The DFI is over and the time to reflect on what I have learned along the way is here.
A big thanks to the coaches (obviously Vicki especially), and my groupmates for the collaborative learning, and for sharing the experience.
The exam had me scratching my head a few times, but I got there. Whilst it may be harder, I think that it is good that a more practical exam in future will allow people to put their skills into practice.
I now move forward to the Reading Practice Intensive next term, and it is good to know that there are further workshops and other support I can access through Manaiakalani. I also have Michelle coming in next term to work with my students, which will be great. Being Year 4s they are new to using technology to organise themselves, and are learning a lot in a short time. It has been nice to enjoy that together.
My favourite parts of the course have been:
- The opportunity to learn some tips to create two functioning and enriching Google Sites. One for my class, and one for my own professional development. Having buttons that link to useful apps means that they are always present rather than my past experiences of seeing/using something cool, but then forgetting it 6 months down the line. Having an engaging Site has been empowering for both myself, akonga, and whānau
- Exploring Google Sheets. Through my inquiry as a WST, I will be creating a cultural toolkit for my kura, and will be using Sheets to do this. I don’t have the skills I need yet, but I now feel confident that I have a foundation that I can work from.
- The ease of life tips are probably the biggest base difference the DFI has made. In a time-poor profession, little gains in efficiency are huge, and also help with the engagement of students if you are competent and navigating a digital world. Tidying up my tabs, and creating bookmark folders has made my life so much more organised. It has been huge.
- Some of the new programmes we have been introduced to have been fun and valuable. My Maps, Drawings, Incredibox, Explain Everything, Clipchamp, Pickerwheel and the scavenger hunt have all been great to use in class.
- I still need to organise a free teacher account for Canva. Lexend is a font I use frequently now.
Thanks everyone!