Learners in the Lead - Our thoughts... by Joanne Brown

My iTime

2018-11-01 04:59:35 UTC

I tried to find an intersection between my passions of technology and art by creating my own cross stitch pattern in Excel

I tried to find information about Shiseko embroidery. I went up to the Japanese room, but no one was there. I'm feeling excited because I found a craft store online that's located 30 minutes away, and I plan to visit and see if they sell lots so I can teach myself how to do it.

2018-11-01 05:00:06 UTC

Writing a picture book

2018-11-01 05:00:30 UTC

I started to brainstorm story ideas based my on life. I learned that picture books can rhyme, should be short, every word counts. I used my DSLO of character, and creativity to brainstorm and keep going. I feel like I’ve made a start, but also wondering if I will succeed.

Little Quik movie I made about today’s learning

2018-11-01 05:00:59 UTC

Janna - Grade 3, Shanghai

Community international school @janna3000

https://gopro.com/v/EDGO6QyQZze00

I wanted to find out more about botanical illustrators in NZ. This is an area of interest to me and I will be taking some off from teaching next year and would like to see if I can turn my passion into employment.

2018-11-01 05:01:03 UTC

Scratch and iMovie

2018-11-01 05:01:18 UTC

I used iTime to learn more about Scratch and iMovie. I had used iMovie before but used instructional videos to help me learn new skills.

What to do in Kyoto

2018-11-01 05:01:42 UTC

I did some research on what my family should do with our upcoming tome in Kyoto. I chose this project because I want our time to be enjoyable and meaningful and fun and thought that planning ahead would help with that.
I found four super cool things for us to check out, and I even figured out how to get to these places from our AirBNB. I’m excited to share what I found with my family so that we can make some choices. I’m still curious about how much we’ll be able to get done while we’re there.

ITime + coding

2018-11-01 05:01:54 UTC

I used my iTime to learn how to code using the Swift Playgrounds app. I learned a little bit about commands and making a character move using code. My focus was on creativity and self-management.I feel excited to continue working on this, as I ran out of time! Next up for me is functions and grouping tasks.

iTime reflection

chrisbrodie — 2018-11-01 05:01:57 UTC

My iTime was a great opportunity to collaborate with a colleague on some ideas that we can bring back to our school as Grade 6 transitions to middle school. We also were researchers and were able to do some planning related to our current unit.

2018-11-01 05:02:00 UTC

I wanted to research about the ‘how’ to raise confident kids as I have two young children. I picked up several applicable tips and feel excited to put them into action. I think this is going to take some time to see the results.

Passion Projects with PYPConnectED

2018-11-01 05:02:24 UTC

I spent the time refocusing my attention. Using ideas and inspiration from this mornings engagements and conversations, I updated the page: https://sites.google.com/view/everyonecanedtech-connected/passion-projects?authuser=0 This page and site is about connecting students with others inquiring into similar projects and passsion. Feel free to visit the site and get involved. Our girls at Seisen get so excited and enthused by new responses. Thanks :)

2 parts

2018-11-01 05:02:33 UTC

I began by inquiring into hexbots because I wanted to learn something new and express my creativity. I enjoyed it, but then decided I would also like to be a researcher and look into a hiking route from Kyoto to Tokyo that I am interested in trying. I was so happy to have the time to search and read.

About compulsive hoarders

2018-11-01 05:02:40 UTC

I wanted to 1) research about compulsive hoarders 2) be a sculptor to express how compulsive hoarders feel. 3) focus on Communication skills (try to express a complicated emotion) -- I have learned about Hoarding Disorder, and started imagining how a playdoh sculpture may look like to express being both "overwhelmed and comfortable when surrounded by Stuff" -- I was at first a bit confused how "deep" I could go, considering the timeline and the "open personal" aspect of the planning, but I enjoyed it and I want to try this with students, I'm still worried about the actual implementation in class (time management and effective support for all students to succeed).

