Identify two of the potential connections from your map as your near future goal(s). Then critically discuss the benefits and challenges of working in a more interdisciplinary environment. I have looked at the interdisciplinary approach by zooming into one topic/theme. Our term two's inquiry was playground design and during teacher only day, staff brainstormed ways we could link our subjects around this theme. The above image is what we came up with. There were many benefits to the approach such as, drawing on each others strengths and making connections between subjects but we also ran into challenges such as finding material to fit the topic or the teaching of research skills. Overall, the students enjoyed the topic and were able to see the "Bigger Picture".
Collaboration with others through increased and continued communication with whanau and fellow teachers. Benefits: By having regular communication with whanau, the teacher can draw upon the strengths of others. It opens up an avenue for the students to be able to interview people from their communities. Teachers who have a strength/passion for a certain subject should be drawn upon for lesson activities or ideas. Challenges: Finding the time to do this. Initially this could be set up during parent-teacher conferences and during teacher only days at the beginning of the year. You could use a class blog to communicate with whanau and invite them to step in where they can. Make connections between social media and learning. Benefits: By using social media you keep up to date with relevant topics and give students an authentic purpose to their learning. Students are also able to make connections between what they are learning in class and the "real-world". Challenges: Some social media sites may be blocked. Students may still view social media as entertainment and not as a learning tool. References Jones, C.(2009). Interdisciplinary approach - Advantages, disadvantages, and the future benefits of interdisciplinary studies. ESSAI, 7(26), 76-81. Retrieved from http://dc.cod.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1121&context=essai
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After reading the Class Notes, create a blog post where you critically discuss the use of social media in teaching and/or in professional development in relation to any two of the following questions:
A screencast of my school's Google+ community that I set up since starting Mindlab. Create a blog post where you identify an ethical dilemma in your own practice linked to digital or online access or activity. Explain the dilemma and discuss either:
Code of Ethics As Teachers, we have a professional commitment to learners, parents, society and the profession. The Education Council developed a set of guidelines in alignment with the Code of Ethics, for teachers to assist them with ethical dilemmas that may arise as a result of Social Media. In the previous post, I discussed the benefits of using Social Media in the classroom but it does pose a question of what is accepted between teachers and students. This issue was raised in a newspaper article where one teacher felt that "peoples thresholds were different" and inconsistency about what was considered inappropriate. For example, some may see befriending students on Facebook as crossing the professional line whereas others may not see this any different to using email. The guidelines are there to ensure teachers act in the same high standard that they would in a classroom, online and when using Social Media. "Teachers should be able to use social media with confidence in both their professional work and private lives" Dr Peter Lind, Head of Education Council School Policy
At my school, all staff members are required to sign an ICT agreement policy. Within this document it makes reference to the Code of Ethics, and reminds teachers to bear in mind the ethical obligations when interacting with students online. There is however, no specific examples as to what is or is not accepted. For example, there is no mention of whether it would be ethical or not to befriend a student on Facebook. In my practice I discuss our school's ICT Agreement with the students and talk about their devices as learning tools. Students are more than welcome to email me but they are reminded it needs to be school-related. One student, emailed me saying, "Hi Teacher, my friend" to which I reminded him that emails are to be used for help with classwork. We also have a class blog which the students have respected because they knew the purpose was for school and for learning. Students, like teachers are aware of the implications if the Agreements are violated. References Evans Bay Intermediate. (2016). ICT Agreement. New Zealand Education Council. (2012). Guidelines on Ethical Use of Social Media. Retrieved from https://teachersandsocialmedia.co.nz/sites/default/files/ resources/Guidelines%20-%20ethical%20use%20of%20social%20media_0.pdf Teachers' blurred lines with students. (2014, March 13). Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved from http:// www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/9822842/Teachers-blurred-lines-with-students. Create a blog post where you first share your own views on the indigenous knowledge and culturally responsive pedagogy. Then critically reflect on how you or your school addresses cultural responsiveness in practice. |
AuthorCurrently enrolled in the Mindlab Postgraduate Course and am looking at ways to document what I learn. Archives
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