Tuesday and Wednesday brought two super unique and incredible opportunities for us to present the benefits of #digitallearning in the classroom and also Twitter for educational #CPD, at optional staff meetings held at both campuses of @DohaCollege.
A great turn out (on both days) was super encouraging and the engagement levels and #growthmindset among staff in attendance, was so humbling.
Following our meeting with Zoe and Brian (digital leaders @DohaCollege), we had drawn links between their Digital Learning Programme and our Welsh #DigitalCompetencyFramework - to offer practical suggestions on how they could implement their areas of digital experience in the classroom. The staff seem keen to utilise the mappings made between the two outlines, to take steps to improve their confidence levels and skill set in delivering a broad range of digital competency skills through their lessons. This is a big win for the digital leadership team, as they are more focused than ever on making #21stCenturyLearning streamline within the school - and this begins with staff engagement and the ability to step outside of their comfort zones...
Twitter Fever...
As I mentioned in my last post, one of the main take-homes we wanted to provide for the staff, was the amazing support network and #CPD opportunity that Twitter offers us teachers 24/7 - worldwide. Perhaps the biggest key turning point for many reluctant users, or those whom do have an account, but do not regularly engage for CPD purposes - was the revelation of how Twitter and the generosity of the community in terms of their knowledge, resources and advice selflessly provide, have shaped our teaching careers and studies thus far. As I explained, there is always a 'go-to' person in every school, or year group, who is the hub of information and ideas about a certain subject or topic - but Twitter provides an instant link with hundreds of 'go-to' people - all with diverse and bespoke approaches to the matter at hand. Why on earth would you spend hours racking your brains to generate ideas, when there are thousands out there whom, at the touch of a button, would happily share their tried and trusted ideas and resources - for you to simply tweak and adjust to meet the needs of your learners? It's a no-brainer! Despite a few anxieties and requests for support (which of course we are more than happy to provide), the last couple of days have seen the arrival of many Doha College staff to Twitter - with many more re-engaging in a professional capacity, to capitalise on the host of opportunities it affords teachers. Moreover, there are a number of staff whom are making waves themselves, by aiming to recruit new users to share good-practice with signs on the staff-room wall! #proud #inspirationalleaders #growthmindset
They are going #flipping crazy...
So, by now, I am sure you are all more than aware that I am a HUGE advocate for #flippedlearning and the countless benefits it affords teaching and learning. As a result of me sharing the astounding results of my research so far @DohaCollege, the class teachers in year 1 have worked with me today to learn how to use #Edpuzzle - my chosen portal to deliver #flippedcontent through. They both were surprised by how simple and user-friendly it is and were so keen that they asked me to set up the WHOLE OF BOTH CLASSES with login details, for them to begin #flipping their maths lessons from as soon as next week. As I had already built up communication with #parents of my focused-group children regarding this, it seemed sensible for me to put together a comms to send to all parents explaining the teachers' intentions, login details and instructions for use and to invite any questions they may have. The key to teachers being willing to take risks and try new things - which ultimately will benefit the children - is a supportive leadership team and involved parents. Both of which the teaching staff @DohaCollege have the joy of being able to draw upon. The excitement about this approach also extends to upper KS2 teachers, whom are looking toimplement a #flipped approach , to cultivate independence among their #highperformancelearners and to further extend their depth of knowledge and application, during class time. SO watch this space for updates...
Receiving recognition...
As much as it is always lovely to be recognised for the work you do - especially when it is risky and commands a degree of faith and following your gut - it is so humbling to be given such amazing support and appreciation by the school for my research - by way of being featured in their blog this week!
Check it out: https://www.dohacollege.com/university-of-south-wales-students-research-flipped-learning-at-doha-college
Of course, the most important thing to me is potentially having an impact on the children's learning and future development of their skills, but it is such a confidence boost to receive such incredible feedback and recognition. Just as exciting and frankly inspiring, was receiving the invitation this week to contribute some of my blog posts into my #flipped research, to the #ukedchat online magazine. This experience is opening so many doors and opportunities beyond our expectations and, as much as I am sad to only have a few days left in this incredible place, I intend to soak up every last second!
Thanks for reading!
