tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71252394980815421102024-03-13T17:55:49.118+10:00The Teaching RiverTeacher exploring learning, education, challenges, growth and reflections. Always learning and sharing.jdtriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168355389760083718noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125239498081542110.post-48491263775489264032016-09-20T23:09:00.000+10:002016-09-20T23:09:47.784+10:00Digital Artefact & Exegesis Assessment task for MastersFirst assessment task for #INF532 involved creating a digital artefact and writing an exegesis on it.
<em><strong>The Connected 10 Educator Challenge</strong></em>
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<em><strong>Exegesis </strong></em></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<b>The Connected 10 Educator Challenge</b></h2>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Introduction</span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">The Connected 10 Educator Challenge is a learning artefact that has been designed to support teachers in their journey to understand why and how they can become connected educators. It has become a fundamental requirement for modern educators to become 21st-century learners where they take control of their own professional development and how they foster connections with the world. The environment that students and educators are interacting with is constantly evolving, with rapid technological advancements, greater access to information and the exponential growth of social media platforms fuelling it. With the interconnectedness of our world, people need to learn to communicate, collaborate, and problem solves with people worldwide (Saavedra & Opfer, 2012, p. 8) Ball & Forzani also agree that this new dynamic society requires innovative uses of technology, and a much greater emphasis on collaboration and problem solving (2009, p. 497). Haste (2009) further supports this when she describes the 21st-century student as a collaborative tool user who needs a new brand of competencies to thrive within a changing environment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">For many educators it can be a daunting task to begin this journey as a modern educator in a hyperconnected environment. The connector 10 educator challenge is a learning artefact that will allow educators the opportunity to explore a range of different tools and platforms to realise the full potential of being a connected educator. The artefact explores a range of tools such as twitter, Google+, Facebook. Blogs, TeachMeets and much more. The different sections are designed to allow exploration and development of skills. It is important that educators develop these connected networks, and develop their skills in different areas. Tom Whitby’s (2015) view highlights that “the gap between teacher and student will continue to widen if the educator's’ mindset for learning does not evolve”, further strengthens the idea that educators need to change. The educators themselves are the key to any changes that are required, and this needs to be addressed by focusing on allowing time to explore, to experiment and develop a mindset that is focused on creating a more networked, collaborative, and self-directed educator.</span></div>
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<b>Artefact Design</b></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">The artefact has been designed on the platform Tackk, which allows for the integration of various forms of digital media, text and other tools, to facilitate the collection of resources and sections that form the Connected 10 Educator Challenge. The contents are designed in a sequential format to allow the educators that interact with it. Tackk platform allows the Connected 10 Educator Challenge to be improved over time by adding more resources and updating it when required, ultimately making it a more dynamic resource. It is designed to be able to be shared on different social media accounts, and can also be copied by Tackk users and repurposed for their own learning environments.</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">It starts with an overview of the artefact challenge, followed by the ten different sections. These sections are designed around learning and trialling new tools to become a more connected educator. Each individual section includes either video, links to further reading or how-to guides; at the end of each section, there is a challenge to allow for the development of skills, confidence and be reflective of their practice. This artefact is designed to be a manageable challenge and progressive development of abilities. The idea for a Connected learning artefact is a blend of inspiration from the connected educator month, various Twitter guides, and mostly through interactions with educators. Many have admitted that their biggest problems with being a connected educator are; that they are scared, they do not know how to use the tools, and they don’t have the time. The Connected 10 Educator Challenge’s inspiration concept has developed into a practical resource that educators can interact with and allow them to build their confidence in the connected environments. It is designed to allow educators the opportunity to explore these tools, but also make them be reflective of their practice as they go along. It is also designed to be flexible in nature, meaning that is can be done daily, weekly or as a self-paced challenge. </span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Artefact Context</b></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">Knowledge building is considered a foundational aspect of learning (Lindsay, 2016a), and the artefact is designed to build the knowledge of an individual, but also contribute to the collective knowledge of a group. The artefact considers that the physical aspect is, in fact, more a virtual aspect, where an educator has the opportunity to explore and learn about a range of new tools. The artefact is designed to engage the individual through interactive videos, various readings, links and engaging with the various challenges. This results in real world learning where the individual is required to utilise the various ideas and respond to them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">The ‘Information Society’ relies on constant access and transmission of information, because information inherently wants to be free (Lindsay, 2016b). The belief that we have entered ‘Information Overload’ is not new, but with the digital era that is evolving it can become amplified. As educators we need to make a choice in the digital era to collectively reimagine learning (Nussbaum-Beach & Hall, 2012) and how we manage this torrent of information. The artefact is designed to facilitate the management of information, streamlining it for the participants into meaningful and manageable chunks. </span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">The main context of the artefact is the exploration of networks and connected learning, and as Howard Rheingold (2011) explains it that “understanding how networks work is one of the most important literacies of the 21st century”. Learning to collaborate with others and connect through technology essential skills in a knowledge-based economy (Lindsay, 2016a). The importance of digital literacies in how people use their social networks in a constant cycle to connect to their friends, family, and others becomes a crucial skill to address. Individuals are connected in more ways than can be imagined and it is shaping their access to networks of information. The learning artefact supports this because it focuses on the creation of contexts where individuals are learning in a networked age, where connecting, growing and navigating networks becomes key driver in a knowledge-based economy (Lindsay, 2016b). </span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">Thomas and Seely Brown (2011) contends that information is a networked resource, where engaging with information becomes a cultural and social process of engaging with the constantly changing world. The theory of Connectivism further explains that learners create new knowledge through more efficient and effective network connections, and it increases the motivation for self-directed learning. George Siemens (2011) explains that the focus on connections requires that learners be exposed to elements that extend beyond the classroom and allow for real-life experience.</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">As part of the design context, there is a distinct focus on utilising a range of tools, not just one particular medium. The artefact follows what Cook (2012) believes in that there is a movement towards the concept of learning all the time and everywhere, and this concept of a constant state of learning creates a new paradigm for learning (p. 48). This puts us in the position to connect; identify and access information from our networks (McClure, 1994). Furthermore, the artefact is designed to support the concepts of peer-to-peer learning where groups of like-minded individuals working together to develop their knowledge and expertise by implementing new ideas and insights from shared experiences (Lindsay, 2016c).</span></div>
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<b>Critical exposition </b></h3>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<b>The Why</b></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">The artefact is designed to introduce educators to different ways to connect and build their own PLN. At the heart of the artefact is the need to build a Personal Learning Network (PLN). Lieberman & Pointer-Mace (2009) propose that ubiquity of technology and social networking resources provide a means for networked learning to scale up (p. 77), and thus create these PLN’s. As Patnoudes (2012) describes it, “a PLN is a system for lifelong learning” and the need is to realise that PLN’s are inherently designed to be personal experiences. A PLN consists of a network of individuals that all contribute in some form to the development of an individual's learning and growth. Will Richardson states that ‘everyone’s network will look different’ (Richardson, 2007) and Buchanan (2011) notes, “at the heart of a PLN are people.. from whom you can learn and with whom you, in turn, can share and converse.” (p. 19). </span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">The idea of a PLN mirrors the dynamics of a ‘community of practice’ (COP), where Wenger (Lieberman & Pointer-Mace, 2009, p. 79) described the idea that most people learn in these “communities of practice” through connecting and collaborating. A community of practice is all about the groups of people who share a concern or passion for something they do, and they then learn how to do it better as they interact more with one another (Wenger, 2012). A PLN requires interaction and participation, it grows and changes over time to reflect individual requirements and interests.</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">For these reasons the artefact is focused on providing an opportunity for the flattening of hierarchies and boundaries as they overrun traditional connections and taxonomy (Pegrum, 2010). This personalised collaboration and informalisation through a network are at the core of learning in the future (Redecker et al, 2011). The artefact is exposing participants to the creation of knowledge through a more social and connected activity.</span></div>
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<b>The What</b></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">The Connected 10 Educator Challenge is divided into 10 sections, each with a particular focus on developing skills and knowledge. The goal is creating a participatory and collaborative culture that surpasses the connections they previously had access to formal learning environments such as schools (Kumasi, 2014, p. 9). The research by Igel & Urquhart (2012) supports this aspect that social and constructivist learning theories assert that humans acquire and extend knowledge through interaction with one another (p. 16). </span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">The sections include social media platforms Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and LinkedIN; but also creation/consumption tools such as Blogging, Podcasts and Youtube. These websites consist of millions of active users worldwide and are focused on sharing information/knowledge. The tool sections have a comprehensive guide and links to assist people in using them, but they do require participants to be active in using them. The daily/weekly challenges are set to make make sure that educators understand that knowledge can be obtained through valuing the diversity of opinion because the connections between many sources can lead to new knowledge (Cook, 2012, p. 48).</span></div>
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<b>The How</b></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">The challenges are focused on building the connections through reflective and active exploration. The secret to the success of this will be making sure that relationships are the primary focus and as Steve Wheeler (2012) states, “a PLN is to keep in touch, to maintain a dialogue with their community of practice.” These challenges are intentional and have the purpose of improving learning through connecting. The creation of a PLN allows the members to amplify their intelligence (Siemens, 2008). The need is to understand what it means to be a learner within a connected world to support the students in schools, and this is where the challenges help build this understanding.</span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Conclusion </span></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: 400;">The Connected 10 Educator Challenge is a learning artefact designed to lead to further conversations and connections, because in a network age, your influence depends on your degree of connectedness (Pegrum, 2010). The artefact is designed to be personalised, focused on an organic and ever-changing PLN that contributes through sharing knowledge. Ultimately Knowledge networking is about working and sharing common interests with a network of like-minded professionals, and this artefact challenge pushes unconnected educators to explore new paradigms of learning. The design of the artefact offers the flexibility to adjust, adapt and improve the artefact; with space for others to add resources, links and new knowledge to the artefact over time. The importance of being a connected educator in a global knowledge age is fundamental to the success and development of an educator.</span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<b>References</b></h2>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">Ball, D. L., & Forzani, F. M. (2009). The work of teaching and the challenge for teacher education. </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Journal of teacher education</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">60</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">(5), 497-511.</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">Buchanan, R. (2011). Developing a personal learning network (PLN). [online].</span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Scan</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">, 30(4), 19-22; Retrived from http://search.informit.com.au.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/fullText;dn=189317;res=AEIPT</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">Cook, V. (2012). Learning everywhere, all the time.</span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Delta Kappa Gamma Bulletin, 78</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">(3), 48-51. Retrieved from </span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/docview/1030422997?</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">accountid=10344</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">Haste, H. (2009). </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Technology and Youth: Problem Solver vs. Tool User (part 1 of 4)</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> [Video File]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/yzros5qlj44</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">Igel, C., & Urquhart, V. (2012). Generation Z, meet cooperative learning. </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Middle School Journal</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">43</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">(4), 16-21.</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">Kumasi, K. (2014). Connected Learning: Linking Academics, Popular Culture, and Digital Literacy in a Young Urban Scholars Book Club. </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Teacher Librarian</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">41</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">(3), 8.</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">Lieberman, A., & Mace, D. P. (2009). Making Practice Public: Teacher Learning in the 21st Century. </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Journal Of Teacher Education</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">61</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">(1-2), 77–88. doi:</span><a href="http://doi.org/10.1177/0022487109347319"><span style="font-weight: 400;">10.1177/0022487109347319</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">Lindsay, J. (2016a). A new paradigm. [INF532 Module 1.3]. Retrieved July 28, 2016, from</span> <a href="https://interact2.csu.edu.au/bbcswebdav/pid-973234-dt-content-rid-2207729_1/courses/S-INF532_201660_W_D/module1/1_3_new_paradigm.html"><span style="font-weight: 400;">https://interact2.csu.edu.au/bbcswebdav/pid-973234-dt-content-rid-2207729_1/courses/S-INF532_201660_W_D/module1/1_3_new_paradigm.html</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">Lindsay, J. (2016b). Information environments. [INF532 Module 1.3]. Retrieved July 28, 2016, from</span> <a href="https://interact2.csu.edu.au/bbcswebdav/pid-973234-dt-content-rid-2207729_1/courses/S-INF532_201660_W_D/module1/1_1_Info_enviro.html"><span style="font-weight: 400;">https://interact2.csu.edu.au/bbcswebdav/pid-973234-dt-content-rid-2207729_1/courses/S-INF532_201660_W_D/module1/1_1_Info_enviro.html</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">Lindsay, J. (2016c). Peer-to-peer learning and knowledge networking. [INF532 Module 3.3]. Retrieved August 18, 2016, from</span> <a href="https://interact2.csu.edu.au/bbcswebdav/pid-973234-dt-content-rid-2207729_1/courses/S-INF532_201660_W_D/module3/3_3%20PeertoPeer_Learning_Knowledge_Networking.html"><span style="font-weight: 400;">https://interact2.csu.edu.au/bbcswebdav/pid-973234-dt-content-rid-2207729_1/courses/S-INF532_201660_W_D/module3/3_3%20PeertoPeer_Learning_Knowledge_Networking.html</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">McClure, C. R. (1994). Network literacy: A role for libraries? </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Information Technology and Libraries</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">, 13(2), 115-125.</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">Nussbaum-Beach, S., & Hall, L. R. (2012). Defining the connected educator. In </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">The connected educator: Learning and leading in a digital age</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (pp. 3-24). Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press.</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">Patnoudes, E. (2012, October 1). </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Why (and how) you should create a personal learning network. </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">[Blog Post]. Retrieved from http://www.edudemic.com/build-personal-learning-network/</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">Pegrum, M. (2010). ‘I Link, Therefore I Am': Network literacy as a core digital literacy. </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">E-Learning and Digital Media</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">, 7(4), 346-354.