Kia ora bloggers!
Today I began my DFI (Digital Fluency Intensive) journey in the first face-to-face session in over a year! (Thanks Covid 😑).
Our day began with a brief history on how and why Manaiakalani was established. Having worked on the Summer Learning Journey as a Blog Commenter during two of my three university years, I was somewhat familiar with this story but it was a good reminder of why we work to provide students with the tools and opportunities to engage in digital learning.
As a second year BT who started her teaching career in a 1:1 iPad class, within the Ako Hiko Cluster, I have been exposed to a LOT of digital content over the last year and a bit. Because of this, as well as my own personal use of Google over the years, much of what was covered in today's session was familiar to me and I felt confident in using the tools (Chrome, Drive and Docs). However, something I was surprised to learn was how Google Docs can be used as a more creative tool. Prior to today's session I had always found Google Docs to be quite limiting but the tips and tricks Dorothy shared proved me very wrong. Google Drawing or Slides have always been my go-to when creating posters or workflow diagrams for my students but I will definitely be looking to use Google Docs more now that I am aware of what can be achieved. I found Dorothy's tips around how to use tables to format images particularly useful.
Check out the poster I made today, using my new learning:
Another takeaway from today was the Docs formatting tips. Formatting and setting default headings, inserting a table of contents and using Google Explore were all new to me and I look forward to not only sharing these with my students (once we've gotten a handle on Explain Everything (one tool at a time for my little ones 😅)) but using them myself, both in my professional and personal life.
All in all, a good first day at the Auckland F2F DFI course! 🙂
Ka pai Mikey. I'm glad you learnt some new tips for Google Docs. Your poster looks great! I'm glad you can see the benefits of the course for your learners but also for you as a professional. Shout out if you have any questions or feedback about DFI when I'm at school on Tuesdays and Wednesdays this term.
ReplyDeleteI also loved these google doc tips Mikey! I am super impressed with your poster. I feel really fortunate to be doing this PLD.
ReplyDeleteKia Ora, Mikey, great to have you with us this term for DFI! I also found it really interesting to look at Docs as a means for creating, as well as word processing. The poster that you've created is great! It's always great when a resource for your own learning can also be used in your class. Well done! Looking forward to working with you over the rest of the cohort.
ReplyDeleteHi Mikey
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comprehensive reflection on the day and what resonated with you. How fabulous to hear that you have been part of the SLJ team and then chose to work at an Ako Hiko school. I look forward to seeing how you harness the power of blogs in your classroom
Dorothy