Digitally Fluency Intensive: Session 1

Today I began my journey with Digital Fluency Intensive learning.

I enjoyed learning about how teachers in the Manaiakalani cluster started out with only a few devices in the classroom and refined their practice through literacy circles. This enabled me to see in my own practice how I can slowly improve my ability to use devices effectively in the classroom by changing the way I implement new learning, reflecting on what worked well and what needs to change. I was reminded about how the "Learn, Create, Share" pedagogy is an effective practice that does not require digital devices but is enhanced by them.

The wānanga around Google Docs was informative and gave background knowledge as to why we use certain functions. I was not aware that we shouldn't underline our headings, as this should only be used for hyperlinks. I found that use of applying the formatting for headings to all headings are very useful function to carry into my teaching. The learning today reminded me of the importance of how I use Google docs with the students matters and to do it correctly. I had always thought some of the functions I used would be too difficult for my students, however after reflecting on it, I have realised it is very important to teach it correctly so my students do not have to unlearn bad habits.

Using Google Docs for creative purposes is something I had never considered before. Using tools such as remove.bg  to remove the background to create a cleaner look when designing posters and infographics, this will help me in the creation of multimodal texts, designing instructions and posters for my classroom. I enjoyed being able to align the text and pictures by using a table to put each in image in.

                    

I designed the poster above for one of my students who needs simple and clear instructions. I wanted the poster to covey what they needed to do and be a size that is usable at their desk, so they do not have to keep looking up to copy and read. Next week I plan to use eyes on text as a tool to increase the fluency of my readers and give them more opportunities to practice reading aloud. I hope it will  encourage my students to take notice of punctuation when reading aloud, as they have to clearly state it when recording using voice to type tool.

I look forward to learning about how to effectively use digital devices in the classroom and reflecting on what changes I need to make to improve my practice as a kaiako.