</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">Redecker, C., Leis, M., Leendertse, M., Punie, Y., Gijsbers, G., Kirschner, P., Stoyanov, S. & Hoogveld, B. (2011). The future of learning: preparing for change. </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rapport Commission Européenne</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Retrieved from http://ipts.jrc.ec.europa.eu/publications/pub.cfm?id=4719</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">Rheingold, H. (2012). Introduction: Why you need digital know-how—Why we all need it. </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Net smart: How to thrive online</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Retrieved from http://mitpress.mit.edu/sites/default/files/titles/content/9780262017459_sch_0001.pdf</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">Will Richardson (2007, December 7). </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Personal learning networks</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> [Video File]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mghGV37TeK8</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">Saavedra, A. R. & Opfer, V. D. (2012). Learning 21st-Century Skills Requires 21st-Century Teaching. </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Phi Delta Kappan</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">94</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">(2), 8–13. doi:</span><a href="http://doi.org/10.1177/003172171209400203"><span style="font-weight: 400;">10.1177/003172171209400203</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">Siemens, G. (2008, September 28). </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">A brief history of networked learning</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Retrieved from </span><a href="http://elearnspace.org/Articles/HistoryofNetworkLearning.rtf"><span style="font-weight: 400;">http://elearnspace.org/Articles/HistoryofNetworkLearning.rtf</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">Siemens, G. (2011) Special Issue - Connectivism: Design and Delivery of Social Networked Learning. </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 2</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">(3), 1-5.</span></div>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Thomas, D., & Brown, J. S. (2011). </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">A new culture of learning: Cultivating the imagination for a world of constant change</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">, Lexington, KY: CreateSpace.</span>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Wenger, E. (2012). </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Communities of practice: A brief introduction</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Retrieved from http://wenger-trayner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/06-Brief-introduction-to-communities-of-practice.pdf</span>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Wheeler, S. (2012, August 17). The importance of being networked [Blog post]. Retrieved September 18, 2016, from http://www.steve-wheeler.co.uk/2012/08/the-importance-of-being-networked.html</span>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">Whitby, T. (2015, January 26). Why Twitter Will Never Connect All Educators [Blog Post]. Retrieved, from https://tomwhitby.wordpress.com/2015/01/26/why-twitter-will-never-connect-all-educators/</span></div>
jdtriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168355389760083718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125239498081542110.post-56815289081082863652016-07-17T22:03:00.000+10:002016-07-17T22:03:48.039+10:00My other blogI have not blogged much here these past six months as I have been very busy with Masters studies, school and various external engagements with conferences. As part of my Masters course I blog on a different platform and I thought I would share some of my posts from there here:<br />
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<a href="http://thinkspace.csu.edu.au/riverflows/2016/05/07/plns-and-digital-citizenship/#.V4tyRGUDtsk.blogger">PLN’s and Digital Citizenship</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #373737; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24.375px;">Over the past 10 weeks doing the ETL523 subject I have found the course to be extremely interesting and challenging at the same time. I know that I have been growing/supporting my own PLN over the past 4 years through</span><a href="https://twitter.com/jdtriver" style="border: 0px; color: #22aacc; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 24.375px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Twitter</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #373737; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24.375px;">, Google+. Blogging, Instagram, Facebook, etc. and learning what it means to be a digital citizen. I have actively worked with my students the past few weeks in developing their understanding of digital citizenship and how they could use social media for learning. They already use Facebook to chat about school, use Skype when discussing work, but now I want to show them the potential of Twitter and other tools to create their own PLN....</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #373737; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24.375px;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://thinkspace.csu.edu.au/riverflows/2016/05/27/growing-connecting/#.V4ty_MIoyCg.blogger">Growing & Connecting</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #373737; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24.375px;">It has been a journey from a basic understanding, to an enlightened disposition on digital citizenship over the past 12 weeks. I have been an active participant online with using PLN’s, managing my digital footprint and recognising the role of creative commons. However, the course has managed to extend my understanding significantly with regards to school leadership and vision, and I have been fascinated by the readings and resources in the course......</span>jdtriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168355389760083718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125239498081542110.post-81497851575148654342016-05-12T12:08:00.000+10:002016-05-12T12:08:54.263+10:00TeachMeet 10thMy story for TeachMeet 10th anniversary.<br />
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I was introduced to TeachMeets by Matt Esterman in 2014 when he asked for presenters for the first TeachMeet at EduTECH. I had never heard of TeachMeets, and knew nothing about it. Initial research and discussions on Twitter quickly opened my world. I came to the TeachMeet very nervously, not knowing quite what to expect, but soon my life was changed. I connected with educators from all over Australia, and even Ewan McIntosh did a presentation and many others that I had interacted with online. Sitting there listening to teachers sharing what they do, their passions, their ideas, and all in short 7-minute sessions was incredible. My own session was a blur, I spoke about how I have used Evernote to create a hybrid class site and make my classroom paperless. I heard Simon McKenzie, a Twitter #histedchat friend, talk on his Ancient history class project, and developed my own take on his project later that year to great success. Simon Crook shared a line that I still remember, "Engage me or Enrage me" with regards to meetings.<br />
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From this first initial TeachMeet I launched TeachMeets in my region, and they have grown over the past two years where others are also starting them up to help extend our teaching networks and help everyone grow. TeachMeets really provide a wonderful platform where teachers can share and connect, and it has truely opened my world.<br />
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Register yours here: <a href="http://bit.ly/teachmeet10">http://bit.ly/teachmeet10</a>jdtriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168355389760083718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125239498081542110.post-52385835734830657652016-01-19T17:58:00.000+10:002016-01-19T17:58:18.592+10:007 YearsToday marks 7 years of living in Australia. On January 19th, 2009, my wife and I stepped onto Australian shores for the very first time in Brisbane. There are many reasons why we decided to move to Australia, and many of our friends have left too, but many have decided to stay and I don't need to go into the reasons why we moved here in this post. I thought I would rather mention some of the reasons why we love being in Australia and love being Australians.<br />
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<b>Opportunities</b><br />
Australia has allowed me to change careers and become a teacher (which I absolutely love). We arrived in Brisbane with roughly $5000 to start again at the age of about 30. The first six months were tough for us, we had to adapt and take any work we could. I had left a well-paid Logistic Manager job, and Jacqui her teaching position of 4 years. I took a job at Cash Converters and Jacqui did relief teaching, and soon we started finding our feet. I decided to change careers and started doing my Post-Graduate Teaching Diploma. Now 5 years into teaching, it has been an amazing change and journey. Now we are both studying again, both doing our Education Masters and looking forward to the next opportunities that unfold.<br />
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<b>Little Miracle</b><br />
We tried to have our first baby through IVF in South Africa twice, both times it failed. After just over a year in Brisbane we had the opportunity to try again, and with government funding for part of it, and we had a miracle. We were a long shot for it working, but in April 2010 while I was on my first ever teaching practicum we found out that Jacqui was pregnant. Our little miracle baby arrived just before New Years on the 30th of December. She is a born and bred Australian, even had her Australian citizenship before us. Now she starts Prep in just over a week and our next chapter with this awesome little girl begins.<br />
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<b>Freedom & Safety</b><br />
Australia is a country that has an incredibly low rate of crime and violence, and we have never felt so safe and relaxed. Living in South Africa before we moved over here is hard to describe, as the intense fear, suspicion, nervousness and distrust is hard to convey in words. Since living here we have outdoors to enjoy, parks and public events, and so much more without the nagging fear that we experienced in South Africa. Many of our friends and family are still there, and they view and experience it differently to how we remember it. Here we are happy and grateful for our lifestyle we can experience.<br />
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<b>Future</b><br />
We look to a future here; where our daughter will grow up and pave her own way; where we will eventually buy a house of our own (after some serious saving for many years), and to where our journey will take us. We are Australians, we are proud to be part of this great nation and how we can contribute to this wonderful country. We are thankful for being part of this great nation, and though we will never forget our roots in South Africa, our friends and family, and memories; we love living in this great country we now call home.jdtriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168355389760083718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125239498081542110.post-76381889386958606192016-01-16T17:30:00.000+10:002016-01-16T18:57:19.017+10:00The year that was - 2015<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="margin: 20px 0px 0px; position: relative;">
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My reflection on 2015</span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;">This past year was a mix of some really wonderful times, and many periods of intense struggle. I have not blogged in months and retracted from Twitter considerably, and there are many reasons for this that I won't go into now and mentioned it briefly in my blog post a few weeks back. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><br /></span> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;">This is my annual recap/self-reflection of the past 12 months. I'm extremely thankful for the wonderful people that have been part of my journey, and the inspiration they have given me and influence they have had on my life.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;">In no particular order, here they are:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><b><br />1 Every Classroom Matters Episode</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">At the end of 2014 I was approached to record an episode with Vicki Davis (@coolcatteacher) for her Educational Podcast show 'Every Classroom Matters' on my 'TweetingAztecs' project. The episode was recorded in January, and what an interesting experience that was doing an interview with someone on the other side of the world. The episode was aired in May (coincidently on my birthday) -</span><span style="line-height: 18.2px;">Lesson Plan: Creative and Wildly Engaging Ways to Teach with Twitter <a href="https://shar.es/16Bmus">https://shar.es/16Bmus</a> </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.bamradionetwork.com/images/1ECMH2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="http://www.bamradionetwork.com/images/1ECMH2.png" height="79" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">It was such an honour to be part of Vicki's show. I have admired her since becoming a teacher and connecting online. She truly is such a wonderful educator that shares so much and inspires many. Check out her show and blog: </span><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><a href="http://www.coolcatteacher.com/">http://www.coolcatteacher.com/</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;">During 2015 I managed to organise 4 Teachmeets in the region, including two successful ones at the University of Southern Queensland Hervey Bay Campus with more than 20 educators attending. I absolutely love Teachmeets and what they stand for, the. The sharing by teachers is always inspirational, helpful and fascinating. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;">I also presented at the first Teachmeet Sunshine Coast in March, and ran TeachMeet session at EduTech and presented at the same event. Teachmeets are definitely part of my future planning for 2016 and to see how we can have more in Queensland.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;">I was privileged to have the opportunity to be a speaker at EduTECH 2015 with Matt Esterman. Originally Simon McKenzie was also going to join us, but unfortunately could not, but he was still a great help with providing resources and support. It was great working with Matt and being part of the Conference. Matt is such a generous and passionate educator, and someone that I love connecting with. He is the one that introduced me to TeachMeets and I'm very happy to call him one of my closest edu-friends. EduTECH was great to attend because I managed to catch up with some edu friends from all around the country. The conversations outside the speakers is what I found the most beneficial and stimulating. </span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Picture by Helen Bremner (<a href="https://twitter.com/MrsHb">https://twitter.com/MrsHb</a>)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><b>4 Engage Summit</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;">I was fortunate to be part of the Engagement Behaviour & Learning Summit at QUT in July. It was a great event organised by <a href="https://twitter.com/drlindagraham" target="_blank">Linda Graham</a>. It was the biggest audience I ever presented before, more than 300 people from all sectors of education. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;">Check out some of the presentations <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/AustAssocResEd/playlists" target="_blank">online.</a> Here is mine on using Social Media with my classes.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><b>5 Masters</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;">I started my </span><a href="http://www.csu.edu.au/courses/master-of-education-knowledge-networks-and-digital-innovation" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Masters with CSU - Knowledge Networks & Digital Innovation</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"> this year and it has been extremely challenging juggling it with everything else. Two subjects down, and six to go. Along the way I managed to get a Distinction with the second subject - Design Thinking with <a href="https://twitter.com/ewanmcintosh" target="_blank">Ewan McIntosh</a>; and having a study partner in Jordan Grant to help and support.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><b>6 Eric Sheninger</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;">In May my school hosted <a href="http://ericsheninger.com/esheninger/home" target="_blank">Eric Sheninger</a> for a workshop after I had made contact with him to set it up. It was great having him here and spending time with an educator that loves sharing his knowledge. The workshop was excellent, and just having him over for a relaxed barbecue was another opportunity to connect and chat. He also presented at the TeachMeet sessions at EduTech, and delivered a great Keynote. I look forward to meeting up again in the future and following along all the great work he is doing.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Eric & Stuart Taylor</td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;">7 #28daysofwriting</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/tombarrett" target="_blank">Tom Barrett</a> challenged people online to join him in doing #28daysofwriting to kickstart some creative and reflective writing of glogs. It was quite a challenge, but I'm so happy that I managed to complete it and write a blog each day. No idea how some people maintain regular blog posts, as I struggle to find the time or inspiration, but this was a good learning month with writing. Might need to challenge myself again to help this blog get a roll on.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><b>8 Other Highlights</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.4;">So much goes on in a school year, and there is so much to be grateful for. My students performed brilliantly and seeing them grow is what makes all this hard work worthwhile every year. I've had the chance to present at another school to share my knowledge of various tech tools, and helped teachers at my school become more proficient with Google tools. I helped a number of teachers write the Google Educator Level 1 exams and more to follow in 2016.There was the first ever Queensland EDCAMP, </span><span style="line-height: 18.2px;">which</span><span style="line-height: 1.4;"> was great to be part of and present at. The #TweetingAztecs project just keeps on going, and I have talked about it on many occasions; now I look at what else I can do. Doing a book review on <a href="http://terpodcast.com/" target="_blank">TER Podcas</a>t, and being on one of the EduTECH episodes was another highlight. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.4;">Lastly; seeing my wife get to half-way point of her School Counselor Education Masters and watching our 4 year old little girl develop, are the closest highlights to my heart. Spending time with my girls is my favourite part of every year.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;">I'm sure I missed a few points; but I know that everything that takes places, the good and bad, makes me into the educator that I'm becoming.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;"><b>In 2016 I'm looking forward to being involved with the 3rd International Heutagogy Conference in Brisbane in May, presenting at the </b></span></span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;">CSA Queensland Conference in July, continuing with my Masters Year 2, organising TeachMeets, daughter starting Prep at the school we both work at and anything else that happens along the journey.</b><br />
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jdtriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168355389760083718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125239498081542110.post-82785998286562623692015-12-23T09:10:00.000+10:002015-12-23T09:10:59.794+10:00RefocusWhere do I start?<br />
