Better late than never!
So I find myself with a common issue - missed deadlines. I have always been a "last minute diva" and although, for obvious reasons, this has changed due to teaching it has not changed my approaches to assignments.If I could sit and talk to you I could easily convey what I have been doing through the use of wild gesticulations, conversation and wit (though I think this would be a matter of opinion). However, as I need to use my lesser skill of the written word, I shall try and do my Journey justice. I shall and try to follow by my own advice:
Ts and Ss should just try to make it their own and worry less about perfection. Let you voice be free :0) #March2C
— Cate Jarvis (@Blinkingnora1) March 3, 2016
The IdeaWithin school we have a PSHE (Personal Social and Health Education) curriculum that is delivered by all Home Room teachers . The aim is to develop well rounded and responsible pupils and we tackle topics such as Mindfulness, Sex Education, Addiction, Revision Strategies... We cover a lot of ground however, I feel there is a gapping hole. We spend very little time on the digital world. A world in-which the pupils are constantly operating and a world that has it's own set of rules and procedures.I would like to devise a program that, not only addresses issues that my arise from operating in this world, but that also places pupils as creators at its heart. I would like to embed the use of technology in a real and substantial manner. If I am honest I am unlikely to achieve all of my goals with this first version, however, I intend on getting feedback from the pupils and staff on the content of the sessions and the usefulness of the technological element. With the aim of constant improvement.The ProjectsI plan to tackle 3 main areas:
- Sexting and the use of images
- Gaming and the teenage Brain
- Digital Footprints and Online Etiquette
I have spoken with the Grade Level Leader and she has given me permission to run the units, the sexting and images unit will be delivered by every Grade 9 Home Room teacher, so I am hopefully for some useful feedback. I have also spoken to parents who attend my parental technology workshop. They were very keen on their children having instruction in 3 areas that I have stated above.The resources need to be in a format that I can use and that any other teacher can follow. The projects need to be clearly described and be able to be completed within the 1.5 hours allotted. We have a BYOD Environment so all pupils have access to a computer. However, as this is a cross platform system, the tasks must use software that is freely available. Most importantly there must be real technological integration that has a positive impact on the projects under development.
My real aim is to use the Coetail course as a jumping point to develop a solid digital life curriculum that goes beyond the current paper worksheet approach. The pupils are keen - we just need to pull down some of their walls and engage with them So now I need to get the resources prepared and gear up for the challenge! I have found a great resource to start me off.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uJOXOAQ9Qo