I researched if it was possible for grade 4 students t

2018-11-01 05:02:55 UTC

For my iTime project I was working on sculpting and being a risk taker to try different mediums for sculpting. I learned that my project and inquiry would definitely take several sessions because I want to explore how different materials will influence the design and look of the end product. So far I have used PlayDoh and found that it was not super easy to work with. New questions came up every time I tried something different. I interested to see what I find when I look into other materials and can compare it to the PlayDoh. I also came up with some ideas of how to document these different questions as they have come up during the process.

tami_ruebush — 2018-11-01 05:03:08 UTC

Movie maker Alternative s

2018-11-01 05:03:17 UTC

I researched Movie maker alternatives.
Tested Adobe Spark Video & Biteable.
Hope to use these tools for personal and education projects.

2018-11-01 05:03:25 UTC

Family time

2018-11-01 05:03:27 UTC

I used my time to research about fun things to do in Singapore for families. While I was doing this I was also thinking about EOTC opportunities for my class. It was great to spend some time researching about all the cool stuff to do that doesn't involve screen time.

iTime Reflection:

chaa1 — 2018-11-01 05:08:48 UTC

I used my time to research about different coding apps available. I was able to explore the Kodable app. I didn't get too far with playing around with the app, but I plan to continue exploring the app and other coding apps available to find one out that works best for me.

Connect, Extend, Challenge: C- I knew of the idea of personalized inquiry or passion time and have experimented with it a little when I was teaching grade 1. We have several other teachers exploring this idea and trying different things out.

tami_ruebush — 2018-11-01 06:48:31 UTC

E- The routines and systems for implementing this idea were new to me. I am excited to see different ways of making this idea accessible to lower elementary students and the possibilities moving forward. Enjoy seeing the iterations of this project and the reflective nature of your journey.

CH- Sharing these ideas with teachers and supporting those that are interested in trying is what I find the most challenging at the moment. Breaking out of the box of this "just being another thing" and into the place where teachers are willing to try something new and evaluate the benefits for themselves. Excited about the possibilities.

Connect Extend Challenge - Janna

2018-11-01 06:49:27 UTC

Connect: our school used Ch 7 from KathMurdoch’s Power of Inquiry to help us guide our thinking per grade level for iTime.

Extend: “try” time, Wonderopolis, planning and structuring it to manage iTime better. Confer and rework questions. Power of questions.

Challenge: making time within the constraints given. Can I change my schedule? What will that look like? Can I get my team on board with my own action plan or should I just pilot it in my classroom?

iTime Reflection

maho3 — 2018-11-01 06:49:29 UTC

I have tried Passion projects previously but we were stopped by curriculum leaders. Mainly because we didn't convince them of the learning taking place.

I have learnt how to extend our ideas, developing questioning and love the idea of linking the projects to the school Learning Outcomes (DSLOs/4Cs etc) which can then show the progress and track in a manageable way.

Thanks everyone

Connect_Extend_Challenge

2018-11-01 06:49:32 UTC

Connect- a lot of this is happening with teachers at my school, so it’s a nice affirmation for me that we’re on the right track.
Extend- lots of ideas for bringing this into classrooms with students. We just need to get in the pit!
Challenge- Desperately looking for the intersection of skills/standards to inquiry. I know it’s there, I just can’t articulate it... YET!

C-E-CH Reflection

chrisbrodie — 2018-11-01 06:49:35 UTC

C- it connects very well with what we are doing with exhibition this year and what I've done previously with other classes. The great thing about this is the depth of learning that can come from students.
E - While we already have a type of 'competencies' with our learner profiles and ATL skills but it would be great to focus them in more and make them more intentionally focused for the age level.
Ch - The challenge is to plan intentionally so that this type of learning isn't seen as getting in the way of the other learning or "other stuff" but rather enhances the learning and is an a

iTime Reflection

mikjessee3 — 2018-11-01 06:49:52 UTC

Connect: I have tried "iTime" a few times now (Gr 3 and 5) ... today was a good chance to reflect and think about what has worked and what hasn't. It was really interesting sharing and collaborating around the idea of personalized inquiry in the classroom and the importance of student agency.
Extend: Some new thinking today around managing kids, making it purposeful, and connecting to our school's "learning assets" to help build each child's toolkit.
Challenge: I think will be time, and making sure that we invest the time into this to make it worthwhile

Reflection

2018-11-01 06:50:27 UTC

Connect- Student centered and personalized, can be guided and reflection time is key.

