Updated Software

Thank you Jacqui for a great intro to how you use your mimio board. I could not upload the software on the USB properly, so the new techi guy helped me uploaded new software which I have on a USB for anyone who wants to try this. I am now using my board, which is pretty exciting really. The students seem to have a real handle on it and are enjoying telling me what and how to do. Hopefully next term they will use it more themselves during group work.

mimio Interactive Demonstration

I wasn't sure how useful this would be, but I can see myself watching these to help.

Welcome To Your PLG

Congratulations - all of your group are on as authors.  You are the only group to achieve this feat.  This probably means that you're quite a techie group.

You've obviously signed up to a PLG which is about use of a technology.  So the majority of your learning is going to be about the use of this educational tool.  I'm not sure of the levels of confidence/competence with a Mimio - so I'll expect the full gambit of levels.

The first thing to check is that you've all got the technology in your classrooms (BCA has some spares that can be fitted to your whiteboards if you need one).

I'm not a Minio expert I've only seen them in action (not used one myself).  I'm anticipating that the three main ways you will be learning will be...

1. Actual manual use of the technology (how the thing works) - I know the device uses usb and computers.  This should be the quickest learning.  YouTube will be a great source.
2. How to integrate this technology into your lessons.  This can be looked at practically how can you use a Mimio in a drama room, English room, maths room etc.  But there exists are much larger area of professional development in this area.  I've come across some research around "Learning With Digital Devices" which is a massive area of learning (Google it).  Primarily it is about the idea of SAMR (see the below graphic)... basically it is a challenge not to just use technology as a replacement for photocopies or a whiteboard - but to transform our education styles.  
3. Learning from eachother.  This will be the largest area or PD.  I can see that you're from differing subjects but definitely do form those closer relationships around your trial of this technology.  Get into eachothers rooms, share what you're doing with the Mimio's.  

Thanks Justin

Also a virgin .... have i put this in the right place?

Hello all
I'm a blog virgin too, so I may take a while to get the hang of it.

  I've used Mimeo before, but with different software so I need time to figure out what's what and learn to make the most of it.

:D

How exciting two blogs

Right , thanks Justin , am ready to go

Never been on a blog in my life before - absolutely not a techie Justin, and have no idea how to make the most of my mimio or get started hence joining this elite circle!

PLG Member Expectations

What Will Do You In This PLG?

I think that there are dangers in setting out the 'minimum' engagement levels.  Rather to highlight the possibilities.  There is a good read on PLG's on the Edutopia website here.  Basically the point is to keep the focus of the group on learning (the L in PLG).  To anticipate that all of the teachers will use their professionalism to add to the community.


The primary actions you will be expected to do include...

1. Being open minded - you're aiming to expand your practice.  Move from the theory (where you'll be most comfortable) into the classroom (where you'll learn the most).  
2. Putting yourself out there - giving the project/actions are genuine series of efforts.  Being an a tangible PLG (like Mimio) gives you ample opportunity.  
3. Share your experiences -  +  Invite others into your room with goal of seeing your implementations.  Not necessarily whole lessons just in five mins should be good.  +  Go and see other members of your group - JHA will be able to release you as needed. +  Post your successes/thoughts/ideas/failures onto the blog (share with your group).  
4. Take time.  There will be four allocated staff meeting times over the next 16 weeks.  But do seek more of your own time.  
5. Have fun.  

Welcome To 2015's First PLG

Overview Professional Learning Group

The intent of all of our PLGs is about collaboration and professional development.  It is also an opportunity for you as a professional operate with a degree of autonomy in your learning.

Collaborative - The idea is that you take people with you in your learning (sometimes you will lead other times  you will shown).  It is about recognising that those in this learning group share an interest in developing their practice around the same topic.

Development - The time you spend together working on your topic should ultimately add to the quality of your classroom relations and practices.  You will be expected to journey through with others (some will be at different stages of development)... but ultimately you'll want to get some tangible benefits from joining this group.


Rules of Belonging to this PLG

1. Get Involved.  Teachers often feel that professional development is something that is done to them.  The freedom of belonging to a PLG is to have a degree of autonomy.  You can take your learning where you want (especially where you feel you have the greatest benefit).  
2. Respect Others.  This should be a given but worth remembering.  Traditionally teaching is an isolated profession and some staff may feel reluctant to share.  Having a group with a high degree of respect is vital.  
3. Start ASAP - Please break the ice with your fellow teachers in your group.  Holding off will make it harder to get involved.  Set a good bench mark for the group.  
4. Engage With RTC's.  The next five months will provide you with plenty of opportunity to reflect upon the 12 registered teacher criteria.  Take some time to engaged for 10 mins a fortnight with these.  
5. Implement.  Lots of the topics of the PLGs this cycle are ideas.  There will be plenty of time to talk, debate and theorise about the topic.  But nothing beats trying things out.  Waihi College is a school of innovation, we genuinely encourage  you to try new things (mistakes are welcome). 
6. Feedback with Others.  This is a collective learning experience.  Let your group members know what it is your trying.  Let them know how things are going.  

`