Activity 8: Changes in My Practice

My MindLab Journey

Mindlab started in November and even though it the course is actually 32 weeks long, it seems almost an eternity since it began. Not that it is a bad thing or anything.  It has been a wonderful experience that has opened my mind to some new and exciting things.  It has helped me understand some of the issues I was dealing with within my own school.  It helped me find some of the "gut" feelings I had and realise that not only did I want to teach digital technologies, but I also wanted to explore eLearning and its true potential.  It is a way of future oriented learning, it is a way to move the teaching and learning beyond the traditional approach, it is a way to help engage the current akonga of today in the teaching and learning process (or should it be: learning and teaching process?).

I always wanted to be able to complete the MindLab course, and I am pleased to say I have now not only been part of it here in Rotorua, through the hard work and determination of NePW but I have also completed it. Undertaking MindLab has also encouraged me to extend my learning further by enrolling in a PostGrad in eLearning. Yes, it has been a catalyst for many changes. Therefore, the outcome is yet to be realised to its truest potential, but it will.

Just completing this course demonstrates my commitment to the Practising Teacher Criteria and e-learning in practicular Criteria 4 where I initiated this learning opportunity to advance my personal professional knowledge and skills.  I have become part of a Community of Practice where eLearning is the focus and there are discussions about the ways that schools and teachers are changing their practice to beome more future orientated. There are valuable ideas gained from the readings and videos that I hope to incorporate into my classroom practice.

What have I changed in my practice?

I think the biggest change for me was the ability to have the experience of teaching in an eLearning environment.  Because I was completing MindLab, I was allowed to teach Social Science in an online environment.  Having a non traditional subject (i.e. not Digital Technologies) timetabled into a ICT room for each lesson is a big thing at our school. As the Practising Teacher Criteria and e-learning - Criteria 6 states "It is important to have explored some of the latest thinking on the integration of e-learning tools in order to use them effectively for teaching and learning".   Having though carefully about the best way to approach this and using research to back up my thinking and ideas was a big help. Through the assessment 2 of Leadership in Digital & Collaborative Learning I was able to reflect on this process. Which is an important part of being a reflective teacher. I used Chalkup as my learning platform, and although it was a good experience I can see room for future emprovement. I would even like to try experiementing with Google Classroom and seeing the differences between each platform.   There is always something new to learn.

Are there more changes to come?

One thing I did struggle for a long time to understand was the effective pedagogy that is paramount for effective teaching and learning in an eLearning environment.  This I think was because I couldn't make specific links between the traditional and what is required.  I knew I thought differently about the teacher role than some of my collegues at my school.  Ever since I did my training to become a teacher I had an understanding of the "jug and mug" theory and I much preferred the facilitator role.

Next year I look forward to being in a new school and applying what I have learned. I look forward to learning a lot more about eLearning throughout the rest of the year through more readings and assignments.

Also, I find that I am continuing to make links between the videos and readings of MindLab.  Growth mindset is important, as is engaging the disengaged... Oh the list here could grow long.

You know, I think I have learned a lot about me too, which has to be a good thing right?