EdTechTeam GAFE Summit 2016

Another awesome two days of learning at the GAFE Summit. This year I have come away with a three key things I am keen to implement in my classroom.

1. Genius Hour - I have experimented with this in the past, but have never really felt like it quite worked in my class. Some students came up with some great ideas, but others really struggled. Hearing Molly Schroeder talk about getting the students to identify "What problem do you want to solve?" really resonated with me. It gives genius hour a framework for the students to identify problems they feel are important and helps to steer them away from questions that are 'google-able'.
Some question starters could be:

• How might I…
• How might we… 
• In what ways …

I also attended Simon Ashby's workshop on Genius Hour. He spoke about the nuts and bolts of how Genius Hour works in his classroom. I think I will adapt similar expectations, here are his:

• • Must have research involved 30-60mins of research/week - recorded on google slides & blogged, 45mins blogging time, 1.5hrs creative time
  • Frame it as a driving question
  • There must be research involved
  • The project needs to have a purpose (& impact on someone other than themselves)
  • It must be shared

2. 360º Narrative with Jim Sill - I have thoroughly enjoyed attending many of Jim's sessions over the GAFE summit's I have attended and this year was no different. We were introduced to the Google Streetview app (which I have dabbled with before). It is fantastic for taking 360º photos. It is also available for ipads through the iphone app store. I think it would be a fantastic tool for us to use, especially as this term we are learning about different cultures and what better way to experience them than to use virtual reality so the students can experience being there.

3. Google Teacher Certification with Kimberly Hall. This was an informative session highlighting the progressions through Google Teacher Certification which are available. Beginning with the basics exam, moving on to Level 1 and Level 2 and then on to the Google Certified Trainor and Google Certified Innovator.
I have already completed the basics exam and think it would be a good place to support all staff to attain. It would ensure they have a good understanding of the GAFE tools and enable them to better utalise the tools at hand. I hope to sit Level 1 before the start of term and attain Level 2 before the end of term 2.

This quote from Molly Shroeder really sums up the whole theme of GAFE for me.
"Don't be afraid to fail. be afraid not to try"
I am really looking forward to the start of Term 2 and putting my new learning into action.