DT With Mrs B

Emojis can add a creative and interactive dimension to your Google Classroom topics. In this post, I'll guide you through the process of using emojis within topics and explain why it's a valuable addition. Why Use Emojis in Google Classroom Topics? 1. Visual Organisation: Emojis can be used as topic icons to make your Google Classroom more visually organised and attractive. They help students quickly identify different subjects or modules. 2. Engagement: Emojis can make topics more appealing. They add an element of fun and can pique interest in the subject matter. 3. Personalisation: Emojis allow you to infuse a bit of your personality into your virtual classroom. You can choose emojis that reflect your teaching style or the topic's content. How to Add Emojis to Google Classroom Topics 1. Access Classwork: Start by navigating to the "Classwork" tab in your Google Classroom. 2. Create a Topic: Click the "+" button to create a new topic. This is where you...

Technology is always evolving, and it brings exciting developments. Here are five significant technology trends in 2023 and how they affect the emerging workforce: 1. The Rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) AI is already making a significant impact across various industries, and its influence is expected to continue growing. AI-powered systems are now capable of automating a wide range of tasks, from customer service to manufacturing, freeing up human workers to focus on more creative and strategic endeavours. Impact on the emerging workforce: The emerging workforce needs to be prepared to work alongside AI systems and leverage them effectively. This involves developing skills in areas such as data science, machine learning, and ethical considerations in artificial intelligence. 2. The Growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) The IoT, consisting of interconnected physical devices that collect and exchange data via the internet, is enabling innovative applications across multiple industr...

 Kia ora, fellow educators!  📚 Today, let's explore two sweet presentation tools - the laser pointer and pen tool. 🖋️🧐 These features can be invaluable for teachers in presentation mode within Google Slides. Let's dive in! Laser Pointer: 🔦 The trusty laser pointer mimics the real-world tool we've used for years. In presentation mode, you can use it to highlight specific content on your slides. Point out key concepts, important details, or direct your students' focus effortlessly. It's a simple but effective way to keep your audience engaged. Pen Tool: ✍️ The pen tool, on the other hand, lets you write and draw directly on your slides. This feature is like having a digital whiteboard at your fingertips. You can underline, circle, or jot down notes as you go along. It's fantastic for live explanations, brainstorming, or solving problems interactively. Benefits for Teachers: 👩‍🏫 So, why are these features essential for us educators? Here's why: 1. Engagem...

Kia ora fellow educators!  Today, I want to share my excitement about a fantastic tool that has been helping me foster digital literacy and problem-solving skills in my Digital Technologies (DVC) class – the MaKey MaKey plug and play resources. These incredible kits have allowed my students to delve into the world of debugging while having loads of fun! Now, you might be wondering, "What's the big deal about debugging?" Well, in the New Zealand Digital Technologies Curriculum, debugging plays a pivotal role. It falls under the Computational Thinking practice, which is one of the key areas of the curriculum. Debugging is all about identifying and fixing errors in code or programs, making it an essential skill for our students to develop. In the fast-evolving digital landscape, the ability to debug empowers our learners to think critically and logically. Debugging fosters resilience, as students learn to approach challenges with a positive mindset and persevere until they f...

In the fast-paced world of education, teachers have a lot on their plates. From lesson planning to grading and meetings, their days are often filled with various tasks. One aspect that can be particularly time-consuming is scheduling meetings with parents, students, colleagues, and other stakeholders. However, with Gmail's new "Find a Mutually Convenient Email Time" feature, teachers can efficiently manage their schedules and ensure everyone is available for important meetings. The Convenience of Gmail's Scheduling Tool Gmail has long been a reliable platform for email communication, but its additional features make it an invaluable tool for teachers. The "Find a Mutually Convenient Email Time" feature simplifies the process of scheduling meetings, taking the headache out of coordinating multiple people's schedules. Here's how it works: 1. Access the Gmail Compose Window: Open the Gmail compose window, just like you would when drafting a regular emai...

