Views and Reflections

We are nearing the end of a dancing year, and what a ride it has been. Entering a competition was a New Year's Resolution and a way to get out of my comfort zone. The following is my story, and what I have learnt... in no particular order nor grammatically correct.  First I summoned up the courage to join our team at Waikato Champs. I entered DWAS (Dance With A Stranger) and at the second-to-last minute did Freestyle too. Competing in Intermediate A for a first timer like me was pretty daunting but I had fun. So I then went to Ceroc X in Rotorua to perform as part of our team again. At the last minute (i.e. on the day) I also did Freestyle. :) After finding out my twisted knee was okay and didn't need surgery I spontaneously entered and competed in Christchurch. Cold, cold, cold, but great music and atmosphere!  Next, was East and South in Auckland. I knew what to expect by then, and had a great group of people to hang out with. Also, I made it into Semi-Finals

Quinn Norton's Collaborative Document Message from Hekia Parata Keynote Speakers Adam Lefstein  I didn't get to here this but have enjoyed reading through the presentation slides afterwards.

A selection of my reflections while I attended ULearn 2014 using Storify. There will be more to come, when my brain has processed everything I heard and learnt! [ View the story "ULearn14 Reflections" on Storify ] Link here also:  Tweeting from ULearn 2014

What an inspiring day! Despite it being nearly a month ago, I am still thinking about how I can use this learning in the classroom.  We started out with Operational Bingo, took a scenic route through Augmented Reality apps and engaging writers, then ended with an iMovie challenge!  The iPad Operational Bingo was fairly easy for me - would have been a problem if it wasn't - given my role as ICT Troubleshooter! However, it was a good chance to remember some iOS7 tips and tricks that I had forgotten. The augmented reality apps we looked at we're amazing! I am in awe of how it works and found myself  wondering how people can be so brainy to come up with an app that shows a 3D picture from a 2D marker!  Here are my brief thoughts on each of the apps we looked at: AR Flashcards: Great, as it speaks the letter and name of the item. However, I am a fan of depicting real creatures, rather than cartoonish recreations.  Mojo Masks: I like this app but I did find it q

Blogging Meme Thanks Sonya (@vanschaijik) for starting this,  Stephen (@PalmyTeacher) for tagging me and Helen (@HelenofTroy01) for starting a Google Doc to  track all these enlightening Memes (is that a word?). https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rjscDE0NSPnt1IcZMvthqcjBByAcKKU2hKjgQmqtHbU/edit# Here goes a real blog post! The blogging task includes: Acknowledge the nominating blogger. Share 11 random facts about yourself. Answer the 11 questions the nominating blogger has created for you. List 11 bloggers. Post 11 questions for the bloggers you nominate to answer, and let all the bloggers know they have been nominated.  Don't nominate a blogger who has nominated you. 11 Random Facts about Me: I had to Google the meaning of 'meme' (www.merriam-webster.com:  an idea, behaviour, style, or usage that spreads from person to person within a culture) My adult life keeps going in 3 year cycles - 3 year degree, 3 years teaching in Tokoroa, 3 years teachin

2014 is here. I remember watching 'Beyond 2000' and think it would come to pass...well we are still not flying in hovercars! I don't usually do NY Resolutions but last year I did (to wear more of the jewellery that I own - tick) and this year I have decided it needs to be around my Digital Citizenship and sharing my learning about technology and use of tools in education. That being said I need to continue to update this blog! So Happy New Year everyone! I wish you a successful 2014 and the wisdom and perseverance to get through whatever life throws at you this year.

Well I have been inspired by nature and the colours of autumn recently and this is what I have done. Tokoroa, New Zealand Coromandel, New Zealand  I have loved taking these photos and there are many more to come! What do you all think?