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At some point in the last few months, I have struggled to maintain my drive/motivation. There are many reasons behind this and I cannot go into great detail about much, but I'm slowly figuring out more through self-reflection. All teachers probably go through these times and it is important to try and re-establish some focus/goals. I absolutely love teaching, I love my students and seeing them develop and grow over their time with me. I love interacting with my PLN (even though I have been quite absent in recent times) as they inspire, challenge and help me grow. I love my family and the support I get from them. I'm eternally grateful for opportunities that have come along over the past 2 years.<br />
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I think my frustration and disappointment is stemming from seeing what great leadership could look like, how innovative practices can transform learning, how forward-thinking schools are led by leaders that lead and not just managed, seeing inspirational teachers and dedicated professionals inspire thanks to my PLN. Maybe this is just wishful thinking or an unattainable dream, but I hope it is not.<br />
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I want to be able to work where:<br />
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<li>teachers opinions and contributions are valued, </li>
<li>they have input in decisions that affect themselves and their students, </li>
<li>they are part of the solution and help generate it through informed discussions, </li>
<li>remunerated and treated fairly, </li>
<li>respected and allowed to pursue new ideas to benefit their students.</li>
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Many of these points reflect what students are also looking for, and I'm trying my very best to give it to them, even when the systems restrict/hinder me from doing it.</div>
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Students want to be at a school where:</div>
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<ul>
<li>students opinions and contributions are valued</li>
<li>students have a say in the decisions that affect their learning</li>
<li>Students help solve problems/issues, rather than being the problem</li>
<li>they are respected</li>
<li>they are allowed to pursue their passions</li>
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Maybe I'm just rambling, but as I try and figure out where I head to next I need to put it down in words. I think the three parts that have kept me going, and kept me somewhat focused are: my wife and daughter, my students and some key members of my PLN. They are my sources of inspiration, the people that challenge me and help me become a better teacher.<br />
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I'm looking forward to the challenges and adventures that await in 2016 and beyond...<br />
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jdtriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168355389760083718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125239498081542110.post-13298463770580596382015-09-07T20:19:00.000+10:002015-09-07T20:19:32.893+10:00Literature critique for MastersHere is what I have been working on over the past 10 days. My latest assessment piece as part of Master of Education - Knowledge Networks and Digital Innovation degree.<br />
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<script async="true" src="//e.issuu.com/embed.js" type="text/javascript"></script>jdtriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168355389760083718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125239498081542110.post-44659509855781654012015-09-02T22:14:00.002+10:002015-09-02T22:14:34.912+10:00What am I up to? This blog has been exceptionally quiet the past few months. <div>
I have been very busy with my senior students as they near the end of their school careers, presenting at events, running TeachMeets, a GEG Study group and my next unit with Masters program (Education - Knoweldge Networks & Digital innovation). I hope to get back into this blog site and update it with some of my reflections from the events from the past few months when Semester 2 finishes in mid-October. Until then, you can follow along on my Masters Blog site: <a href="http://thinkspace.csu.edu.au/riverflows/">http://thinkspace.csu.edu.au/riverflows/</a> or connect with me on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/jdtriver" target="_blank">@jdtriver</a></div>
jdtriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168355389760083718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125239498081542110.post-71608406352255963962015-06-04T13:40:00.000+10:002015-06-04T13:40:51.137+10:00Educators need to become 21st-century learners <div class="storify">
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="no" height="750" src="//storify.com/jdtriver/educators-need-to-become-21st-century-learners/embed?border=false" width="100%"></iframe><script src="//storify.com/jdtriver/educators-need-to-become-21st-century-learners.js?border=false"></script><noscript>[<a href="//storify.com/jdtriver/educators-need-to-become-21st-century-learners" target="_blank">View the story "Digital Essay for #INF530" on Storify</a>]</noscript></div>
jdtriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168355389760083718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125239498081542110.post-77092961361172006602015-05-29T11:50:00.000+10:002015-05-29T11:50:46.992+10:00My Every Classroom Matters episode with CoolCatTeacherOne of my all time highlights of teaching happened a little while ago. At the end of last year I had a very successful activity that I blogged about - <a href="http://theteachingriver.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/the-tweetingaztecs-project.html" target="_blank">The #TweetingAztecs Project</a>. This caught the attention of Vicki Davis (<a class="ProfileHeaderCard-screennameLink u-linkComplex js-nav" href="https://twitter.com/coolcatteacher" style="background: rgb(245, 248, 250); color: #0084b4; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.5555562973022px; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none !important;"><span style="color: #0084b4; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background: rgb(245, 248, 250); font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.5555562973022px;">@</span></span><span class="u-linkComplex-target" style="background: rgb(245, 248, 250); color: #0084b4; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.5555562973022px; outline: 0px; text-decoration: underline !important;">coolcatteacher</span></a>), one the educators I most admire and have followed online since joining Twitter in 2012. She wanted to interview me for her <a href="http://www.bamradionetwork.com/every-classroom-matters/" target="_blank">BAM Radio Podcast - Every Classroom Matters</a>. I could not believe it, and was so excited for the opportunity. Interview was done in January and published online this month (on my birthday, coincidence?). It was such a privilige and fantastic experience. Have a listen and let me know what you think.<br />
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So, here it is:</div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-transition: color 0.218s; background-color: whitesmoke; cursor: pointer; display: block; line-height: 1.4; max-height: 157px; overflow: hidden; text-overflow: ellipsis; transition: color 0.218s;"><a href="http://www.bamradionetwork.com/every-classroom-matters/2968-teaching-strategy-enabling-students-to-game-their-way-to-literacy-2" target="_blank">Lesson Plan: Creative and Wildly Engaging Ways to Teach with Twitter - BAM! Radio Network</a></span></span><a class="d-s ot-anchor zg" href="http://www.bamradionetwork.com/every-classroom-matters/2968-teaching-strategy-enabling-students-to-game-their-way-to-literacy-2" rel="nofollow" style="-webkit-transition: color 0.218s; background-color: whitesmoke; color: #404040; cursor: pointer; display: block; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 1.4; max-height: 157px; overflow: hidden; text-decoration: none; text-overflow: ellipsis; transition: color 0.218s;" tabindex="0" target="_blank"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.bamradionetwork.com/every-classroom-matters/2968-teaching-strategy-enabling-students-to-game-their-way-to-literacy-2" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrJwHr2EG0qygo-De9T-QWF1ua7OM6wjybt6rK58yo8x8mcZEhbypBIIFcyCrVl5ChyphenhyphenkJTYuQw7tVcwMcVnODDDbXZ0K-kxUubTTQ5OfF11_-LENyVY-MLk872ZiOlyVEvBy5TjSvWEa7s/s320/Screen+Shot+2015-05-29+at+9.36.15+am.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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This whole project and interview would not have been possible without the power of my PLN, TeachMeets, <a href="https://twitter.com/connectedtchr" target="_blank">Simon McKenzie</a>, my students, Vicki Davis, <a href="https://twitter.com/Durff" target="_blank">Lisa Durff</a> and BAM Radio. Thank you all for helping me grow as a teacher and allowing me to share my passion.<br />
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Looking forward to more Australian educators feauturing on her show. </div>
jdtriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168355389760083718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125239498081542110.post-75905169749632916462015-05-27T21:56:00.002+10:002015-05-27T21:56:48.164+10:00Scholarly Book Review of Digital Leadership – Changing Paradigms for Changing Times by Eric Sheninger<h3>
<b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: 115%;">Concepts and Practices in a Digital Age, Charles Sturt University, </span></b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: 115%;"><b>Scholarly Book Review</b></span><span style="text-align: center;"> Assessment, originally published on my <a href="http://thinkspace.csu.edu.au/riverflows/2015/04/20/scholarly-book-review-of-digital-leadership-changing-paradigms-for-changing-times-by-eric-sheninger/" target="_blank">CSU Thinkspace Blog</a></span></h3>
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<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;">Review of <i>Digital Leadership - Changing Paradigms for Changing Times</i></span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> by Eric Sheninger</span></b></h3>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;">Integration of digital technology into education has come to the forefront this century and it has become clear that educators of all levels need to adapt to serve learners in this new digital age. Change is required and Eric Sheninger explores in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Digital Leadership - Changing Paradigms for Changing Times</i> how educators can successfully and practically use technology to transform school cultures and create sustainable change. In <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Digital Leadership </i>he shares personal experience, insights and examples of how educators have harnessed the power of technology to transform schools, and he establishes a framework to guide educators in becoming digital leaders. This review will focus on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Digital Leadership’s </i>role in providing a compelling argument and methods to initiate sustainable change, simultaneously acknowledging trends in information and knowledge environments that are created by social and technological changes in the digital age. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;">Eric Sheninger is a Senior Fellow and Thought Leader on Digital Leadership with the International Center for Leadership in Education. At time of publication of this book he was Principal of New Milford High School, New Jersey, where he had extensive experience in developing and implementing innovative practices with tremendous success. The practical examples lends to the authenticity and strength of the book. The book is aimed at school leaders, however the framework can be applied to classroom teachers too. It is broken up into two distinctive parts; the first part focuses on why a change is required, whilst in the second part he shares his ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Seven Pillars of Digital Leadership</i>’ in separate chapters. They are: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">communication, public relations, branding, professional growth and development, increasing student engagement and enhancing learning, rethinking learning environments and spaces, and discovering opportunity. </i>These pillars are aligned to the 2009 International Society of Technology in Education’s (ISTE) National Educational Standard for Administrators and provide the framework for technological changes in the digital age.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;">Sheninger believes that school leaders need to acknowledge that modern learners are ‘wired’ differently, and their learning styles are in conflict with traditional teaching methods (2014, p. 15). There has been a societal shift in technology use, with social media, mobile devices and online communication driving a new knowledge ecosystem (O’Connell, 2015). This is supported by research from the PEW Research Center's Internet & American Life Project that finds,<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>“</span><a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=http://pewrsr.ch/1E6RQLr&text=92%25%20of%20American%20teens%20go%20online%20daily%2C%20including%2024%25%20who%20go%20online%20%27almost%20constantly.%27"><span style="background: white; color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">92% of teens report going online daily — including 24% who say they go online almost constantly”</span></a><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;"> and that the internet is a central and indispensable part in the lives of American teens and young adults (Lenhart, 2015). He utilises research from Childwise, Bloomberg, Strategy Analytics, mobiThinking, MacArthur Foundation, and others to explain the changing dynamics in accessing technology.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;">A new culture of learning is developing, where information is networked and where participation is reshaping the way individuals learn (Thomas & Brown, 2011). Technology is driving this change, and this is why Sheninger believes it is so important to create learning experiences that are flexible, adaptable and that creates new skills in students for the twenty-first century. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Digital Media and Learning Hub</i> supports this with their model of connected learning; which contends that connected learning involves an equal, social and participatory culture (Connectedlearning.tv, 2015). Sheninger explains that understanding how learners in the twenty-first century use technology is key to developing a school culture that will best meet the needs of students. Patricia Collarbone (2009), in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Creating Tomorrow</i>, supports the view that managing and leading the modernisation is required through an effective process for substantial, beneficial and sustainable change. Sheninger’s message here is about laying a foundation for students to become critical consumers of content, develop digital citizenship, and promote the ability to create, analyse and interpret media (2014, p. 35). Professor Yong Zhao (2012) also acknowledges in his book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">World Class Learners</i>, similar skills for students, the skills are effective communication, curiosity, and critical thinking. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;">Eric Sheninger reviews how the education landscape has changed, and the importance of school leaders taking charge in leading change management; highlighted with these quotes, “leaders must be the pillars of their respective institutions and focus on solutions rather than problems” (2014, p. 31) and “it is our duty to be agents of change” (2014, p. 36). Using examples from Seth Godin, Daniel Pink, Ian Jukes, Pam Moran, and Michael Fullard he highlights some of the reasons for change and why embracing digital leadership is key. Leaders need to join online conversations and take responsibility for the actions and education of future leaders, the students (Ahlquist, 2014). Sheninger blends into Chapter 4 the work of Michael Fullan (2008), a change expert, and discusses Fullan’s ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Six Secrets of Change</i>’ and how they are applied to Digital Leadership principles. Alongside this he deals effortlessly with obstacles that many schools face, and ways that they could be overcome with various strategies. Obstacles such as Wi-Fi, networks, budget cuts, government regulations and others are great concerns for many, and is an area that could be explored further. Each school situation is different, and Sheninger (2014) does make a point that “Each school is an autonomous body with distinct dynamics that make it unique. It's the small changes over time that will eventually leave a lasting impact.” (p. 70). The constant message is that it is a shift in mindset that is required for schools. Scott Klososky points out that education leaders today are becoming transitional leaders, “who are responsible for managing the transition to teaching and learning in a different way, preparing very different students to go into a very different world” (O'Brien, 2015).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As part of the transformation process, Sheninger highlights the importance of students having their voices heard in transforming school cultures, and this is an area of strength for the book.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;">In leading into the Seven Pillars, he shares some of the key areas of change at his school, New Milford, and his own personal journey. Points raised centre on how connectedness acted as a catalyst for change, importance of sharing a vision, supporting and empowering staff, establishing the value in changes and allowing students to be part of the process.. The driving question according to Sheninger is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">how</i> we should use the technology that is available to us to improve what we do, instead of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">why</i> we should use it to improve what we do (Sheninger, 2014). Chapters 5-11 explore this through explanations, how to accomplish it and showcases examples of educators that have paved the way. Social Media tools play an important role in almost every single pillar, along with the idea of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">‘Connectedness’</i> being the conduit for supporting each of the pillars. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;">Communication, Public Relations </span></i><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;">and<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Branding </i>are the first three pillars and they can be considered to be interdependent upon one another. Sheninger (2014, p. 86) says, “Educators must be experts in effective communication techniques, especially when it comes to parents and other key stakeholders”. Communication at the same time needs to be a two-way form, not a static one-way transmission, and social media allows this to take place. He uses examples from how to use Facebook and Twitter to communicate, plus discussions of Joe Mazza’s ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">eFace</i>’ concept where technology is used to support Family and Community Engagement initiatives. Ribble and Miller (2013) also agree that technology and social networks provide a tremendous avenue for communication and building relationships. This is also noted by Bouffard (2015) that communication is at the heart of family–school relationships. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;">Communication is seen in both the next two pillars, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Public Relations</i> and<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Branding</i>. Using the story of Van Meter Community School District under the leadership of John Carver, he explains how they used social media tools to establish a global footprint and craft their own message. This showcases the powerful message that, “If we do not tell our story, someone else will.” (Sheninger, 2014, p. 99). Digital Leadership allows schools to create a solid foundation for positive public relations using social media that complements communication efforts (Sheninger, 2014, p. 99). