Quadblogging Aorearoa) for this great opportunity to be part of a blogging community in New Zealand Aotearoa.

PS. If you are still wondering if you should get involved, all I can say is "Go for it, your students will thank you for this opportunity!" 

Enjoy your Quadblogging journey. 

~ "Success is not final, failure is not fatal:  it is the courage to continue that counts." 

- Winston Churchill ~

Virtual Learning Network: 5-day Challenge

I've decided to participate in the VLN 5-day challenge for a bit of fun and because I am not one to shy away from a challenge.

Our challenges were:

• Day 1 - Update your profile page with more details about yourself. Add an image if need be.
• Day 2 - Join two new groups of interest
• Day 3 - Have you found, read and LIKED a post
• Day 4 - Find two new friend, read their profile, click ADD friend and await their reply
• Day 5 - Have you read and responded in a discussion thread of your choice?

What I liked about these challenges set by Tessa Gray?  It was "SMART" (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic/Relevant, Time-bound).

After I eagerly awaited each challenge every morning, it then came as a big surprise that I won as the Ultimate 5 Day Challenge winner. Thank you Tessa & VLN!

"This short presentation gives a quick overview about how these activities can help us (as community members), to get the most our of this professional learning community." - Tessa Gray

~ "Let's put our minds together and see what life we can make for our children" - Anonymous ~

VLN discussions

I was recently asked by a BeL facilitator to join the NE group on the VLN and to run a discussion, as the aim is to try and get some teachers to see what sort of things one can do with e-learning with juniors.

I have decided to start a discussion on 'Blogging with juniors', as this is something that is close to my heart due to the benefits this have for students.
I was amazed that we got our first reply almost immediately after posing a couple of questions!
http://www.vln.school.nz/discussion/view/827120

The other discussion I am running is about 'e-Learning tools for 5 year olds'
http://www.vln.school.nz/discussion/view/827279

What a privilege to be part of this excellent discussions where other teachers are able to share their thoughts.

A huge thank you to all the contributors.

e-Member of the week

In March 2013, I've decided to sign up for the (VLN) Virtual Learning Network. I became a member of a number of groups which is of interest to me, with my main focus to share and learn from other amazing people.

By being part of the VLN, I have access to free PD over many weeks/months on topics that is of interest to me and of which are being catered for my needs.  Best of all, they are not bound to place or time!

I really enjoy being part of this collaborative virtual professional learning and development, which takes place outside of school and in my own time and most importantly, I have the ability to bring what I am learning back into my school, to the  benefit of students and colleagues.

Therefore, when reading the e-Learning Round-Up | 31 July 2013 http://www.vln.school.nz/blog/view/823120/e-learning-round-up-31-july-2013, I felt very honoured and privileged to be named as e-member of the week.

Thank you to all the wonderful people on the VLN who have made this possible for me!