DFI Week 5 - Enabling Access

Today has been an interesting day which has involved exploring a variety of sites (including our own) for visibility and accessibility for learners. It is interesting to consider the variety of ways in which the same forms of information can be presented and knowing which is best can be a challenging exercise.

As someone who has been using sites for a while, my usage has evolved over time and I am constantly modifying and revising the way in which I present learning to my students. For me, having a class site has given planning and sharing a genuine purpose - the days of the black planner have long gone for me. A site provides me with the ability to share my planning with students, whanau and other teachers in an easily accessible format.

Class Site

It was also valuable for me to get feedback from other members of the DFI who were looking at my site from the perspective of a viewer. This feedback helped reinforce for me that I am on the right track with my site, but there is always room for change and improvement.

In the afternoon, Marion and I were fortunate enough to spend some time talking with Anne after being inspired looking at her Paideia Site.  Paideia is a model designed to encourage argumentation and discussion amongst students. This discussion has allowed us to formulate a plan for moving forward, using Anne to support us. The hope for both Marion and I, is that we can get other staff on board with supporting this as it will help us encourage deeper thinking with our students. The aim is for us to work with Anne once seniors have finished for the year, as it removes the pressure of relief requirements.

I am really enjoying DFI. The opportunity to spend time off site, focussing on something I am passionate about is both reinforcing my teaching practice, as well as extending my thinking in a range of areas. Putting in to practice many of the things I am discovering is the key.