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Branding</i> allows educators to leverage social media and other digital tools to establish their professional brands in education. This is done through building connections, sharing, trust, and relationships with students, parents, teachers and stakeholders. These three boil down to establishing a schools message, communicating it and building a positive identity for the school. Sheninger mentions that communication is the most important thing he does every day (2014, p.89).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;">In the Pillar for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Professional Growth and Development,</i> Sheninger discusses the power of creating a Personal Learning Network (PLN) and how to do this. He uses research from Alec Couros to showcase how an online PLN is crucial for modern educators. One of the key reasons why online PLN’s are so powerful for learning is that “Knowledge is shared, and not just taken” (2014, p. 119). Connectedness is becoming the standard for teaching professionals to grow, and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Digital leadership require connectedness as an essential component to cultivate innovative practices and lead sustainable change” (Sheninger, 2014, p. 122). The learning model of ‘Connectivism’ acknowledges the shifts in society where learning is no longer an internal, individualistic activity, but rather deriving competence from forming connections (Siemens, 2004). Educators can now learn anytime, anywhere, and with anyone through leveraging the power of social media networks.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;">Increasing Student Engagement and Enhancing Learning</span></i><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;"> Pillar ties together how leaders can support learners in developing knowledge, skills, and confidence to be successful in the twenty-first century. The key concept that Sheninger (2014, p.134) shares is that this new learning requires a constructivist, heutagogical approach to teaching and learning. Jackie Gerstein (2013) also explains that teachers, learners, networks, connections, media, resources and tools are creating a unique entity that has the potential to meet individual needs. Students want their learning to be <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">authentic and meaningful.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>Students</span> need to be at the centre of decision-making, and the strength in this book is how Sheninger constantly refers to utilising students’ voice to support the change. Students become educated on digital citizenship, responsibility and creating positive digital footprints; something that many schools are failing at. Students have a wide-ranging set of technology skills, this is changing teaching methods, as well as when and how students learn and many schools are integrating digital citizenship training as part of their school improvement efforts (Ribble & Miller, 2013). He often refers to pedagogy first and tools second in creating sustainable change, making it clear that devices and technology always come second.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;">Learning environments and spaces </span></i><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;">pillar links in well with creating learning areas that are flexible, foster creativity and facilitate learning. He demonstrates this with the Gahana Jefferson District example of how they re-imagined spaces and how they could be utilised. The issue of school redesign he believes should be part of any educational reform process. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Discovering opportunity</i> rounds up the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Seven Pillars</i>, and once again he links the pillars together and summarises how they are interdependent on one another. Through working on the first six pillars it will allow leaders to find innovative solutions, share their stories and model digital leadership. This will then result in countless opportunities for schools, educators and students to open up. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="normal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;">Connect, collaborate, share, create and communicate are cornerstones for the 21st century educators and through <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Digital Leadership - Changing Paradigms for Changing Times</i>, Sheninger provides an informative and practical guide on how to initiate the change. He addresses the paradigm shift that is taking place due to connectedness, ubiquitous nature of information and accelerated changes in technology. Through his own story, that of other innovative educators, and supported with various external sources, he showcases how they have responded to the change. He acknowledges that at the heart of digital leadership, the human interactions will always remain the key component in changing education (Sheninger, 2014, p. 191). For school leaders there is no longer a debate on whether or not to be a digital leader, Eric Sheninger successfully provides a clear framework on why and how to initiate the change.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="h.fd2u962br9td"></a><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 17.0pt; line-height: 105%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;">References</span><o:p></o:p></h2>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 163%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 163%; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 23.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-indent: -22.0pt;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 163%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;">Ahlquist, J. (2014). Trending Now: Digital Leadership Education Using Social Media and the Social Change Model. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">J Ldrship Studies</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">8</i>(2), 57-60. doi:10.1002/jls.21332</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 163%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 163%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;">Bouffard, S. (2015). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tapping Into Technology: The Role of the Internet in Family–School Communication / Browse Our Publications / Publications & Resources / HFRP - Harvard Family Research Project</i>. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hfrp.org</i>. Retrieved 17 April 2015, from http://www.hfrp.org/publications-resources/browse-our-publications/tapping-into-technology-the-role-of-the-internet-in-family-school-communication</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 163%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 163%; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 23.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-indent: -22.0pt;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 163%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;">Collarbone, P. (2009). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Creating tomorrow</i> (p. 11). London: Network Continuum.</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 163%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 163%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;">Connectedlearning.tv,. (2015). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Connected Learning Infographic | Connected Learning</i>. Retrieved 14 April 2015, from http://connectedlearning.tv/infographic</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 163%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 163%; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 23.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-indent: -22.0pt;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 163%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;">Fullan, M. (2001). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Leading in a culture of change</i>. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 163%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 163%; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 23.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-indent: -22.0pt;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 163%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;">Gerstein, J. (2013). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Schools are doing Education 1.0; talking about doing Education 2.0; when they should be planning Education 3.0</i>. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">User Generated Education</i>. Retrieved 16 April 2015, from https://usergeneratededucation.wordpress.com/2013/03/22/schools-are-doing-education-1-0-talking-about-doing-education-2-0-when-they-should-be-planning-education-3-0/</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 163%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 163%; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 23.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-indent: -22.0pt;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 163%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;">Lenhart, A. (2015). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Teens, Social Media & Technology Overview 2015</i>. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project</i>. Retrieved 13 April 2015, from http://www.pewinternet.org/2015/04/09/teens-social-media-technology-2015/</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 163%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 163%; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 23.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-indent: -22.0pt;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 163%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;">O'Brien, A. (2015). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">School Leaders: Guiding Teachers into the Digital Age</i>. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Edutopia</i>. Retrieved 15 April 2015, from http://www.edutopia.org/blog/school-leaders-guiding-teachers-digital-age-anne-obrien</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 163%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 163%; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 23.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-indent: -22.0pt;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 163%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;">O'Connell, J. (2015). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">1.3 Trends in Technology Environments</i>. Lecture, Retrieved March 20, 2015, from Charles Sturt University website: https://interact2.csu.edu.au/bbcswebdav/pid-249312-dt-content-rid-635255_1/courses/S-INF530_201530_W_D/module1/1_3_Trends_tech.html.</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 163%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 163%; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 23.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-indent: -22.0pt;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 163%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;">Ribble, M., & Miller, T. (2013). Educational Leadership in an Online World: Connecting Students to Technology Responsibly, Safely, and Ethically. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Journal Of Asynchronous Learning Networks</i>,<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">17</i>(1), 137-145. Retrieved from http://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1011379</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 163%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 163%; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 23.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-indent: -22.0pt;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 163%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;">Sheninger, E. (2014). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Digital leadership</i>. Thousand Oaks, California: Corwin Press.</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 163%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 163%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;">Siemens, G. (2004). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">elearnspace. Connectivism: A Learning Theory for the Digital Age</i>.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Elearnspace.org</i>. Retrieved 17 April 2015, from http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/connectivism.htm</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 163%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 163%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;">Thomas, D., & Brown, J. (2011). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A new culture of learning</i>. [Lexington, Ky.]: [CreateSpace?].</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 163%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 163%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;">Zhao, Y. (2012). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">World class learners</i> (p. 8). Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Corwin Press, a Joint Publication with the National Association of Elementary School Principals.</span></span></div>
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<![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <!--EndFragment-->jdtriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168355389760083718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125239498081542110.post-49177408759773851012015-03-29T13:19:00.001+10:002015-05-27T21:50:55.270+10:00Connect to live<a href="http://thinkspace.csu.edu.au/riverflows/2015/03/29/connect-to-live/#.VRdvHEXGQLg.blogger">Connect to live</a><br />
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I’m in my 5th year of teaching, after changing careers, studying and moving countries. Over the past 3 years I have become more engrossed and aware of the emergence of connected learning environments. From joining Twitter, reading blogs, writing blogs, listening to podcasts, and connecting with educators across Australia and the world. It constantly amazes me the wealth of knowledge and sharing that connected educators are doing online, and it encourages and inspires me every day. ‘Connected Learning’ and ‘Digital Literacy’ is quickly evolving into foundations of my own teaching strategies. In a rapidly evolving world of information technology, it is becoming paramount as a teacher that I’m able to develop these areas in my students and allow them to develop their skills.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26432632@N08/14892685406/" style="border: 0px; color: #22aacc; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="Everything Is Connected" height="213" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3840/14892685406_9a08bb485c_n.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; margin-top: 0.4em; max-width: 97.5%;" width="320" /></a></div>
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creative commons licensed (BY) flickr photo by auspices: http://flickr.com/photos/auspices/14892685406</div>
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Technology has allowed new connections, interactions and participatory cultures to emerge. To be able to to use theses to the best effect, we foremost need to have a clear understanding and grasp of ‘Digital Literacy’ and how it relates to education. Bawden (2008) identifies a number of key facets of digital literacy; they include areas such as knowledge assembly, retrieval skills, critical thinking, using people networks and publishing information. This reflects strongly with my own teaching context whereas a History teacher these skills are key – Finding information, collecting it and being critical of the information in conducting a historical inquiry, forms the bedrock of research in History. The other aspects of using networks and publishing the created information is the missing element, and this is where I see further progression needs to take place within my own teaching context for my students.</div>
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Connected Learning would not be able to exist without Digital Literacy. Connected learning should be part of our daily lives as educators, we have the ability to connect with other educators online through Twitter, Blogs, and many other ways. However many of my students are still not utilising their connections to facilitate learning, and this is the area to focus on. This ties in well with what <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqt3ZmtBTOE" style="border: 0px; color: #22aacc; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Helen Haste</a> argues that in the future people will need to be able to adapt to change, to use new and old tools effectively, and to be confident that they can act in effective ways. These students are the future citizens, the future workers, the future inventors, the future leaders and they will need a set of skills that is different to what I grew up with. Louise Starkey (2011) also supports these ideas about learning, “… appears to be slowly evolving from a focus on what has already been discovered and prescribed as ‘knowledge’ towards a focus on critical thinking skills, knowledge creation and learning through connections.”. Through this the learning theory of ‘Connectivism’ is explained by George Siemens(2015) as being the “amplification of learning, knowledge and understanding through the extension of a personal network”. <a href="http://dmlhub.net/" style="border: 0px; color: #22aacc; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">The Digital Media & Learning Research Hub</a><b> </b>is a fantastic resource place that explores, and showcase connected learning and what the key principles are. Quoted from their <a href="http://connectedlearning.tv/connected-learning-principles" style="border: 0px; color: #22aacc; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">website</a>: “….connected learning calls on today’s interactive and networked media in an effort to make these forms of learning more effective, better integrated, and broadly accessible.” Guiding principles include a ‘Shared purpose’, ‘Production-centered’ and ‘Openly networked’.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="281" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/72000377" style="border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" width="500"></iframe></div>
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<a href="https://vimeo.com/72000377" style="border: 0px; color: #22aacc; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Connected Learning: The urgency and the promise</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/theclalliance" style="border: 0px; color: #22aacc; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Connected Learning Alliance</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/" style="border: 0px; color: #22aacc; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Vimeo</a>.</div>
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The connected learning environment, and how to interact with it professionally, socially and innovatively. My future goals will include improving my own understanding and knowledge of these areas, and also teaching my students how to become more digitally literate, more connected with learning and how to become more socially conscious citizens and leverage digital tools for their learning and the benefit of others.</div>
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References</h2>
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Connectedlearning.tv,. (2015). <i>Connected Learning Principles | Connected Learning</i>. Retrieved 29 March 2015, from http://connectedlearning.tv/connected-learning-principles</div>
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Siemens, G. (2015). <i>elearnspace. Connectivism: A Learning Theory for the Digital Age</i>.<i>Elearnspace.org</i>. Retrieved 26 March 2015, from http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/connectivism.htm</div>
