How to guide for MLE

Since attending the NZSTA conference in Auckland in June I have been literally dreaming about Modern Learning Environments.. This was due to the workshop I attended run by Amesbury Primary in Wellington.

From this workshop a range of questions related to MLE and Personalized learning have been swirling around my head:

1. What different ideas are there for MLE's?
2. How to introduce an MLE to the class?
3. How to scaffold personalised learning?
4. How much will this cost?
5. What support networks are there for the individual teacher?

Thanks to Tania Coutts and Simone Gentil I have found the best place to start was to create a class and professional blog. This has opened up many doors:

• Twiiter
• Google +
• Stealing ideas of who best to follow :)
• Kids making meaningful/creative suggestions
• Virtual Learning Network (VLN)

I am not a noob when it comes to technology but I have found out very quickly that I am a noob when it comes to social media and virtual networking.... My eyes have  been opened! Question 5 underway :)

Yesterday I received an email from Tania giving me homework for the weekend. I was a little reluctant at the beginning as I already work the vast majority of my weekends but what a surprise..

If you get 10 mins read this: 

http://kurtsoares.blogspot.co.nz/2014/05/the-follow-up.html#comment-form

This young teacher has helped me hugely with Question 2... What an awesome and practical journey he has made. 

Thank you thank you thank you Tania for sending me this blog..

• I love the baby steps approach
• getting the children to design the class, amazing. 
• Awesome to see how minecraft can be used to design a 3D version of the classroom. 

I hate to say it, but this is a 2015 project for me... But I want to start now :(

Te Tai Tokerau Connect - Weaving our Digital Future

Today I had the opportunity to attend some free Profession Develop. It was specifically targeted at learning in a digital age and how this can enhance learning. HUGE thanks to Tania Coutts for bringing this to our attention!

As a team almost the entire teaching staff at Matarau came alone to this conference help at Forum North instead of our Staff Meeting. Well worth the change Scotty!

DT in maths- vanitha govini

Bits and pieces I picked up:
AUTHENTIC REAL LIFE EXAMPLES to enhance children's engagement and retention
Patterns-using real life examples to hook kids in
Trade me- motivator a shared lunch.. Students learning how to do percentages, profits, effective communication

VLN- virtual learning network (Great to know what this means)
http://www.vln.school.nz/groups/profile/799306/e-learning-in-primary-mathematics     please register
Great opportunity to collaborate with other teachers. I can pose questions about independent activities for example
Go into group discussion
Posing a question to the class, allowing them to go away and think about it, then coming back the next day to see where they are at and to discuss in general

Recommended websites:

•  nrich- Great place to find extension questions http://nrich.maths.org/frontpage
• Thinking Blocks- How to unpack Word Problems/tutorials http://www.thinkingblocks.com/
• Digital Learning Objectives- Teaching resources http://nzmaths.co.nz/digital-learning-objects
• e-ako- Practicing basic skills- good for sending homework- Geometry/algebra https://e-ako.nzmaths.co.nz/
• Teacher Tools- http://www.teachertools.co.nz/lessons-and-more/
• Audioboo- Recording studens voice to go along with the story https://audioboo.fm/
• Pinterest- Collation of resources teaching ideas, teacher display ideas http://www.pinterest.com/
• Go maths tools- interactive blocks, counters, tens etc http://www-k6.thinkcentral.com/content/hsp/math/hspmath/na/gr3-5/itools_intermediate_9780547274058_/launch.html
• Interactive sites- maths games http://interactivesites.weebly.com/
• 101 Questions- Training students to generate mathematical questions/thinking using everyday objectives http://www.101qs.com/
• National Library of Virtual Manipulations http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/vlibrary.html

Recommended Apps:

• Popplet lite
• 10 frame fill
• Educreations
• Slide 100/1000
• Number Rack

Check out- Dan Meyer: Math class needs a makeover

Launching learning with google presentations- goo.gl/PSx08u
Tania coutts and Catriona Pene

Why google:
Connectivity
Creativity
Collaboration


LAUNCHING LEARNING
Google is a great tool to launch learning

Watch Simon sinek the golden circle- Ted talk

Who why how and what- great pedagogical framework

Personalised learning
Having a variety of ways for kids to learn...ie watch the teacher, read, watch a video

Universal design for learning- engagement representation for learning
This is about accessibility for reaching everybody

Collaborative google presentations- check it out
Student inquiry same presenters

Setting up google presentations for different areas you are teaching as a motivator
This is to enhance learning.
Really effective for inquiry





Brilliant afternoon of fun learning finished off with wine, beer and nibbles... Well done to the organisation team. Count me in for your next conference.