DFI / Share with Blogs

This week in DFI we were working in our Digital Bubbles to explore blogs and build an infographic about one student's blog.

The class that Manvi is in blog regularly now that they have been set up last year as new bloggers. An infographic about Manvi's blog is below

So why do we get students to blog? 

Blogging is a great way for student's to share their learning. Blogs can be used to teach, inform and/or reflect. 

Students can develop unique and creative content all the while connecting with others. We always talk about writing and having authentic audiences - well here is a way to provide that audience. 

Students can practice their communication and conversation skills when they comment on others' postings or reply to others' feedback on their blogs. Blogging can also help students be positive, thoughtful and helpful when commenting and provide feedback for others.

I have always liked this image from Langwitches. Silvia Rosenthal-Tolisano is a strong advocate of blogging and writes a lot about blogging and the advantages of blogging.

Google Certified Educator - Level 2 (recert)

So in my inbox was the notification that I needed to re-certify my Google Level 2. That email arrived way back in Term 1. Shades of college days and leaving it to the last moment, I sat it last weekend 2 days before it expired.

The bit I do want to reflect on is about the way Learn can be amplified and how the use of digital technologies supports us as learners.  Quite timely given that this week in Digital Fluency Intensive the focus is on Learn.

The Google Educator communities are worldwide. This Bootcamp was held by the Global Google Educator Group - Global GEG. And it is as part of this community that I hooked into to swat up for Level 2. I follow the Global GEG on Twitter, @GlobalGEG, and on Facebook. It was in July on Twitter that I saw their post about the up coming Bootcamp for Level 2. Perfect timing!

The Bootcamp was based in the USA so the live event was not a good time for New Zealand but they recorded the Meet and posted it on their Bootcamp Google Site. The site is a "one stop shop". It houses all the resources for Level 1 and Level 2. Because the Meet was recorded I was able to watch it later and not in the middle of the night. The ultimate in rewindable learning - another part of our Manaiakalani kaupapa. 

I actually preferred the rewindable aspect because each recording is just over 3 hours long and there is Day 1 and Day 2 recordings. I watched the Bootcamp recordings on YouTube and was able to fast forward using the arrow keys to the bits I knew I needed to brush up on. A set of slides accompanied the session so it was pretty easy to work out what I needed to do.

 

I marvel at two things from having completed the Bootcamp. One is the generosity of educators who take the time to plan and host something like this Bootcamp which amplifies their learning for the benefit of others. The sharing of knowledge is immense. The other is how technology supports learners in any place, at any time and at any pace. 

I know I passed immediately after the exam which was really speedy, and now all I am waiting for is the official certificate. Good for another 3 years!