April Fools Day/ End of term 'wrap up' ...Owhata style

1 principals' office all wrapped up...

Is this 'blending in with your environment?'

Secret Squirrels... camouflaged into the background...you can't see us, you can't see us...

RECT RTLB PLD

ipad lessons etc

http://www.scoop.it/t/ipad-lesson-ideas

Modern learing environment reading...

Thanks Robyn for sending me the link...


http://www.karentuiboyes.com/2015/03/modern-learning-environments-the-underlying-philosophy-to-success/

5 top reasons to use technology in classrooms.....

https://www.voniz.com/articles/top-five-reasons-to-use-technology-in-classrooms/

Here are five reasons that will help understand why technology based classrooms are growing

Kids Love Technology

Isn’t that true? Don’t kids just lap up whatever technology you give to them? Why not use technology to helplearning happen? Instead of using the regular pen and paper and not getting enough engagement, its time schools adopted technology. Include iPads, smart devices etc. to enable learning.

Engages Students

There is no denial in the fact that kids who love technology also get engaged with studies faster when you attempt using technology for the same. There is engagement, enhanced learning, participation and better community activities. So, basically you have learning happening easily, and there is a lot more self learning happening in a structured way.

Professional Development Strengthens

Again when technology is used in the classrooms, the kids tend to learn and develop their skills. Remember technology allows them to practice whatever they learn. This way they are slowly getting prepared for the real world!

Eases a Teacher’s Life

Now, everything can be done online! No more checking the sheets and grading the kids. All the teachers need to do is plan the tests and put them up online. The kids can attempt these tests, and get their grades immediately. This leaves enough room for PTA and planning of school work. God! Now teachers can relax too!

Convenience of Learning

When kids are allowed to move ahead at their own pace, and are not dictated by teachers, the learning happens. They, in fact manage to work their ways better! A better and convenient learning environmentallows these kids to improve their scores and get better grades. Technology not just engages them but also makes them get good marks.

iTunesU

Such a full on intense 2 days of learning! The potential is awesome...and I'm sure once I get my head around it I'll see even more possibilities. All I need now is an iPad and a Mac book....

Things that have stuck out about my time here. ...

The amount of homeless I've seen... 

The amount of people at the gym across the road...so tiring watching them...

The size of our room at the hotel...i was sitting in the corner of the room taking the photo.

Arrive at restaurant... and this is the cutlery?

yes...serial killer did run through my mind...

Felt almost 'caveman-ish' ... men bringing around large skewers of meat and cutting it for you LOL 

Day 1 lunch. .. was near the last in line so I missed out on a plate lol

Is it a good sign when u get your name tag and your name is upside down?

ITunesU in Auckland - the view from the balcony... and the balcony. LOL

Doesn't that look cool!
....and here's our balcony....

yep - that's it ... not much bigger than the size of a washing machine LOL

Found it! It was hiding from us

Finally found it!!! after searching high and low....

It was hiding from us the whole time. 

very cool website of resources made by teachers for teachers.

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com

Whanau Fun Night

Whanau Fun Night was an opportunity for students and their whanau to come to school for a picnic dinner and meet the teachers.

First Te Reo Maori PLD

A day of I.C.T. - developing a school strategy.

Spent my Friday at school, helping to develop a school strategy for e-learning... jeepers! it's such a huge task. On the bright side - I did manage to get a class inventory checklist to all teachers... with the bribe of chocolate if it is returned by Monday. Also created a inventory summary table - for a 'one glance' overview.

Going through the J.A.M test with Amanda today.

Maths target groups staff meeting.