Using Google Forms as a writing frame.

Our schools seem to be growing rapidly, which sometimes involves a few creative rooming solutions. This has meant that a few of the classes I facilitate in are now year 2, 3, 4 classes where some students need a lot of scaffolding to use and write on their chromebooks. With this in mind, I knew that I needed to do something to make creating a blog profile accessible to all learners. I was thinking about the literacy strategy of writing frames, that help students with the structure of writing. I wanted to try using a google form to collect personal information that students wanted to share in their profile, and then using mail merge to complete the profile. I put together this form, that asked students some questions and allows them to upload a profile photo. I then wrote up this simple writing frame, and used an add on called smartsheet merge to complete the mail merge, as this is something that is not available in docs (yet). 

   

Overall, I was pretty happy with the result as every student was able to share information about themselves and it was quick and easy for me/their teacher to transfer the information to individual student blogs. There are a few things that could be problematic however, as smartsheet is available for free on a trial basis, but then it's a paid subscription. Another thing is that the quality of pictures that students take with the camera on their chromebooks is pretty average, so they might need a redo. 

Any suggestions for other programs or add ons that could do something similar for free?

The bigger picture of an exam

Today was exam day, the culmination of our learning over the last few months of DFI. Murphy's law would have it that this is the week that I'm stuck at home with a cold and had to miss the exam... except that I didn't. I made my own little DFI at home and did the exam here. Note the extension cord and multi-box for authenticity 😉.

My virtual DFI set up

I had been feeling a bit apprehensive about doing the exam, thinking it would be much more demanding than the level 1 exam, but in truth it wasn't a huge step up. Some of the tasks were more involved, but I think the practice opportunities that we have had through the deep dives and sandpit time were really good preparation. Those who have done the level 1 exam today should definitely challenge themselves to take this next step and consolidate the learning we have done together. Go on, be brave!

The thing that was demonstrated for me today wasn't necessarily showing off my techy skills, but putting the Manaiakalani kaupapa into action. I was able to participate, even when things didn't go according to plan. Even though I was sitting by myself in my kitchen, I knew that there was a roomful of other people who were sharing the same experience (Thanks Dorothy for the Viber photos!)

Yay, the exam is finished!

Congratulations to all of my colleagues who have taken the time and the risk to improve their digital fluency. Your students are lucky to have people like you, who believe they are worth it. Looking forward to catching up with everyone for shared lunch and OMG tech next week.

Google Certification

Today I sat at my computer for a few hours and worked my way through the Google Certified Educator Level 1 exam. I was a little nervous beforehand, not having sat an 'exam' for quite some time, let alone one that was entirely dependent on the internet working. What I realised, as I completed the tasks, was that I was gaining recognition for stuff that I have been doing for years, that my colleagues have been doing for years, and that are so well integrated into the way we work that we hardly notice them anymore. In saying that, I did pick up a few new tips and tricks, and I had the opportunity to 'zoom out' and look at the whole picture of how GAFE supports teaching and learning. 

If you're keen to learn a few new skills, or get recognition for the ones you have, head over to the Google Teacher Centre and have a go! Leave me a comment if you're keen for the challenge 😃