Blogging in the Classroom

Lots of us are starting blogs for our class. They're a great way to share our learning, to increase the engagement and motivation of our students and also a safe way to launch our class into the cyber world through links and images.

Here's one started at Myross Bush by Evelyn. She's using the side bar to store online links for maths groups, has some photos embedded in a post, using picturetrail and some links to some spelling games.

(Click on the image to have a closer look.)

Have you started a blog? Check out this video below that explains what a blog is - and answers - 'What's all the fuss?'

Teacher Inquiry - Edtalks

Here's an edtalk that was recorded at the last Learning@Schools conference about Teacher Inquiry.

This edtalk, by Claire Amos explains how her school, Epsom Girls Grammar, uses the teacher inquiry model to help the staff develop their elearning practice within certain curriculum areas. There are some interesting parallels between our clusters, especially with the focus being on improving student outcomes by using elearning strategies and tools - she also mentions the 'measurement' word!

What is a TeachMeet?

The Lead Teacher's are going to organise a 'Teachmeet' for the end of this term. The aim is to help us all share and collaborate some strategies to help us with our teacher inquiries.

Here's a video, by Brainpop, that explains what it is. Wikipedia also has a good definition.

(If you haven't seen Brainpop.com it's well worth a visit. They have a massive range of videos and interactive quizzes you can view - some for free, most you need to register for...)

What's the big deal about blogs?

Lots of us are using or thinking of starting blogs - for our own professional reflections, our students, our classrooms and schools. Here's a great video from Commoncraft that is THE BEST explaination I've seen. - it's well worth the watch, even for your students!

Staff Meetings - Wks 1 and 2

It's been a wirl wind tour of schools for me in the last two weeks. Thanks for the gentle introduction. I'm really excited about the enthusiasm you all have for growth this year and I'm looking forward to learning alongside everyone this year!

Here is the link and the video for the marshmallow challenge we've been using to kick the year off. I will let you all know the winning school for the marshmallow challenge at the end of this week! A morning tea shout is heading your way.

Look out for some more pictures of the best structures to be posted soon.

Mark - Facilitator