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Starkey, L. (2011). Evaluating learning in the 21st century: a digital age learning matrix. <i>Technology, Pedagogy And Education</i>, <i>20</i>(1), 19-39. doi:10.1080/1475939x.2011.554021</div>
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YouTube,. (2015). <i>Technology and Youth: Five Competencies (part 3 of 4)</i>. Retrieved 19 March 2015, from http://youtu.be/pqt3ZmtBTOE</div>
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jdtriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168355389760083718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125239498081542110.post-68016431868414497652015-03-15T20:43:00.002+10:002015-03-15T20:43:51.591+10:00Master Blog Post 1Two weeks into my <a href="http://www.csu.edu.au/courses/master-of-education-knowledge-networks-and-digital-innovation" target="_blank">Education Masters with Charles Sturt University</a> and I'm loving the challenge and ideas being shared.<br />
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<i><b>Blog Task 1: <span style="font-family: arial, 'lucida console', sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333330154419px;">Using your readings and interaction with the subject to date, develop a statement about your current knowledge and understanding of concepts and practices in a digital age within the context of your work or professional circumstances. What is the context of your learning? What are your personal aims in this subject? What challenges are your hoping to meet for yourself?</span></b></i><br />
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Here is my 1st Blog post: <a href="http://thinkspace.csu.edu.au/riverflows/2015/03/15/connected-potential-changing-mindsets/#.VQVhiM-hJDY.blogger">Connected Potential & Changing Mindsets</a><br />
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The new innovations of the past two decades have created a digitally connected community of learners. Yet, many educators are not embracing the potential they hold and are thus becoming more disconnected with their students and communities. This is part of my own personal aim in this course – to learn new ideas, skills, knowledge and understanding, so that I can support my students, staff and parents in embracing the Digital Age. Students may be assigned the term ‘Digital Natives’, but many are far from being proficient or aware of their own learning and interactions in the digital world. The reading about <a href="http://www.marcprensky.com/writing/Prensky%20-%20Digital%20Natives,%20Digital%20Immigrants%20-%20Part1.pdf" style="border: 0px; color: #22aacc; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants</a> (Prensky 2001) reinforced some of my views on the topic of ‘digital natives’ vs ‘digital immigrants’ perspective. Even though my students are all born in the Digital Age (current Year 12’s born in 1998), many are unskilled in utilising technology as a an effective way to learn, create, connect and communicate.</div>
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The concept and practices of the Digital Age is the driving force behind enrolling into the CSU Masters course. The Digital Age is where I’m working, living, learning and interacting in, and thus it is essential as an educator that I’m acutely aware of my own understanding and knowledge of this area. My teaching context involves being the Head of Humanities for an independent Christian College in a regional town in Queensland. The region is one of the lowest socio-economic areas in the state, with some of the highest unemployment figures across all areas of society (a challenge in itself). My role involves teaching Senior Modern & Ancient History, as well as Business Management for Year 11 & 12. Since changing careers from Logistics to Education I have been amazed by the connected world for educators and I love engaging in discussions with educators from all sectors.</div>
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There is a digital convergence taking place with regards to media, literacy, communication and sharing of knowledge. The ubiquitous nature of technology is allowing for new practices to emerge and requires new methods of engaging learners to develop. However it does not come down to technological skills alone, but rather the mindset changing amongst educators and students. This is well supported in this image by Reid Wilson on <a href="http://www.coetail.com/wayfaringpath/2014/10/14/the-profile-of-a-modern-teacher/" style="border: 0px; color: #22aacc; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">‘The Profile of a Modern Teacher’</a>:</div>
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<img alt="" height="1024" src="http://www.coetail.com/wayfaringpath/files/2014/10/The-Profile-of-a-Modern-Teacher.png" style="border-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); display: block; height: auto; margin: 0px auto; max-width: 98%;" width="768" /><div class="wp-caption-text" style="border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 10px 0px 5px 40px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">
The Profile of a Modern Teacher by reid Wilson (CC BY-NC-ND)</div>
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Another reading I came across was on ‘<a href="http://www.fractuslearning.com/2014/07/15/educators-21st-century-learners/" style="border: 0px; color: #22aacc; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">What is 21st century learning?</a> by Amy Heavin that was published on Fractus Learning:</div>
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<b><i>“What is 21st century learning?</i></b></div>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><i>It is collaboration.</i></b></li>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><i>It is creativity.</i></b></li>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><i>It is critical thinking and problem-solving.</i></b></li>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><i>It is research and information literacy.</i></b></li>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><i>It is digital citizenship.</i></b></li>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><i>It is responsible use.”</i></b></li>
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Immersion into the developing these skills to connect and share knowledge will become key for educators and students. The ease of access to information and possibilities to share knowledge has resulted in a paradigm shift that needs to be embraced, fostered and utilised to realise its full potential.</div>
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The <a href="http://connectedlearning.tv/connected-learning-principles" style="border: 0px; color: #22aacc; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Connected Learning Research Hub</a> discussed in Module 1.6 really reinforced my beliefs, and challenged me to develop my own thinking further to serve my students. The infographic I find incredibly powerful, and is a wonderful model of learning in the information age. This leads me into my own goals and challenges with making connections between the different groups, allowing digital tools to be utilised to their potential and developing my own knowledge and understanding through this course.</div>
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<a href="http://connectedlearning.tv/infographic" style="border: 0px; color: #22aacc; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="Connected Learning" height="938" src="http://connectedlearning.tv/sites/connectedlearning.tv/files/DG_Macarthur_r03-960_0.jpeg" style="border: 0px rgb(238, 238, 238); display: block; height: auto; margin: 0px auto; max-width: 98%;" title="Connected Learning" width="960" /></a><div class="wp-caption-text" style="border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 10px 0px 5px 40px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">
Connected Learning Research Network and Digital Media & Learning Research Hub (CC BY 3.0)</div>
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References</div>
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Connected Learning Infographic | Connected Learning. (n.d.). Retrieved March 15, 2015, from http://connectedlearning.tv/infographic</div>
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Educators Need to be 21st Century Learners Too… (2014, July 15). Retrieved March 15, 2015, from http://www.fractuslearning.com/2014/07/15/educators-21st-century-learners/</div>
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Prensky, M. (2001, 12). Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants Part 1. <i>On the Horizon,</i> <i>9</i>(5), 1-6. doi: 10.1108/10748120110424816</div>
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Sheninger, E. C. (n.d.). <i>Digital leadership: Changing paradigms for changing times</i>.</div>
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Wayfaring Path. (n.d.). Retrieved March 15, 2015, from http://www.coetail.com/wayfaringpath/2014/10/14/the-profile-of-a-modern-teacher/</div>
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<br />jdtriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168355389760083718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125239498081542110.post-43340775181535662412015-02-28T18:30:00.000+10:002015-02-28T19:27:23.901+10:00The end of the epic #28daysofwriting<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The end of the epic #28daysofwriting about A to Z of my random education thoughts.</span></u></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has been fantastic being part of this writing expedition over the last 4 weeks. I have made my quota every day, and I have increased my blog posts total to over 70. It has been a wonderful learning process, and I have improved some aspects of my blogging over the past few weeks. There have been days when I struggled for inspiration and when I have been too tired to contemplate writing, and those posts tended to be my worst posts. Overall however I had many opportunities to reflect and share my thoughts, nd it has also allowed me to get more insight into my own thinking. New ideas and inspiration has been formed, and new questions have developed. Thank you to </span><a href="https://twitter.com/tombarrett" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Tom Barrett</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> for initiating this idea and my wife </span><a href="https://twitter.com/JaxduT" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Jacqui du Toit</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> for being my support.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I end the #28daysofwriting I thought I would share my most memorable posts that I enjoyed writing and had most comments about. These will probably lead to further exploration in the coming months. I love learning and discovering new ideas, and being constantly challenges and growing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://theteachingriver.blogspot.com/2015/02/t-teaching-river-28daysofwriting-day-21.html?spref=bl">T -Teaching River #28daysofwriting Day 21</a>: <i>(My 2nd Blog post to have over 300 hits!)</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">...Life does not happen in isolation, we all are influenced by others and in turn influence people. I know that my life as a teacher I will go through many phases, ups and </span>downs,<span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"> and that they are all part of my own learning journey. This is how I see the link with a river, the </span>continuous<span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"> flow of developing my own skills, learning, gaining knowledge and wisdom, being a role model, a positive influence and mentor to my students...</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love 'Teaching', I'm proud to call myself a 'Teacher'; and the complexity of learning and constant change makes it the most fascinating profession in the world. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://theteachingriver.blogspot.com/2015/02/y-yet-28daysofwriting.html?spref=bl" style="line-height: normal;">Y - Yet #28daysofwriting</a> Day 26<span style="color: black; line-height: normal;">: </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">We need to develop this Mindset in our student to not give up, not believe that they cannot change, that they cannot do something. This involves in us having the mindset of growth and risk-taking, and embracing challenges. </span><br style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"></span><span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">D<b>on't say "I can't", let's all start saying "Yet" (and "Yes") and change mindsets.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://theteachingriver.blogspot.com/2015/02/l-leadership-day-13-of-28daysofwriting.html?spref=bl" style="line-height: normal;">The Teaching River: L - Leadership #28daysofwriting Day 13</a><span style="color: black; line-height: normal;">: </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Leadership I have always been involved in some form of leadership, whether being the leader or being a member of the leadership team. I...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://theteachingriver.blogspot.com/2015/02/a-assessments-authentic-australia.html?spref=bl" style="line-height: normal;">The Teaching River: A - Assessments, Authentic & Australia #28daysofwr</a>iting Day 2<span style="color: black; line-height: normal;">: </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A is for..Assessment, Authentic & Australia So when I had the thought of doing the alphabet as part of my #28daysofwriting...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://theteachingriver.blogspot.com/2015/02/d-digital-leadership-28daysofwriting.html?spref=bl" style="line-height: normal;">The Teaching River: D- Digital Leadership #28daysofwriting</a> Day 5:</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">D - Digital Leadership One of the most important terms in education is to have schools providing 'Digital Leadership'...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://theteachingriver.blogspot.com/2015/02/jump-go-ahead-and-jump.html?spref=bl" style="line-height: normal;">The Teaching River: J - Jump - Go Ahead and Jump</a> #28daysofwriting Day 11<span style="color: black; line-height: normal;">: </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />You need to start somewhere, and I would encourage all educators to keep on trying new ideas, technology, keep on reading, start blogging, attend TeachMeets, join Twitter, connect with other educators. We all have so much to share and to learn from each other. You don't know what is out there until you begin.</span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Just Go Ahead and Jump..........</span></i></b></h2>
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<span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">'Always Learning'</span></i></b></span></h2>
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<span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Twitter PLN</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also enjoyed being able to recommend so many great members of my PLN to the people that read my Blog posts. My apologies to anyone that I missed. There are many other wonderful educators in my Twitter PLN that I'm looking forward to connecting with more and more. There is so much to learn from one another and I encourage everyone to make connections and grow together.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is the list from the A-Z Blog posts:</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://stringer_andrea/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Andrea Stringer </span></a></div>
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<a href="http://mrkrndvs/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aaron Davis </span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://gripgirl/" target="_blank">Anne Gripton</a> </span></div>
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<a href="http://adambellow/" style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Adam Bellow </span></a></div>
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<a href="http://aly_ciab9/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alycia </span></a></div>
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<a href="http://techbradwaid/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brad Waid</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://billselak/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bill Selak </span></a></div>
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<a href="http://bradmcurrie/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brad Currie </span></a></div>
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<a href="http://becspink/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bec Spink </span></a></div>
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<a href="http://biancah80/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bianca Hewes </span></a></div>
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<a href="http://mrsalakas/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brett Salakas </span></a></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">
<a href="http://corisel/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Corinne Campbell </span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://mrkempnz/" target="_blank">Craig Kemp</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://catherinerhart/" target="_blank">Catherine Hart </a><br /><a href="http://cmunrooz/" target="_blank">Chris Munro </a><br /><a href="http://chrisbetcher/" target="_blank">Chris Betcher </a></span></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">
<a href="http://danhaesler/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dan Haesler </span></a></div>
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<a href="http://davidpriceobe/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">David Price </span></a></div>
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<a href="http://techminock/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Drew Minock </span></a></div>
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<a href="http://donwettrick/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don Wettrick </span></a></div>
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<a href="http://dbatty1/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Donelle Batty </span></a></div>
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<a href="http://shareski/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dean Sherski </span></a></div>
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<a href="http://burgessdave/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dave Burgess </span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://mobile.twitter.com/E_Sheninger" target="_blank">Eric Sheninger</a> </span></span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://mobile.twitter.com/ewanmcintosh" target="_blank">Ewan McIntosh</a> </span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://mobile.twitter.com/KleinErin" target="_blank">Erin Klein</a> </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/FlatConnections" style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Flat Connections </span></a></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">
<span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/gcouros" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">George Couros</span></a></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/geelong71" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Greg Longney</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/GregBCurran" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Greg Curran</span></a></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">
<span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/hamishcurry" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hamish Curry</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/hbailie" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Heather Bailie</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/HeutagogyCoP" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Heutagogy CoP</span></a></span></div>
