External Recognition
First things first .. I have completed my external recognition exam! I am sure I am not alone when I say phew I am pleased that I have crossed that hurdle!
Reflecting over the past nine weeks many things stand out for me about the course. There were many take away "aha" moments. I enjoyed learning practical skills to make my life as a teacher easier and engage and enthuse students through the use of creative, interactive digital apps such as slides, doc and sites.
The opportunity to be part of the 2021 Cohort 1 DFI has been a gift. To be able to take time; a day each week toward enhancing my own learning for the sake of growing my knowledge and that of student betterment has been such a gift. Having time, which is so precious to busy teachers, and to be supported by a network of talented DFI support facilitators has been fantastic. The learning has been current, applicable and necessary. I enjoyed the learning throughout the 9 weeks but what really cemented the relevancy of utilising the suite of Google apps/extensions were Dorothy Burt's weekly discussions around the pedegogy and kaupapa of Manaiakalani. I have gained a much better understanding of "why digital?" particularly, the importance of ubiquitous learning to allow each and ever student an equal and fair playing field for learning, creating and sharing.
Along with Dorothy's weekly informative, inspirational talks, I really enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about Google sites. The analogy of a shop window inspired me to get more creative with my own class site to hopefully engage and foster student and whanau ownership for learning.
Dorothy and her team of fabulous, patient, knowledgeable digital facilitors have done a phenomenal job in bringing everyone together using Google Meet and organising bubble groups to assist and support us with learning. Apart from sitting together in one room and having an opportunity to discuss matters face to face in person, I do not think you could or need to improve upon anything. I personally enjoyed the distance learning and being able to learn with others across a Google meet platform all while in the comfort in my own home.
Thank you for such a well thought out, run course.
My fingers are now crossed in anticipation for my external recognition results. I hope to be able to proudly display both the external recognition and DFI badges soon on my blog.