  Nga Motu: A Minecraft EDU world to support student learning about Te Ao Māori Nga Motu is a Minecraft EDU world created by Piki Studios and dedicated to learning about the indigenous peoples of Aotearoa New Zealand. It is a beautiful and immersive world that allows students to explore Māori culture, language, and history in a hands-on and engaging way. Credit to: Whetu Paitai Lesson plan for MinecraftEDU found here Nga Motu is a valuable resource for educators who are looking to support student learning about Te Ao Māori. The world is designed to be culturally accurate and respectful, and it features a variety of activities that can be used to teach students about Māori culture and values. One of the most important aspects of Te Ao Māori is the relationship between people and the land. Nga Motu reflects this relationship by featuring a variety of New Zealand native plants and animals, such as kiwi, tuna, and piwakawaka. Students can learn about these animals and their importance ...

Kia ora, fellow educators! Today, let's dive into the world of Minecraft Education Edition (EDU), a fantastic game-based learning platform that I, as a Minecraft EDU Global Mentor, absolutely adore in the classroom. This tool is designed specifically for teachers and students, offering a multitude of benefits for diverse subjects like math, science, history, and the arts. Engagement: Minecraft EDU is an incredible engagement booster. It transforms learning into an interactive adventure, captivating students' attention and making subjects more intriguing. Collaboration: Collaboration thrives in the Minecraft world. Students team up to construct projects, tackle challenges, and learn from each other. Creativity: Minecraft EDU is the canvas for boundless creativity. It empowers students to bring their wildest ideas to life, from simple structures to intricate machines. Problem-solving: This platform sharpens problem-solving skills. Students must conquer puzzles and obstacles to ...

Utilising Google Chrome's Reading Mode for Educators Kia ora, fellow educators! Today, let's delve into a handy tool that can significantly benefit both teachers and students: Google Chrome's Reading Mode. This feature allows you to strip away distractions from web pages, making the content more accessible and engaging, which can be particularly advantageous in an educational setting. Why Should Educators Embrace Reading Mode? 1. Enhancing Accessibility Reading Mode enables educators to customise fonts, font sizes, line spacing, and text/background colours. This flexibility makes it easier to cater to students with dyslexia or other learning needs, ensuring that reading materials are tailored to their specific needs. 2. Focusing on Core Content Reading Mode helps students concentrate solely on the essential text by eliminating distractions like ads, images, and sidebars. This proves invaluable for easily distracted students or those struggling to stay on task. 3. Boosting R...

Picture sourced from: breakoutedu.com In the ever-evolving landscape of digital learning platforms, Breakout EDU emerges as a captivating tool that employs games and puzzles to immerse students in the learning process. What sets it apart is its adaptability across various subject areas, seamlessly aligning with the New Zealand Curriculum. Let's delve into the enriching educational experience that Breakout EDU offers: Fostering Critical Skills: Engaging in digital breakouts is akin to embarking on a journey of skill development. Students not only gain subject-specific knowledge but also enhance essential life skills, including: * Problem-solving: In the quest to "breakout" of the game, students must put on their thinking caps, employing critical and creative thinking to decipher puzzles and clues. * Effective Communication: Collaboration is the key to success in Breakout EDU. Students must communicate ideas effectively, sharing insights and solutions to overcome challenges...

In an era defined by rapid technological advancement and innovation, the traditional approach to education is evolving. Teachers increasingly recognise the importance of equipping students with skills beyond rote memorisation and standardised tests. One such essential skill is computational thinking, a problem-solving approach that involves breaking down complex problems into smaller, manageable steps and using algorithms to solve them. This foundational concept of computer science is not limited to the tech world; it permeates various fields, including business, engineering, and medicine.  In New Zealand, the incorporation of computational thinking into the digital technologies curriculum is a significant step towards preparing students for success in the 21st-century workforce. In this blog post, we explore why teaching computational thinking is crucial and provide practical tips for educators. Bridging the Gap Between Education and the Workforce In today's dynamic job market, su...