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<div class="verse" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 16px;">
<span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/jca_1975" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jon Andrews</span></a></span></div>
<div class="verse" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 16px;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/Borto74" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jason Borton</span></a></div>
<div class="verse" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 16px;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/JaxduT" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jacqui du Toit</span></a></div>
<div class="verse" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 16px;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/JTGrant81" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jordan Grant</span></a></div>
<div class="verse" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 16px;">
<a href="http://heyjudeonline/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Judy O'Connell</span></a></div>
<div class="verse" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 16px;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/julielindsay" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Julie Lindsay</span></a></div>
<div class="verse" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 16px;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/JenEng" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jennifer English</span></a></div>
<div class="verse" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 16px;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/jjash" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jenny Ashby</span></a></div>
<div class="verse" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 16px;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/justintarte" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Justin Tarte</span></a></div>
<div class="verse" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 16px;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/casas_jimmy" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jimmy Casas</span></a></div>
<div class="verse" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 16px;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/7Mrsjames" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jeannette James</span></a></div>
<div class="verse" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 16px;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/jasongraham99" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jason Graham</span></a></div>
<div class="verse" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 16px;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/JasonElsom" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jason Elsom</span></a></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">
<span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/kevinhoneycutt" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kevin Honeycutt</span></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/kjarrett" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kevin Jarrett</span></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/Hobson_k" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kelly Hollis</span></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/Inspiration4T" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kelly Long</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/tritonkory" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kory Graham</span></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/TeachMissSutton" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kimberley Sutton</span></a></span></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">
<span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/LisaMBlaschke" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lisa Marie Blaschke</span></a></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/Larrymcke" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Larry McKeown</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/candylandcaper" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Laura Hill</span></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/LouisaJRennie" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Louisa Rennie</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/lisasquire1" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lisa Squire</span></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/mesterman" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Matt Esterman</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/hunch_box" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Matt Ives</span></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/ShiftParadigm" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mark E. Weston</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/poppyshel" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Michelle Hostrup</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/mareewhiteley" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maree Whiteley</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/yeates_mark" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mark Yeates</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/thenerdyteacher" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" target="_blank">Nicholas Provenzano</a><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><a href="https://twitter.com/weaverteaches" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" target="_blank">Nathan Weaver</a></span><div>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/mythsysizer" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nick Brierley</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/oonziela" target="_blank">Oona Marie Abrams</a></span></span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/ophact" target="_blank">Odette Holweg</a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/PaulDBrowning" target="_blank">Paul Browning</a></span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><a href="https://twitter.com/pernilleripp" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" target="_blank">Pernille Ripp</a><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><a href="https://twitter.com/sailpip" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" target="_blank">Phillip Cooke</a><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><a href="https://twitter.com/philshapiro" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" target="_blank">Phil Shapiro</a><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><a href="https://twitter.com/ptaylorsjr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" target="_blank">Phil Taylor</a><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><a href="https://twitter.com/Paul_M_Gibbs" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" target="_blank">Paul Gibbs</a><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><a href="https://twitter.com/cherandpete" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" target="_blank">Peter Cameron</a></span><div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/moocargirl" target="_blank">Robyn McCarthy</a></span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/WHSRowe" target="_blank">Rik Rowe</a></span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><a href="https://twitter.com/roshbuksh" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" target="_blank"><span id="goog_1389684011"></span><span id="goog_1389684012"></span>Roshea Buksh</a><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><a href="https://twitter.com/becdavies00" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" target="_blank">Rebecca Davies</a><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><a href="https://twitter.com/russeltarr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" target="_blank">Russel Tarr</a><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><a href="https://twitter.com/richardolsen" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" target="_blank">Richard Olsen</a><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><a href="https://twitter.com/robmctaggart" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" target="_blank">Rob McTaggart</a><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><a href="https://twitter.com/rmbyrne" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" target="_blank">Richard Byrne</a><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><a href="https://twitter.com/robert_schuetz" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" target="_blank">Robert Schuetz</a><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><a href="https://twitter.com/rachaellehr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" target="_blank">Rachael Lehr</a><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><a href="https://twitter.com/rlj1981" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" target="_blank">Rachel Jones</a><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><a href="https://twitter.com/FizzicalEd" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" target="_blank">Ross Halliday</a><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><a href="https://twitter.com/english_maven" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" target="_blank">Randy Norman</a><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><a href="https://twitter.com/RusulAlrubail" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" target="_blank">Rusul Alrubail</a><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><a href="https://twitter.com/rondorland" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" target="_blank">Ron Dorland</a></span><div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/tombarrett" target="_blank">Tom Barrett</a></span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/timlauer" target="_blank">Tim Lauer</a></span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><a href="https://twitter.com/TechNinjaTodd" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" target="_blank">Todd Nesloney</a><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><a href="https://twitter.com/tomwhitby" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" target="_blank">Tom Whitby</a><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><a href="https://twitter.com/twhitford" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" target="_blank">Tom Whitford</a><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/blocht574" target="_blank">Todd Bloch</a></span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><a href="https://twitter.com/tina_p" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" target="_blank">Tina Photakis</a><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/DrTonyWagner" target="_blank">Tony Wagner</a></span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/ToddWhitaker" target="_blank">Todd Whitaker</a></span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/tombennett71" target="_blank">Tom Bennett</a></span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/tonyvincent" target="_blank">Tony Vincent</a></span></span><div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/timneedles" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" target="_blank">Tim Needles</a><a href="https://twitter.com/urbie" style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" target="_blank">Urbie Delgado</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/coolcatteacher" target="_blank">Vicki Davis</a></span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><a href="https://twitter.com/MsVictoriaOlson" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" target="_blank">Victoria Olsen</a><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><a href="https://twitter.com/vickiemorgado1" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" target="_blank">Vicki Morgado</a><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><a href="https://twitter.com/virginiapav" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" target="_blank">Virginia Pavlovich</a><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><a href="https://twitter.com/VeritySimpson1" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" target="_blank">Verity Simpson</a><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><a href="https://twitter.com/vivimat78" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" target="_blank">Vivian Mat</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/wadestanford" target="_blank">Wade Stanford</a></span></span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/EducationMavin1" target="_blank">Walter O'Malley</a></span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><a href="https://twitter.com/WesHeberlein" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" target="_blank">Wes Heberlein</a><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><a href="https://twitter.com/wterral" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" target="_blank">Wanda Terral</a><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><a href="https://twitter.com/wmchamberlain" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" target="_blank">William Chamberlain</a><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><a href="https://twitter.com/wkingbg" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" target="_blank">William King</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/YongZhaoUO" style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yong Zhao</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: start;"><a href="https://twitter.com/ZeinaChalich" target="_blank">Zeina Chalich</a></span></span><span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://twitter.com/zidman" target="_blank">Zid </a></span><br style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;" /><span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://twitter.com/zidman" target="_blank">Niel Mancenido</a></span><br style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;" /><a href="https://twitter.com/EducatorRamsey" style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;" target="_blank">Zachary Ramsey</a></span></div>
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jdtriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168355389760083718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125239498081542110.post-75572191551771419272015-02-27T16:11:00.000+10:002015-02-28T19:27:23.907+10:00Z - Zzzzzz #28daysofwriting Day 27<h2>
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Zzzzzzzz</span></u></b></h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today we had our annual swimming carnival where students take part, sing, scream, shout and encourage each other. Lots of fun. My job involved being the starter, and this meant I was in the sun the whole day. This means right now I'm exhausted and my brain is in no mood to think creatively about writing this afternoon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We all need rest, and we need to look after our wellbeing as teachers. Sleep is important, alongside nutrition and exercise. My wife calls herself the 'sleep police', making sure I get enough rest. So now I'm going to take it easy and I look forward to writing a longer reflection post tomorrow on the whole #28daysofwriting and the posts that have made an impact.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK3zC8W7sZSqrBSHZsgR_s_Zi1-NVv6rHEgbX_TxUtFkXGP03lOojF7b_P61xuQy1R_bvAneTx_vpO82ajmPJY1I3q4KRcHxEL5Lh0ZEfdgq5Fjv-XtTDUmvTJHtmZLwGKBxoC-nLXVNqv/s1600/a116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK3zC8W7sZSqrBSHZsgR_s_Zi1-NVv6rHEgbX_TxUtFkXGP03lOojF7b_P61xuQy1R_bvAneTx_vpO82ajmPJY1I3q4KRcHxEL5Lh0ZEfdgq5Fjv-XtTDUmvTJHtmZLwGKBxoC-nLXVNqv/s1600/a116.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> So the day is finished off with meeting a few other teachers and their families at the local Tavern for one of my favorite Australian meals - Chicken Parmigiana. Great company and good food to end the day off<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b> <b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b> <b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b> <b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b> <b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b> <b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b> <b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b> <b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rest, Nutrition, Exercise, Conversation, Relax - Take care of yourself for the long run.</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: start;"><b>Bonus: My Twitter Recommendations- Letter Z</b></span><br style="font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: start;" /><span style="font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: start;">These educators have been part of my PLN for some time and it is fantastic to be able to connect with them, share ideas, be challenged and learn from one another. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: start;"><a href="https://twitter.com/ZeinaChalich" target="_blank">Zeina Chalich</a></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/zidman" target="_blank">Zid </a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/zidman" target="_blank">Niel Mancenido</a></span><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/EducatorRamsey" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Zachary Ramsey</span></a></div>
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jdtriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168355389760083718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125239498081542110.post-47077325596691672192015-02-26T20:04:00.000+10:002015-02-26T20:20:18.138+10:00Y - Yet #28daysofwriting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Yet</span></u></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYskHYG6WwJxF9SlOGFvoC1g1xOdAVB8kACymJ-NQmPvV3ZsC7PSGNOGR4RSn2DfjVBgHXH6gqZGLGD7F_WmHE9bqVz3peVm348SwQaTqsZmL1nBlaOy5RT9JmOuWVQB7q8qjS7b3CfF_O/s1600/B-cJ2pTIcAA9bV8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYskHYG6WwJxF9SlOGFvoC1g1xOdAVB8kACymJ-NQmPvV3ZsC7PSGNOGR4RSn2DfjVBgHXH6gqZGLGD7F_WmHE9bqVz3peVm348SwQaTqsZmL1nBlaOy5RT9JmOuWVQB7q8qjS7b3CfF_O/s1600/B-cJ2pTIcAA9bV8.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />I never really understood the power behind this word until recently. Delving into areas such 'Growth Mindset', 'Heutagogy' and 'Motivation Theories'; and reading books like 'Drive' by Daniel Pink, 'Outliers' by Malcolm Gladwell and many others, it has made me realise how powerful our mindset can be and how crucial it is to explore this area. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />I'm working on this and I still have a long way to go. It is a continuous journey, and I hope I continue learning and developing every single day. Here are just a few ways I have embraced YET and how I'm changing my Mindset one day at a time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>2009: I'm not sure that I will be a good teacher or even be able to be one, YET I studied, completed my course, started and absolutely love what I do.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2012: I don't understand what Twitter is all about or what the point is, YET now it is part of my daily life and my PLN is one of my greatest inspiration.</span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2013: I don't understand how to use Evernote YET now I have presented at Conferences and run sessions on how to use it.</span></i></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Always: I struggle with public speaking YET I have now spoken at Conferences, run Workshops, organised TeachMeets, Tech Tools Tuesdays and now I'm a featured speaker at EduTECH this year!</span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Always: I'm not a great writer YET, but I Blog, I share, I comment and push myself with #28daysofwriting to improve. </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We need to develop this Mindset in our student to not give up, not believe that they cannot change, that they cannot do something. This involves in us having the mindset of growth and risk-taking, and embracing challenges. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">D<b>on't say "I can't", let's all start saying "Yet" (and "Yes") and change mindsets.</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /> <br />This is a video of the brilliant Dr Carol Dweck discussing Mindsets.<br /> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/J-swZaKN2Ic/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/J-swZaKN2Ic?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: start;"><b>Bonus: My Twitter Recommendations- Letter Y</b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: start;">These educators have been part of my PLN for some time and it is fantastic to be able to connect with them, share ideas, be challenged and learn from one another. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: start;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: start;"><a href="https://twitter.com/YongZhaoUO" target="_blank">Yong Zhao</a></span></span></div>
