All posts by James Robson

Newsletter #2 Deep Dive into Security Insights & Adopting A Learning Through Play Approach.

Read about:

• Recent security improvements to the Google Workspace for Education Plus platform have enabled the identification and resolution of potential security issues.

• How to implement a STEAM programme using a learning through play approach. Reflect on how learning through play could be implemented in your classroom to engage learners.

• Our new facilitator Jonathan Mulholland, Apple Professional Learning Specialist.

This is our February edition. Please take a look https://school.support-it.co.nz/edutech-insights-feb-2024. This issue was focused on digital security. Other articles included; Introducing Kris, our new facilitator and Bring Back the micro:bit, me sharing my recent STEAM teaching using the very versatile micro:bit.

Hector’s World is a series of 7 animated episodes following the adventures of four fishy friends as they navigate the digital seas.

Each episode is accompanied by a lesson plan and classroom activities to extend the learning and explore the key online safety themes raised in the episodes. The episodes and supporting materials will be available for Term 2 2024.

The Planning Pack provides an overview of what’s to come, to support you in planning how Hector’s World can integrate into your classroom. To access the planning pack, register for NetSafe’s new Kete. The Kete is a resource hub with a range of policy guides, school tools, classroom resources and other materials to support teachers and school leadership. https://education.netsafe.org.nz/

This year I took part in the micro:bit Champion educator programme. I’m looking forward to applying again in 2024 and having a more active role. Sharing more and making more connections. For the first half of Term 1 next year I will be teaching four senior primary school classes focusing on digital technology projects using the micro:bit. I’m planning to post an update each week.

In 2024, Netsafe will be launching the return of Hector’s World! 15 years since we first created Hector, we are now bringing him back to life in a fresh animated series.

Hector’s World is designed for Years 1 – 6 and tackles current online challenges that our tamariki face, while illustrating how technology plays a part in their every-day world. Each episode explores different online issues to educate children about online safety.

There will also be a comprehensive suite of teachers guides and classroom resources to support the series and help you maximise your students’ learnings about online safety.

More information will be available in Term 1 to enable you to plan using Hector’s World in your schools in Term 2 onwards.

https://sites.google.com/support-it.co.nz/digitalcitizenship22/netsafe/hectors-world

https://fb.watch/oIRu1RXFYG/

After December 31, 2024, the Jamboard app will be shut down. You will no longer be able to view your Jams, and all Jam data will be permanently deleted. It will be sad to see Jambaord go but FigJam is free for educators and offers more. Time to take a look at FigJam board.

Another great tutorial from Sam Kary – New EdTech Classroom.

Teachers, sign up for free Figma accounts: https://www.figma.com/education

School leaders, request free accounts for all teachers and students: https://www.figma.com/figjam/jamboard-alternative-for-education

For any questions or to schedule a free PD training, contact education@figma.com

Another great and inspiring post by Paul Hamilton.

Thanks Zoe for you awesome tutorial.

“OctoStudio transforms how young people use mobile phones and tablets, enabling them to create their own stories and games anytime, anywhere. Children can take photos and record sounds, bring them to life with coding blocks, and send their projects to friends and family.

Launched October 24, 2023, OctoStudio is developed by the Lifelong Kindergarten research group at the MIT Media Lab; the Lifelong Kindergarten group also created Scratch, the world’s most popular coding language for kids. OctoStudio is completely free of charge, without any ads or in-app purchases.” – https://www.media.mit.edu/

If out more by visiting https://www.media.mit.edu/projects/octostudio/overview/