Views and Reflections

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...

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 ...

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?

Well, this is an interesting development. MSN News: Osama Bin Laden is dead. I'm sure everyone remembers that day, just as I do, when New Zealand woke up to what was happening in America. To date, 9/11 remains one of the saddest days this century. I still have newspaper clippings with all the heart wrenching photos, articles of loss and exasperation and anger. However, now what are the feelings? For 10 years the world has been told that America is in pursuit of Osama Bin Laden, the man said to be behind 9/11. I don't doubt that he was responsible but I am finding myself wondering what will happen now...to Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, the Gaza strip...the list goes on. What do you think? How will this affect our world and the relations of people? Will his death bring a semblance or peace or more conflict?