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<br />jdtriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168355389760083718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125239498081542110.post-75510355809232339982015-02-25T20:51:00.001+10:002015-02-26T05:53:12.781+10:00X - Day 25 of #28daysofwriting<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">X</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What to write for X?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Where do I start???</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I want a word that starts with X, not have the X in the middle somewhere?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm not a maths teacher, so need to solve for X?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What a conundrum?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I came upon X Prize Foundation: <a href="http://www.xprize.org/">http://www.xprize.org/</a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.xprize.org/sites/default/files/styles/panopoly_image_original/public/xprize_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.xprize.org/sites/default/files/styles/panopoly_image_original/public/xprize_logo.jpg" height="81" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This from their website on 'Who We Are':</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">XPRIZE is an innovation engine. A facilitator of exponential change. A catalyst for the benefit of humanity.</span></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #595959;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We believe in the power of competition. That it’s part of our DNA. Of humanity itself. That tapping into that indomitable spirit of competition brings about breakthroughs and solutions that once seemed unimaginable. Impossible.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We believe that you get what you incentivize. And that without a target, you will miss it every time. Rather than throw money at a problem, we incentivize the solution and challenge the world to solve it.</span></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #595959;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We believe that challenges must be audacious, but achievable, tied to objective, measurable goals. And understandable by all.</span></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #595959;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We believe that solutions can come from anyone, anywhere and that some of the greatest minds of our time remain untapped, ready to be engaged by a world that is in desperate need of help. Solutions. Change. And radical breakthroughs for the benefit of humanity.</span></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #595959;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Call us crazy, but we believe.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/cz24s85GVU0/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/cz24s85GVU0?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What a great find and something to explore further. I love how science and technology is pushing innovation to improve lives and solve problems. look forward to exploring this further.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><b>Bonus: My Twitter Recommendations- Letter X</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">These educators have been part of my PLN for some time and it is fantastic to be able to connect with them, share ideas, be challenged and learn from one another. </span><br />
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<br />jdtriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168355389760083718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125239498081542110.post-71209516255283156242015-02-24T22:03:00.001+10:002015-02-24T22:06:50.584+10:00W - Why? #28daysofwriting Day 24<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b style="line-height: 24px;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">WHAT? </span></u></b><b style="line-height: 24px;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">WHO? WHERE? WHEN? WHY?</span></u></b><br />
<b style="line-height: 24px;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></u></b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHk_r1YURZolSmBgeCD2AB1GASW1UO8nD90qz0IJWjXaIej6CNUgbedM059oZ82sG-P_YlBgXiUSiLjHzYJvs0plzfq4-Dc42-oDEpcav5GYIS2dssob_t83T2611LdP3OJm1Zq3BHHY6J/s1600/5476227731_aec799854e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHk_r1YURZolSmBgeCD2AB1GASW1UO8nD90qz0IJWjXaIej6CNUgbedM059oZ82sG-P_YlBgXiUSiLjHzYJvs0plzfq4-Dc42-oDEpcav5GYIS2dssob_t83T2611LdP3OJm1Zq3BHHY6J/s1600/5476227731_aec799854e_b.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The 5 questions that are central in enquiring about History. When we analyse source documents, images, inscriptions, cartoons, posters, photographs, audio, visual, etc. we always come back to these five W's.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>WHAT</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is it?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is it made of?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>WHO</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who made it?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who wrote it?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who is it in the image?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>WHERE</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Where is it?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Where was it?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>WHEN</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When was it made?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When was it found?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These four provide a very factual record and account of the artefacts and events, but the key question for me boils down to 'Why?'.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WHY</span></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why is it important?</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why has it survived?</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why did someone say this?</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why did they portray them like this on an image?</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why did they do this?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">The question 'Why' encourages deeper investigation, it creates curiosity and exploration. This is the key question for me to have students discuss and elaborate on. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Why do we study the past?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Why do we need to understand the past?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Why do individuals cause so much violence and oppression?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Why are events in 2015 linked to events decades, centuries, millenniums back?</span></span><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Help your students discover the 'Why' and they will always search for the 'Why'</span></b></i><br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><b>Bonus: My Twitter Recommendations- Letter W</b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">These educators have been part of my PLN for some time and it is fantastic to be able to connect with them, share ideas, be challenged and learn from one another. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/wadestanford" target="_blank">Wade Stanford</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/EducationMavin1" target="_blank">Walter O'Malley</a></span><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/WesHeberlein" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wes Heberlein</span></a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/wterral" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wanda Terral</span></a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/wmchamberlain" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">William Chamberlain</span></a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/wkingbg" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">William King</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></span></span>jdtriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168355389760083718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125239498081542110.post-13686249202954367792015-02-23T20:06:00.000+10:002015-02-23T20:11:37.577+10:00V - Versatile #28daysofwriting Day 23<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Versatile</u></b></span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhX9Fcqu44H1g9vOLlIDRyelwfFwz9UoFOOq3Il0Z-ZRNNrahV2sh4-tIXzNRCjTPGMDQZAGMjkEkmZRL404Hr4nAENohGxTne0qJpH8aLEfXCy-W2drjOoWMfGJm9oi50pFuDhZ_n1nP/s1600/352947712_059744aa5d_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhX9Fcqu44H1g9vOLlIDRyelwfFwz9UoFOOq3Il0Z-ZRNNrahV2sh4-tIXzNRCjTPGMDQZAGMjkEkmZRL404Hr4nAENohGxTne0qJpH8aLEfXCy-W2drjOoWMfGJm9oi50pFuDhZ_n1nP/s1600/352947712_059744aa5d_m.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've hit a bit of writer's block today. No plan on what to write for the letter 'V'. Thoughts went from Vision, Views, Version, and around to nothingness. Then I remembered one of the Twitter people I'm mentioning below had a Blog past a few years ago that I really loved. <a href="https://twitter.com/coolcatteacher" target="_blank">Vicki Davis</a> has been an inspiration since I discovered Twitter and Blogs in 2012. Her post was on <a href="http://www.coolcatteacher.com/planning-to-teach-from-a-to-z/" target="_blank">"Planning to teach from A to Z"</a>. From here I thought I would borrow her letter 'V' - Versatile. A few key quotes from her served as inspiration; "<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">You must be flexible and adaptable." and "As a teacher, I plan, prepare, and prepare but when things go haywire at the last minute, I've learned to adapt and save myself a heart attack."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Versatility is such an important trait to develop as a teacher. Quite often, the best-laid plans go awry, and we need to be able to roll with it. Schools are predictable and chaotic at the same time, we are dealing with children and adults, and the internal and external pressures of school life. This is where versatility comes in, and being able to assume many different roles and responsibilities to deal with what is happening. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We also need to develop our own skills so that we can be versatile in the areas we can apply them whether it is numeracy, literacy, arts, sport, technology or any part of school life. At the same time, we need to help our students become more versatile in what they can do (or what they believe they are only capable of doing). Being versatile (or adaptable) is a critical skill in the 21st century, and one we must foster in ourselves and our students.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So towards becoming more versatile, be open to changes and take them in your stride.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><b>Bonus: My Twitter Recommendations- Letter V</b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">These educators have been part of my PLN for some time and it is fantastic to be able to connect with them, share ideas, be challenged and learn from one another. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/coolcatteacher" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vicki Davis</span></a></span><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/MsVictoriaOlson" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Victoria Olsen</span></a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/vickiemorgado1" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vicki Morgado</span></a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/virginiapav" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Virginia Pavlovich</span></a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/VeritySimpson1" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Verity Simpson</span></a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/vivimat78" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vivian Mat</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>jdtriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168355389760083718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125239498081542110.post-2605174062088174462015-02-22T13:50:00.003+10:002015-02-23T20:11:37.583+10:00U - Understanding (by Design) #28daysofwriting Day 22<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Understanding</span></u></b></h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfe0iXpkTNkp5RlI-yEEle-5BU_FyEOxC10mKjNm_JmVxsm0_rMwOQHx5VXdPK-vSvklSk2v1NatK7-ZXJrQ1NVdE_yyjFskOQvmanLizN_CSjW_bPDg-a6var45Yvlwm0sJGfdk382olK/s1600/Understanding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfe0iXpkTNkp5RlI-yEEle-5BU_FyEOxC10mKjNm_JmVxsm0_rMwOQHx5VXdPK-vSvklSk2v1NatK7-ZXJrQ1NVdE_yyjFskOQvmanLizN_CSjW_bPDg-a6var45Yvlwm0sJGfdk382olK/s1600/Understanding.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f3f5f6; color: #212124; font-family: 'Proxima Nova', 'helvetica neue', helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: start;"><i><a href="https://flic.kr/p/auEMVH" target="_blank">Listen, Understand, Act</a> by Steven Shorrock (<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/" target="_blank">CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)</a></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A definition from our 21st century reference (book), <i><b>Wikipedia</b></i>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Understanding</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> is a </span><a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychological" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-decoration: none;" title="Psychological">psychological</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> process related to an abstract or physical object, such as a </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Person" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-decoration: none;" title="Person">person</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">, situation, or </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Message" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-decoration: none;" title="Message">message</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> whereby one is able to think about it and use </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concept" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-decoration: none;" title="Concept">concepts</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> to deal adequately with that object.</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love this word. It can be seen as concrete, and at the same time be ambiguous in nature. It is what we hope students 'get', what 'clicks', the 'why', the way they can apply it and the lasting knowledge that they take from your class. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When students understand a concept, they can make it their own and use it any applicable contexts. Understanding informs my aims with my senior students. The skills I teach them, they understand the links and processes involved, and then they can actually apply it to different situations.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My school is embarking on utilising <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.0004997253418px;">Understanding by Design (UbD) more this year. I recently found this useful link on Edutopia created by <a href="https://twitter.com/grantwiggins" target="_blank">Grant Wiggins</a>: </span><span style="line-height: 20.0004997253418px;">Understanding by Design Template - <a href="http://edut.to/1DFK8II" target="_blank">http://edut.to/1DFK8II</a>. In the Template, he provides some of the reasons behind UbD. At the core it is a purposeful curricular planning process that makes the connections between learning and programs visible. He states that "</span>UbD reflects a “continuous improvement” approach to design and learning." </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Look forward to sharing more about this process as we start implementing it across all year levels later this year.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><b>Bonus: My Twitter Recommendations- Letter U</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">These educators have been part of my PLN for some time and it is fantastic to be able to connect with them, share ideas, be challenged and learn from one another. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/urbie" target="_blank">Urbie Delgado</a></span>jdtriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168355389760083718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125239498081542110.post-82564982032413235462015-02-21T09:34:00.001+10:002015-02-23T20:11:37.589+10:00T -Teaching River #28daysofwriting Day 21<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Teaching (River)</u></b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinVaQOzn5_anmxyItxx-wrElV1cp7vXcbVJvxsYRPcofhPa9rv425jEL2TPxpQW_t-zs0vJPAJB3JKML6HT8YJ8LkB48SIK9f5tigm5f6Azg_HjMKNI7pATRctLQD5voRaC-O2WM811Y7k/s1600/9978977593_d9518532ea_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinVaQOzn5_anmxyItxx-wrElV1cp7vXcbVJvxsYRPcofhPa9rv425jEL2TPxpQW_t-zs0vJPAJB3JKML6HT8YJ8LkB48SIK9f5tigm5f6Azg_HjMKNI7pATRctLQD5voRaC-O2WM811Y7k/s1600/9978977593_d9518532ea_z.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://flic.kr/p/gcNSnP" target="_blank">Photo </a>by Takashi Hososhima <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/legalcode" target="_blank">(CC BY-SA 2.0)</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;">I qualified as a teacher in 2010 and started my first full-time teaching post at the start of 2011. I had decided to change careers when my wife and I moved to Australia at the start of 2009. Previously I had done a gap year in New Zealand to play rugby, then studied 4 years and obtained degrees in Logistics Management, then two years in the UK, followed by four years in South Africa before moving to Australia.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMUNPUFCLJ290IxkNNSCVbkPxypThbPj66XbKmK5zOFZmuDVT67tLduQuwDJEL3QbRW_4_KBbi5tW9lO6Wpwj6lH9BBMWhMixeMy_t_adYWjz1Dat9Blt6YLBhKZb7xIDEMt_y7ELEBLy1/s1600/12189254674_325d976b86_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMUNPUFCLJ290IxkNNSCVbkPxypThbPj66XbKmK5zOFZmuDVT67tLduQuwDJEL3QbRW_4_KBbi5tW9lO6Wpwj6lH9BBMWhMixeMy_t_adYWjz1Dat9Blt6YLBhKZb7xIDEMt_y7ELEBLy1/s1600/12189254674_325d976b86_z.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://flic.kr/p/jz87Km" target="_blank">Photo</a> by Neil Howard (<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/legalcode" target="_blank">CC BY-NC 2.0)</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">When I started blogging I had to choose a Title for the Blog and signing up to Twitter I had to choose a twitter Handle. I selected the names 'The Teaching River' for the blog and @jdtriver for Twitter. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">By pure coincidence the school I work at is called Riverside, but this is not where the 'river' name originated. (parts of this blog post is from one I did many years ago)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">So let me explain.