DFI Eighth Blog Post

Kia ora koutou,

Today's learning was all about  Computational Thinking. 

We began the day with going to our bubbles and discussed what did and didn't work well from last week's learning. It was heartening to hear everyone is feeling much more digitally fluent! I reflected on how I'm feeling more confident with Chromebook shortcuts and and how my students are now getting into the routine of using our class site.

Next we looked at the kaupapa of empowerment which is about the advancing of Rangatiratanga- and their taking back control of their lives. The use of technology enables students to enter and explore new learning environments which is obviously empowering!

We then had an in depth look at computational thinking. This included the concepts of being digitally fluent and capable, how computational thinking can be applied to different technology strands, the difference between computational thinking and designing and developing digital outcomes, and digital technology and computational thinking progress outcomes. Manaiakalani is currently in the process of mapping the Cybersmart curriculum to the new Digital technologies Curriculum. 

After a break we were given an introduction to the future of technology and what it means to our tamariki. This was fascinating and included an overview of exciting new innovations and technologies. We then considered how the ethics and morals associated with new innovations and technologies must be considered-thought-provoking to say the least! We then looked at different scenarios related to 'driver-less' cars which was a great example of the ethics and morals intrinsically linked to new innovations and technologies. 

We then went to our 'bubbles' and explores some sites related to the the new digital technologies curriculum.

After that we were given some background to our upcoming exam, including registration for it. 

Next we explored opportunities for us to give coding a go or extending our current knowledge. I had a play with 'Scratch', the cat. My students will love this, as well as the many of the other coding options. This is a great site  free, short coding courses.

We then chose a breakout group to create a task and I chose 'Mihi Maker'. It's a fun little game that animates your Pepeha! You can make the dude walk by pressing the right arrow on your keyboard, or hold the arrow down to make him run. Of course the up arrow makes him jump if you're in the mood for a bit of leaping. Here it is:





We finished the day by with some blogging tips which included a blog checklist and how to share your blog on social media. 

It's been another productive/informative day here on the DFI course, my favourite parts being the 'Mihi Maker' (which I'll be using with my class) and thinking about the ethics and morals in regards to new innovations and technologies. 

Ka kite anō,

Sean.