NZ e-Learning pedagogy: What does a New Zealand teacher in 2014 and beyond look like?

This is something that needs to be the top priority of all schools. We need to understand what it means to educate in 2014 and how that looks. We need to ask the question "Who are our students in 2014?". It astounds me that these questions are not being openly raised and discussed at all levels. If they are being discussed can somebody please direct me to where these conversations are, I would be fascinated to follow them.

Gaming

I've been a believer of gaming in education for quite some time now. I have used it in my own teaching and I have been surprised at the number of parents/adults who are engaged in gaming yet freak out when it is used in education. Daphne Bavelier is brain specialist who has had great and insightful ideas about gaming.

Q and A | Sir Ken Robinson

I love this guy. He should be compulsory viewing for all educators

The 21st Century Student

 I love this. It is a wonderful presentation, it is timely and it asks the question that  we all need to be asking ourselves, our colleagues and our leaders.

The best "What I Am"

<br> This is a presentation made by the students in my class. They had spent a week using the lyrics from Will.IAms "What I Am" as a text for their guided reading. As part of their learning they were required to share what they believed the text meant in any form of their choice. This group decided to make a move using imovie. I'm very proud of the collaborating and planning that was involved in creating this presentation in the short time that they had. I hop you enjoy.

Digital Literacy

A wonderful resource created by Madeline Campbell

Created with Padlet

Using popular music to energise reading lessons

Next week I am going to introduce popular music to my reading lessons. It is something I have discussed with my students but have yet not had the confidence to introduce. The students were very receptive to the idea and have been looking forward to it happening, however the biggest issue has been my confidence. And it is this that raises an important issue for me as I reflect on my teaching practice. After eleven years as a teacher, I have come to believe that much of what we teach and much of what we do as teachers could be improved if we had the courage to question our practice. I believe it could be improved if we had leaders who had the courage and were prepared to question what we do. It is for that reason that I have been reluctant to introduce the use of popular song lyrics as valid texts for my students to use in their guided reading lessons. I have been too concerned with what my colleagues would say. I have been too concerned with having to justify my use of song lyrics and defending the already existing perception of being the "lone nut" in my work place. But next week I put those concerns and fears aside and introduce my students into the wonderful world of "Will.I.Am" and other important popular artists. I hope and expect to see increased levels of enthusiasm and engagement in my guided reading lessons and I hope to see an increased level "buy-in" from my students. Wish me luck and if you ever read this post, please let me know what your thoughts are on this topic.

Post #1 Long Overdue

This blog has been created as a place to share my journey as a teacher. As a teacher I strive to provide my students with a learning experience that is rich in enjoyment. I aim to provide an environment where my students feel free to create and share their learning in a variety of ways that best suits their style. And above all I try to create an environment which allows the students to take as much ownership of their learning as they can. This is my first post and is long overdue. To make up for a bit of lost time I have provided a presentation of some of the things we have been doing so far this year. I will continue to post work that my students have produced and I ask that you provide feedback that helps me to improve on what I'm doing. I look forward to hearing from you.