Curriculum Connections: Unleashing Authentic Learning with Digital Technology

Kia ora tātou! Welcome back to curriculum connections and the next instalment of my digital learning journey. Term 3 has brought a diverse landscape of digital fluency projects, and a whirlwind of innovation and creativity using some of my favourite platforms and digital mediums. From acrostic name poetry, to engineering and programming solutions for the New Zealand Junior Robocop 2023 competition, ākonga have dived into a vast array of projects, pushing the boundaries of their digital capabilities. Strap yourself in, this term was BIG! Published Poets with Book Creator In the world of words, my ākonga became artists crafting poetry that not only expressed their identities but also embraced digital publishing through the dynamic platform of Book Creator. With each letter of their names, they created a beautiful and unique acrostic name poem full of emotion, aspiration and entertainment for their readers. The classroom buzzed with creativity as ākonga transformed letters into eye-catchi...

  Over the past few months, I have had the privilege of facilitating several engaging and authentic learning experiences for ākonga (students), connecting their projects to the rich tapestry of Aotearoa New Zealand's histories (ANZH) within Te Mātaiaho. These projects not only fostered a deep understanding of the ANZH, but also integrated seamlessly into the refreshed Te ao tangata, social sciences learning area, and the wider framework of the New Zealand curriculum. Project 1: Designing a Tāonga Necklace with Tinkercad and QR Codes In the first project, ākonga embarked on a captivating journey of designing tāonga necklaces using the 3D design web app called Tinkercad. They unleashed their creativity and honed their digital design skills to create unique and meaningful tāonga. Once their designs were 3D printed, the ākonga beautifully painted a portrait and attached their tāonga, accompanied by a distinctive QR code. They further enriched their creations by recording audio, sharing...

  Kia ora, nau mai! Welcome to the electrifying world of my blog, "Curriculum Connections: Unleashing Authentic Learning with Digital Technology!" What started as a wild idea is now a thrilling reality, and I'm absolutely stoked to embark on this journey with you. Get ready to dive headfirst into the incredible learning experiences I craft each day, as I open the doors to a wider audience. Currently, my digital adventure unfolds in the picturesque landscapes of Aotearoa, New Zealand. By day, I'm a Digital Learning Specialist, but if you peek into my schedule, you'll spot me in a classroom, teaching an endearing Year 1/2 class as a part-time reliever. I'm originally from the land Down Under, Australia, and I bring to the table qualifications in Early Childhood and Primary Teaching. My fervor for empowering fellow educators runs deep. I'm on a mission to equip them with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate the ever-evolving world of digital fluency,...