Using Google Classroom

Over the last two weeks I have been using Google classroom. It did take a bit to set up. Loading students google mail addresses, learning how google classroom works, loading work and identifying which students are following the activities assigned.
I am still learning how to track kids learning using google classroom.
Below is a link of PD that I have been following.

http://teachingtarawera.blogspot.co.nz/2015/08/using-google-classroom.html

The students are enjoying working from google classroom and have been saving a lot of their work to their personal learning blogs.

Reporting to parents

Throughout my years of teaching I have been involved with reporting to parents.
This can be done both formally and informally.
I have found the best method in reporting to parents are with the use of student lead conferences and using portfolios or e-portfolios. As they are student lead parents don't seen to feel as daunted. It also provides an environment where parents, caregivers and teachers can strengthen relationships and enhances the use of student voice.
Teacher lead parent interview can be daunting for a lot of parents. Especially those parent who have not had a positive experience with school.
The written report is important in sharing concrete evidence to parents and sharing next steps. These are often supported by parent teacher interviews to discuss next steps.
Below is an example of one of my written reports. Please note that the name has been changed.

Using data to plan for next teaching steps

The below examples are students that I have identified in numeracy and literacy that needed extra support in their learning. I have changed the name of the students.
The use of I.E.P's (individual educational plan) or individual pathways helps to focus teachers when planning for the next steps. The idea behind I.E.P's are about being specific and reflective on both the activities using and teaching methods.
Here are the examples and personal reflections on learning.

Using ICT in teaching

Today my eyes were opened to the use of technology in the classroom.
I have been using technology for many years in teaching to help motivate students, engage them in new learning and for evaluation and assessment purposes. Today however was the first time I was able to invite a student who was sick at home into our classroom lessons.

Using Facebook, messenger and shared google doc's, students were able to work together, sharing ideas, thinking, and recording their learning.

The beauty of this way of learning was that it was completely student driven.  They were self motivated, enjoying the learning and were engaged. Once the learning was completed for the day their learning was sent to me via google mail. I was able to give direct feedback and feed forward.

Using google doc's also enabled students to take their work with them and continue learning after the school day.
The future of teaching and learning is exciting.