The focus on empowerment for teachers/learners and whanau was very real and a stark reminder of the inequity in some of our communities. Manaiakalani and the kaupapa and our place in it is even more precious. It is the beacon of light and hope for us all.
The new Digital Technologies Curriculum aligns so well with the Manaiakalani Outreach programme which aims to support "teachers to learn how digital technologies used effectively can have a significant impact on accelerating achievement outcomes." The evidence can be found in students' writing achievement, the research and data collated on student blogging and the positive impact in reducing the summer slide are some of the areas where we are celebrating significant upward trends. Creating space for students to gain digital fluency through the Learn/Create/Share pedagogy of Manaiakalani has to be the best possible outcome for everyone.
Deep Dive into the Future of Tech was both exciting and somewhat alarming. The Boston Dynamics' Big Dog conducting rescues in places that would otherwise be hard to get to.
The moral machine as a platform for making moral decisions was also alarming when placed in the position of needing to make major decisions. I was somewhat relieved to have this part over but it does emphasis the real life issues that face many people.
Exploring Coding: I have extreme doubts about my brain being wired for this. I navigated my way around Scratch and made a good start until I had to find ways to make the purple character move. Long after the end of the session I was still trying to make it move. I've decided it's another holiday job or I'll never complete this blog or get to work tomorrow. I have seen the children experimenting with Makery and marvel at what they do. Perhaps I'll join them again on the next round. It is wonderful to be a learner and to have some idea of what it is like to learn another language.
Thank you to Dorothy and team for another day of excellent facilitation. Arohanui Raina
Kia ora Raina,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your reflections on coding. I too struggled to get into the thinking about how to do it and had many attempts to get into coding. I don't think it will be my go to area but I have found that in trying again and again I have gained some fluency and can teach others at a basic level. I agree, we are just like our learners and it is good to be in that position.
Arohanui,
Maria
Thank you Maria
ReplyDeleteIt has been an incredible journey and one I wouldn't have missed. Take good care and have a wonderful break if possible.
Arohanui Raina