The e-Learning Planning Framework

I believe we are at a point where we need to look at where we are at and what is the next steps. You can very quickly get overwhelmed with e-learning and start running around like 'headless chocks' as my Grandad use to say, when it comes to all that e-learning has to offer. The e-learning planning Framework is going to be the answer to help create sanity and direction. This blog entry is how we will proceed with this.

Where to start?

I must mention now that everything used originated at the TKI e-learning website. 

Here you can find everything you need to create "A ‘road map’ that enables schools/teachers to identify where they are, the practical steps they can take to improve their practice, and connects them to relevant information or services to support them in doing this". 





The videos and resources are endless. Not just the tool but practical ideas for the "Where to now?" question that I can see myself asking when filling in the "Framework for Schools'. I think throughout this whole process I will keep in mind a few statements that I continually say to myself.

1. We need to take manageable steps. We want everyone on the train but we don't want to shove them in and rush to what we envision as a utopia, in a mad rush...we would not get there!
2. That the information does not just sit separate to everything else within the school, it needs to filter through all we do.

The five phases

For more information on the phases of the framework, go to:http://www.elearning.tki.org.nz/Professional-learning/e-Learning-Planning-Framework2/Phases-of-the-e-Learning-Planning-Framework

Pre-emerging WHOLE SCHOOL: You need to put in place deliberate actions to plan for or  integrate e-learning across the school.

Emerging WHOLE SCHOOL: You investigate, raise awareness and plan for growing your ability to use digital technologies for learning.

Engaging WHOLE SCHOOL: You establish and connect planning across the school; you trial initiatives.

Extending WHOLE SCHOOL: You effectively align across school, community and wider networks. The use of digital technologies is refined and appropriate to meet all learners’ needs.

Empowering WHOLE SCHOOL: Your school, community and networks work in partnerships to reflect and plan. Technology use is ubiquitous, virtual, accessible and equitable, enhancing authentic, co-constructed learning within and beyond the school community.

The first collation of information regarding where we are at in our e-learning was looking at our 'school' as a whole. 

I am going to use Google Apps throughout this process of gathering data and below is my first creation that you are most welcome to use.

I decided to create a discussion document by taking out everything from the original and leaving just the school options. This document becomes a discussion Doc that people can write on, comment on, come back and view at a later date and make changes whenever. I wanted it to be very organic. I invited some key people on the staff but also invited everyone that would be interested.

The key sentence when staff first looked at this doc was "Please indicate where you think we sit from the position you hold within the school.."

e-LPF School Response Doc

GAFE NZ Summit - North Island

What a great few days I had at the 'Gafe Summit' in the North Island. This summit was all about Google in Education and the magic it provides to us as educators and to our students.

It was a brilliant mix of inspiring thinking, shifting the norm of teaching practice, new technologies and opportunities and motivational talks, chats and presentations.

It was more than flipping the class it was about flipping the teacher.

Okay so this blog could go forever so here is a few GEMS, AhHa moments that I got from the two days.

Very necessary: 

1. Google Apps in Education
2. www.synergyse.com - This is PD for staff at the click of a button - MAGIC
3. http://whatsnew.googleapps.com/update-feed - Google Updates, you must sign up
4. http://edutraining.googleapps.com/apps-edu-admin/chapter-2 - How to implement Google Apps 
5. HAPARA - A must for schools if you have a domain in your school

Some interesting resources:

1. MOOC's - Massive Open Online Courses
2. http://youtu.be/lZqX6ocwHWU - all about Google Add-ons
3. SAMR Model - Ted Talk
4.  Steal Like an Artist - Book by Austin Kleon is a guide to creativity in the digital age

Just Cool Stuff:

1. WeVideo - Google app for video editing
2. Backupify - back up all your Google Drives, emails etc
3. Lucidchart - very cool 'Mind Map'
4. Easybib - Google Add-on
5. Table of Contents - Google Add-on
6. Easy Header and Footer - Google Add-on
7. Audio Tool - Google App for online music production Studio
8. Pixton - Google app for cartoon creation
9. http://www.colourlovers.com - a good site to give colour backgrounds for your Google Sites

Quotes and Sayings that I liked:

1. "Ensure you implement Google Apps in meaningful ways in your school to increase efficiency, collaboration and engagement"  - Tim Lee
2. "Is this the real world?" - Youngboy on a YouTube Video
3. "Students need output when being Creative" - Jim Still
4. Learning is a social process and Google plays a strong part with collaberation - Rob Clark

So much more but that will do for starters.....