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK23f-R2UHEjr64aDh_ZVKZqLsMb6j-JkfEneOIHxS0snWgqI5lV7NosHRpp67RovuoqJ0mTEcyhu_9iH4hXQvsm12AyZJZpttj5q25mqY76d69HdWMt4gc_22gde3xiarvFQlq0zN4aAV/s1600/15033226168_b51e7b352a_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK23f-R2UHEjr64aDh_ZVKZqLsMb6j-JkfEneOIHxS0snWgqI5lV7NosHRpp67RovuoqJ0mTEcyhu_9iH4hXQvsm12AyZJZpttj5q25mqY76d69HdWMt4gc_22gde3xiarvFQlq0zN4aAV/s1600/15033226168_b51e7b352a_z.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://flic.kr/p/oUrdoC" target="_blank">Photo</a> by Mark Seaton (<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/legalcode" target="_blank">CC BY-NC 2.0)</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">I believe our lives as teachers, (as individuals and as students), is like a river. We start life flowing along from a starting point. We have different influences as we grow up - parents, siblings, family, friends, school, sport, hobbies, culture and much more that form and shape our character. We leave our comfort, our family homes and familiar surroundings and head downstream to the next phase in our lives.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCIKJyh6idyCYk5vQas_FF8gb9x0OJKP30KZxbj6WqcpEgbMhmNtaGRwU9MR2-xgE9txHoMoUtxulrSLfBdBI9-XqZAITHaXiY9wcdL5TNWDxom1flrLoSJy4xj-_IEfRDbhtC1k2Ad0E/s1600/12361025235_66a83ab92e_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCIKJyh6idyCYk5vQas_FF8gb9x0OJKP30KZxbj6WqcpEgbMhmNtaGRwU9MR2-xgE9txHoMoUtxulrSLfBdBI9-XqZAITHaXiY9wcdL5TNWDxom1flrLoSJy4xj-_IEfRDbhtC1k2Ad0E/s1600/12361025235_66a83ab92e_z.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://flic.kr/p/jQiu9K" target="_blank">Photo</a> by Adeel Shaikh (<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/legalcode" target="_blank">CC BY-NC 2.0)</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">We then enter our lives as teachers, where we have countless streams flowing into the river - students, colleagues, parents, communities, media, technology, government, and each one may have multiple streams. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Then as the river flows, we go through calm patches - the periods where everything just runs smoothly. Then there are times of rapids, filled with ups and downs - teaching goes through so many emotional and stressful phases, but the </span>river<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"> does not stop and nor does our teaching. No matter what is happening, the river pushes through and garners momentum as it heads towards the ocean.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSkYzwD3x4Lnc7QTIYsAERqSrmW3QMf2eikoC8ssDhvHfKEnJOl0hOYq5Ojn-xyzvX6WOGU-GgJcQnhRP489cAq3UDktgAvU_iVyQEcklhKP50xO6mqfOWPhcmjdGCRVL_BIiC9NKAW9y5/s1600/12097410565_de497fe8d7_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSkYzwD3x4Lnc7QTIYsAERqSrmW3QMf2eikoC8ssDhvHfKEnJOl0hOYq5Ojn-xyzvX6WOGU-GgJcQnhRP489cAq3UDktgAvU_iVyQEcklhKP50xO6mqfOWPhcmjdGCRVL_BIiC9NKAW9y5/s1600/12097410565_de497fe8d7_z.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Yellowstone River by Charles Peterson (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Then there are the streams that flow out from a river. This is where we influence people and make a difference in their lives. Then they head off in their own river and influence the lives of others. Eventually the rivers will reach the ocean, and this symbolises how teaching never ends and the legacy you create in your students goes out to the rest of the world.</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Life does not happen in isolation, we all are influenced by others and in turn influence people. I know that my life as a teacher I will go through many phases, ups and </span>downs,<span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"> and that they are all part of my own learning journey. This is how I see the link with a river, the </span>continuous<span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"> flow of developing my own skills, learning, gaining knowledge and wisdom, being a role model, a positive influence and mentor to my students.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">I love 'Teaching', I'm proud to call myself a 'Teacher'; and the complexity of learning and constant change makes it the most fascinating profession in the world. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">'Always Learning'</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><b>Bonus: My Twitter Recommendations- Letter T</b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">These educators have been part of my PLN for some time and it is fantastic to be able to connect with them, share ideas, be challenged and learn from one another. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/tombarrett" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tom Barrett</span></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/timlauer" target="_blank">Tim Lauer</a></span><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/TechNinjaTodd" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Todd Nesloney</span></a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/tomwhitby" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tom Whitby</span></a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/twhitford" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tom Whitford</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/blocht574" target="_blank">Todd Bloch</a></span><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/tina_p" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tina Photakis</span></a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/DrTonyWagner" target="_blank">Tony Wagner</a></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/ToddWhitaker" target="_blank">Todd Whitaker</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/tombennett71" target="_blank">Tom Bennett</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/tonyvincent" target="_blank">Tony Vincent</a></span><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/timneedles" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tim Needles</span></a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></span>jdtriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168355389760083718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125239498081542110.post-50957234243496290822015-02-20T13:16:00.000+10:002015-02-20T14:40:41.532+10:00S- Storms #28daysofwriting Day 20<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Storms</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The most appropriate topic on everyone's lips in Australia is storms. Two Tropical Cyclones hitting on the same day, (that is Hurricanes for the Northern Hemisphere readers). I'm based about 400km south of the largest, a Category 5 Cyclone, and we are only expecting a lot of rain (300-500mm) in the next 36 hours. This has resulted in most schools closing for today and staying home safely with my family.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">People across the state are bracing for a storm, and as teachers we have to weather countless storms throughout the year. We deal with students that are struggling with their own personal issues, life at home and adolescents. Various disagreements, lack of support or negativity may exist between staff. Restrictions by an educational system tied to archaic regulations, and communities that are disinterested in their children's education. Then there are teachers own personal lives that impact on their health and wellbeing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Teaching is an emotionally turbulent profession that requires us to help students through their own physical & emotional developments, and at the same time deal with parents, community, education departments and financial struggles. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We need to support each other, ask for help and not be afraid to speak up. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we experience storms in our lives, remember that their is always a silver lining and a rainbow around the corner.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><b>Bonus: My Twitter Recommendations- Letter S</b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">These educators have been part of my PLN for some time and it is fantastic to be able to connect with them, share ideas, be challenged and learn from one another. (So many names with S, sorry if I missed a few)</span><br />
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<a href="https://twitter.com/mcleod" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scott McLeod</span></a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/stewarthase" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stewart Hase</span></a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/simoncrook" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Simon Crook</span></a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/EduSum" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Summer Howarth</span></a></span><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/ShareLearning" style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stuart Taylor</span></a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/connectedtchr" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Simon McKenzie</span></a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/wholeboxndice" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Steve Box</span></a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/burgess_shelley" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shelley Burgess</span></a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/mssackstein" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Starr Sackstein</span></a></span><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/GeoMouldey" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Steve Mouldey</span></a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/SimonAshbyNZ" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Simon Ashby</span></a></span><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/vanschaijik" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span id="goog_479780522"></span><span id="goog_479780523"></span>Sonya van Schaijik</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/sallyluane" target="_blank">Sally Stevens</a></span><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/ScottRRocco" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scott Rocco</span></a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/SimonBreakspear" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Simon Breakspear</span></a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/MagicPantsJones" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sean Farnum</span></a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/shfarnsworth" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shaelynn Farnsworth</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/spaul6414" target="_blank">Sandra Paul</a></span><br />
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<br />jdtriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168355389760083718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125239498081542110.post-75277903292707275002015-02-19T21:11:00.000+10:002015-02-20T14:40:41.536+10:00R -Relationships #28daysofwriting Day 19<h2>
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Relationships</span></u></b></h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As <a href="http://www.news.com.au/technology/environment/wild-weather-hits-queensland-and-northern-territory-as-cyclone-marcia-and-cyclone-lam-approach/story-e6frflp0-1227224925218" target="_blank">Cyclone Marcia</a> is bringing down torrential rain already - I'm keeping tonight's post brief and linking in two previous posts on this topic. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Relationships are one the foundational blocks of building success in schools. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please have a look and any comments appreciated.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Posted in 2013 and one of my favourite posts:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://theteachingriver.blogspot.com/2013/11/relationships-are-key.html?spref=bl">The Teaching River: Relationships are the key</a>: One of the most essential ingredients in having students achieve success in the classroom is the relationship they have with their teacher. ...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also from 2013:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://theteachingriver.blogspot.com/2013/08/every-contact-leaves-trace_27.html?spref=bl">The Teaching River: Every contact leaves a trace</a>: <i style="font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">“Every contact leaves a trace. Everything and everyone we touch is changed in some way. But the changes, they are never what we anticipate.” </span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></i></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><b>Bonus: My Twitter Recommendations- Letter R</b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">These educators have been part of my PLN for some time and it is fantastic to be able to connect with them, share ideas, be challenged and learn from one another.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/moocargirl" target="_blank">Robyn McCarthy</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/WHSRowe" target="_blank">Rik Rowe</a></span><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/roshbuksh" target="_blank"><span id="goog_1389684011"></span><span id="goog_1389684012"></span>Roshea Buksh</a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/becdavies00" target="_blank">Rebecca Davies</a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/russeltarr" target="_blank">Russel Tarr</a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/richardolsen" target="_blank">Richard Olsen</a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/robmctaggart" target="_blank">Rob McTaggart</a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/rmbyrne" target="_blank">Richard Byrne</a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/robert_schuetz" target="_blank">Robert Schuetz</a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/rachaellehr" target="_blank">Rachael Lehr</a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/rlj1981" target="_blank">Rachel Jones</a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/FizzicalEd" target="_blank">Ross Halliday</a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/english_maven" target="_blank">Randy Norman</a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/RusulAlrubail" target="_blank">Rusul Alrubail</a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/rondorland" target="_blank">Ron Dorland</a><br />
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<i style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></i>
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<i style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></i>jdtriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168355389760083718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125239498081542110.post-65798514457078817982015-02-18T20:49:00.000+10:002015-02-20T14:50:53.720+10:00Q - Questioning #28daysofwriting Day 18<h2>
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Questioning</span></u></b></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSnRRI_J0yT-TdiK3TXF0mKgMrIa9asIWETFMNw1QXagAWSGNXPxGBnBZlq66fxIW3DHqrQxnd-BTjMPbnA7y7XYQX1K1M4_p0-CdnZMS2k2plf0hMJrIPYfnKbFvfaRMXEeIumUUZgDGv/s1600/question_marks_by_clipartcotttage-d79lpm3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSnRRI_J0yT-TdiK3TXF0mKgMrIa9asIWETFMNw1QXagAWSGNXPxGBnBZlq66fxIW3DHqrQxnd-BTjMPbnA7y7XYQX1K1M4_p0-CdnZMS2k2plf0hMJrIPYfnKbFvfaRMXEeIumUUZgDGv/s1600/question_marks_by_clipartcotttage-d79lpm3.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Questioning is a driving force in learning. Whether it is the teacher or the student, questioning is key in getting the cognitive juices flowing. As long as the questions encourage deep meaningful responses, creativity and curiosity, or the desire to understand more. A good question can be a powerful motivating force in a classroom.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(Term has gotten very busy, it is hard to find 28 minutes between school and family for the blog, so this results in a few posts that may be shorter than originally intended)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><b>Bonus: My Twitter Recommendations- Letter Q</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">These educators have been part of my PLN for some time and it is fantastic to be able to connect with them, share ideas, be challenged and learn from one another.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">No-one today. Not many names starting with Q </span>jdtriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168355389760083718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125239498081542110.post-16517930440389153072015-02-17T20:02:00.000+10:002015-02-19T20:20:54.008+10:00P- Passion #28daysofwriting Day 17<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><u>Passion</u></span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzJ1DqOp0jbivmY4WRQrialTlew_6Bxqk-6A0hKcySIbl0-dGzeyqe4nn6wdHKGRrYxoKtY-R3yZ43vMGjVG8KImZl1x6x5P0esyv_oJAEfObGmXff2mZmS6ni6yOcGr3PlpffB-2kUcw/s1600/passion199-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzJ1DqOp0jbivmY4WRQrialTlew_6Bxqk-6A0hKcySIbl0-dGzeyqe4nn6wdHKGRrYxoKtY-R3yZ43vMGjVG8KImZl1x6x5P0esyv_oJAEfObGmXff2mZmS6ni6yOcGr3PlpffB-2kUcw/s1600/passion199-300x300.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Image from: http://venspired.com/passion-as-a-catalyst/</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm passionate about my wife & daughter, my family, my friends, my sporting teams, my learning, reading, PLN, and teaching. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Passion is such an essential part of teaching. Passion is a key ingredient in being successful and connecting with students. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know the units/topics that I did not have a passion for resulted in some of my worse teaching weeks in my first two years. The students became bored and disengaged, because I did not enjoy the topics. I decided to change my program, inject more exciting and challenging topics. Also looked at different ways to present them and soon I managed to convey passion in teaching them. Now when I have a topic that I do not have a passion for, I can actually still be passionate about the learning process and the connections that the topic can create.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Passion for learning becomes contagious, and students can become passionate about their learning. Know what your students passions are, and they will know you value them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Make learning amazing, inspiring and passionate</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finding meaning in what you do and having a passion for it = Happy & Fulfilled life</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><b>Bonus: My Twitter Recommendations- Letter P</b></span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">These educators have been part of my PLN for some time and it is fantastic to be able to connect with them, share ideas, be challenged and learn from one another.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/PaulDBrowning" target="_blank">Paul Browning</a></span><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/pernilleripp" target="_blank">Pernille Ripp</a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/sailpip" target="_blank">Phillip Cooke</a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/philshapiro" target="_blank">Phil Shapiro</a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/ptaylorsjr" target="_blank">Phil Taylor</a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/Paul_M_Gibbs" target="_blank">Paul Gibbs</a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/cherandpete" target="_blank">Peter Cameron</a><br />
<br />jdtriverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168355389760083718noreply@blogger.com0