Extend- can be as much or as little. Start small, provide a list of ideas.

Challenges- time, when to do it, resources, adult help. How to help those students who struggle. How to reach every student’s needs.

C-E-C

2018-11-01 06:50:37 UTC

I’ve done a lot of looking into this before, but haven’t felt comfortable implementing yet. Now I feel like I have a better understanding of how to implement it.

I now understand how differentiation works and have a better understanding of what personalized learning means.

Will we get buy in and support (not just admin because I know they will) but will the other teachers support it as well?

iTime Reflection

2018-11-01 06:50:41 UTC

Connect: This session connects really well with the kind of inquiry I am hoping to engage my students with. It has given me the what, why, who, how and when to the implementation!
Extend: I love how iTime isn't just a time for students to explore their passions and make learning practical and meaningful, but also provides the perfect opportunity for the application of 21st century skills!
Challenge: Finding the time, support from support/specialist teachers, and scheduling iTime to really make it work!

Reflection

nheidt2_1 — 2018-11-01 06:50:44 UTC

Connect: Students engagement is highest when it is a topic they are passionate about.
Extend: In the past I have mostly focused on collaborative projects but I now see the value in individual projects.
Challenge: What is expectations are appropriate for first graders? How do I encourage students to choose passions while still keeping in line with curriculum?

2018-11-01 06:50:45 UTC

Connect - school already does this, looks different across grades and even classes. No common language or agreements.
Ex -
Ch - still find resourcing/staffing/managing all students difficult. Our school in inclusive and approximately half our students have LS or ELL support. Wondering how to support all.

Connect, Extend, Challenge

2018-11-01 06:50:59 UTC

I knew about iTime and have thought about doing it for years but today has motivated me to stop thinking about it and actually do it. We do free play in G1 (not enough) but I'm now thinking that I might do more guided and structured discovery time which will hopefully lead into iTime. I'm wondering how to sell this to my team without it sounding like adding 'another thing' to our workload.

CEC

2018-11-01 06:51:05 UTC

Connect - use of the planning tools and proposals

Extend - lots of new resources and planning links

Challenge - time constraints and space are still challenges

Connect - Extend - Challenge

eguyer2 — 2018-11-01 06:51:30 UTC

Connect - Much of what we talked about are things that have been rattling around in my brain for a while now. Making authentic connections to science and social studies is a practice that we've been to engage in over the past couple of years.
Extend - Exploiting connections to DSLO's or Learning Habits makes a lot of sense and can be helpful way to reinforce both of these areas.
Challenge - Time and making inquiry not feel like "another thing" is still a major challenge for me

lwood162_1 — 2018-11-01 06:51:39 UTC

Extend: brainstorming about different ways to fit iTime in to the schedule both within a month and within a school year were super helpful. (This is also a challenge)
Love the idea to use this more intensely the first and last week(s) of school.

Connect- I already know about the inquiry process

2018-11-01 06:51:50 UTC

Extend:the focus is not just on the product that the child produces. The product could be new personal information that the child has gained.
Challenge: modelling, leading and guiding the children through the process at a level that they can understand and take control of.

Connect, Extend, Challenge

chaa1 — 2018-11-01 06:53:06 UTC

Connect: I already knew about iTime but haven't had time to start it.
Extend: Great way to motivate EALs to bring out their passion
Challenge: How to get the most out of the students

C-E-C

nadine_richard1 — 2018-11-01 06:53:07 UTC

Connect: I knew about Inquiry-Based units and inquiry questions, but not how to turn it into "personal inquiry".

Extend: The workshop gave me ideas to get started, from the beginning of the year, and try to integrate personalized inquiry throughout a school year whatever the grade-level I'll be teaching next.

Challenge: I'm still struggling with the balance between "teacher guided inquiry" and the depth of "personal inquiry", and how to support the students effectively (in big classes, by myself...).

Reflection

jennifer_laird1 — 2018-11-01 06:56:31 UTC

loved seeing ways to allow the students to take their passions forward and hope that my school ‘buys in’ to the process to make it possible.