Changes in Practice

Not my best work but have just finished reports, gearing up for parent interviews and flying out of NZ on Thursday so here goes….

Feelings:

I have been teaching for 15 years and have studied continuously throughout this time.

I have never felt trepidation before commencing any previous study but I certainly did when commencing Mind lab. The difference for me this time was the ‘digital content’. While I am able to use some digital technology and use it well, I was completely out of my comfort zone.

32 weeks later however, I can’t believe how much digital content I have introduced to my students and how some of them have run with the ideas.

I believe I am now more open to ‘having a go’ in other areas of my life as a result of renewed confidence.

I know I still have a way to go with digital learning but at least the journey has now begun.

So……

What have I learnt –

I knew nothing about coding before this course. I introduced Scratch to the students and they loved it.

I was fascinated by the 3D sculptor and after the students had a play, I used it for creative writing – again this was very successful.

I now use some flipped classroom strategies including using Edpuzzle. I introduced aspects for the flipped classroom to engage a small number of students who were disengaged. This has been very successful. All students say that they have more control over their learning and that their voice is heard more.

My class is now blogging regularly as this study has supported my knowledge around this.

The most important aspect for me though, has been learning how to access relevant, up to date research.

I now follow a group of face book pages and twitter accounts that allow me to stay in touch with what is happening nationally and globally with Special Education.

What next….  

To keep researching ways in which I can use technology to support my special needs students to communicate in a 21^st Century of learners.

To work in a more reflective practice model ensuring that the students learn more collaborative skills, ones that will stand them in good stead for their future, a future that will continually require others support.

On a more personal note I am now contemplating my Masters in Special Education.

To keep adapting the flipped classroom so that students are able to keep adapting the way they learn.
All of the above meet the below criteria.

• Criteria 1: Establish and maintain effective professional relationships focused on the learning and well-being of all ākonga.
• Criteria 2: Demonstrate commitment to promoting the well-being of ākonga.
• Criteria 3: Demonstrate commitment to bicultural partnership in Aotearoa / New Zealand.
• Criteria 4: Demonstrate commitment to ongoing professional learning and development of professional personal practice.
• Criteria 5: Show leadership that contributes to effective teaching and learning. Professional knowledge in practice
• Criteria 6: Conceptualise, plan, and implement an appropriate learning programme.
• Criteria 7: Promote a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
• Criteria 8: Demonstrate in practice their knowledge and understanding of how ākonga learn.
• Criteria 9: Respond effectively to the diverse and cultural experiences and the varied strengths, interests, and needs of individuals and groups of ākonga.
• Criteria 10: Work effectively within the bicultural context of Aotearoa NZ.
• Criteria 11: Analyse and appropriately use assessment and information, which has been gathered formally and informally.
• Criteria 12: Use critical inquiry and problem-solving effectively in their professional practice.” (p.1)