Innovator Update: Getting the Message out

How exciting to make some progress on my Google Innovator project. Earlier this week, we met for our very first Gizzy Bytes, a social event designed to bring all our teachers who have had or are having facilitation over the 2019-2019 years to come together and connect. These incredible educators are the ones right at the grassroots level, building their knowledge of the Manaiakalani Learn, Create, Share model and their understanding of best practice use of technology in the classroom.

 There is a big difference between being a 'digital' classroom that plonks learners on Chromebooks in front of online platforms for the day and allows the computer to do the teaching and one that selects purposeful use of learning, personalised for each learner, continuing with small group teaching and tried and true effective methods of teaching practice which have been used and refined for decades. The work we do is so important, particularly for our priority learners, which was where the foundations of the Manaiakalani Education Trust first began.

We are so grateful to all our teachers having facilitation, for their interest in growing their practice and their continued dedication.  There was something quite special with having them all come together and witnessing their enthusiasm and the connection that occurred between schools.  The Waikanae Surf Club was a wonderful venue and we were so lucky to have Gisborne Boys' High School in to support with catering.  It was a really delicious spread we put on for our wonderful teachers. 

GBHS Catering

Facilitated teachers connecting

I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to present my pitch for my Google Innovator project again.  It's an unusual feeling being front and centre, presenting an idea that I'm so passionate about and hoping for support from already very busy and overloaded teachers.  I'm confident though that we have so many dedicated educators locally who have such an incredibly diverse range of skills, that at least a few of them might find time to come forward to collaborate on this.

 Facilitating in six schools around our district puts me in contact with a huge number of incredible educators as well as allows me to see so many wonderful learning opportunities brought into schools by our passionate local educators. They all work so hard to encourage real-life, engaging learning to be happening in all of their schools and it is my hope that what we create can be there to support them all. If we even put one resource in each classroom every year, we will be helping to reduce teacher workload and support the integration of technology in the classroom.

It was particularly special to see my article shared onto Matawai School's Facebook page as my work as a teacher began at Matawai and it was the wonderful support and encouragement I received by the wonderful teachers and early Principals during my time there that encouraged me to be continually striving for the very best for our learners.  My work in Environmental Education there, partnering with Enviroschools was integral to my continued focus on real-life learning and the power it has to engage our learners.  With technology making learning visible, accessible and rewindable, I know that the connection and empowerment that comes with this turbocharges their learning and often leads to their involvement in community initiatives and career work.  You never know whether a day outside of the classroom might encourage a learner to dream a little bigger and grow their community in innovative ways.


 

If you're interested in collaborating, please follow this link to register your interest.