Professional Development - DFI

What did I learn? 

Reflections, thoughts and queries.

I feel that today I know how my students feel when they start a new subject or a new topic.  Uncertain?  Unsure?  Overwhelmed?  Putting yourself out there and signing up for PD around utilising technology is scary. I don't think I am the only one feels they sometimes just don't get it.  Technology is not something I have ever been super excited about.   However, one day in and I am so pleased that I signed up.  I think today has been some of the best PD I have been to since I started teaching.  Practical and user friendly. 


Google docs - creating folders and looking at the sharing settings.
Using the headings settings - adding a table of contents - This will be perfect for my senior classes when it comes to research.  It will help them organise and structure their reports. 
Adding links, adding images, editing images!

Using Google docs - this was really useful and has motivated me to spend more time exploring the settings and tools that docs has.

Add comments - assign questions to individual students and send an email to notify the person.
This session has reminded me of the 'speak to type' feature.  I trialed this with a number of students and encouraged them to use it.  Potentially I need to challenge them to all trial it.  I am confident this will assist them with their writing.  I currently use the read aloud app offered on docs.  I found they liked this and were keen to use it.  I encourage the students to investigate audio books via youtube, Kobo and now Wheelers. 

Using a table - making the border the same colour as the background.  It seems so logical but it is something I haven't really thought about...This was a really good thing to stop and actually think about.  Sometimes I think when it comes to technology we are so focused on the big things that the little things slip under the radar!

Using the explore tool on the Google doc - perfect for using with a class on a guided tour.  I think this needs to be something I run a little 'How To' with my senior classes.  I think the students would benefit from not having to leave the doc to find information - stop them from becoming distracted by other sites or go off on a tangent. 

Remove BG
How to remove the background on a photo - incredible app which can be used for both evil and good!  Thinking Christmas cards edited to make it look like a herd of animals?   This could be an invaluable tool with Level 1 Static Image.  Keeping the images crisp and clean.

Omnibox - is not the search bar thingy.  It is funny how we have

Something I am thankful for?  Being forced to learn how to touch type at high school!  I think with all of the apps available that encouraging students to bring their device and engage with the learning opportunities using their device is so important!  By developing my knowledge of docs today I feel I will be able to create learning opportunities which will be more engaging. 

Create?  PNG - no white background!