13/05/2021
DFI day 2
Another great day of learning at the DFI course at Paparore school. Full on though, with lots of new material to learn. Some totally new info and building on what I have been using to date, i.e creating and using labels, Bookmarks, Keep, Calendar, Google meets. Learnt how to pin the tabs at the top of screen. which although a fairly small thing certainly tidies up the top of the screen .
Adding the Gateway logo to the end of my e-mails is also a great look .
For the last several years Bay Of Islands Collge has iniated a shift from paper/ hard copies to the use electronic devices , primarily chromebooks .
This has had the advantage that as long as there is internet connection students can access learning material on line anytime & anywhere.This proved valuable during the lock down and if students happen to be absent from school. (In the two sessions of the DFI course I have seen mention that Google docs can be accessed while offline. I am interested in learning how to do this.)
Until this year, 2020, Gateway has always sat to the side of the school curriculum and has been regarded as an extra currcular activity, The means of delivering most learning has, as a rule been by hard copies or students attending short courses.
An integral part of Gateway is accessing Gateway packages from various Training organisations i.e Private Training Enterpriises (PTE) Industry Training Organisations (ITO), polytechnics etc, i.e Hairdressing Industry Training organisation (HITO), Building & Construction industry Training Organisation BCITO. These organisations provide the learning material both digitally and in hard copies. It is not difficult to understand the advanrages of digital learning which I am sure would be useful for completing theory and practical components of units. Google meet, short courses and units can often be completed online. Interestingly, thus far most students have chosen the hard copy option,
This is possibly due to the nature of the Gatetway programme, for the time being I feel there should still be the hard copy option for educators and students. ( Perhaps this thought will change by the end of the DFI course).
I look forward to learning more on the DFI course as I do see the potential, it will help with the processing, preparation, recording, and reporting of students Gateway placements more effectively and efficiently. Being digitally proficient has to be a distinct advantage for stakeholders.
Finally, and with some reserve, say that "already I feel just a little more comfortable and confident using google suite." Even had a look at Google Earth, very cool I think I could use that with students to do some research on the Business they will attending for a Gateway placement.
