Sharing some of the great practice in our kura

I'm excited to announce that we've just had three videos published by the Ministry of Education highlighting some of the exciting developments in our school. Here are the first three of five videos. Late last year (...not quite sure how we managed to fit this in, but we did!) a film crew from Core Education came in on contract from the Ministry of Education to interview a number of students and staff on issues relating to elearning, community engagement and modern approaches to teaching and learning. This is really exciting and is great exposure for our kura!

Using Google Apps - explains how and why we use Google Apps. I discuss the implementation process and the benefits to staff and students:

Using Google Apps from CORE Ministry Video.

e-Portfolios in the classroom - Linda Sweeny explains the process for setting up Blogger for students to use as an e-Portfolio. Linda and some of her students share the benefits created by collaborating and sharing their work with peers, whānau, and teachers:

e-Portfolios in the classroom from CORE Ministry Video.

Online resources supporting te reo and tikanga Māori - I discuss setting up our Taha Māori @ Te Kura o Tiori  as part of the school website. I explain the intention of the site is to bring together elements from our whānau hui action plan including basic vocabulary in te reo Māori and tikanga Māori:

Online resources supporting Te Reo and tikanga Māori from CORE Ministry Video.

Finalist in the 2010 Interface Awards - best use of a free web2 tool

Our school has been recognised in a national competition for the 'best use of a free web2 tool'. This competition is held by Interface magazine, which is an ICT magazine for educators across New Zealand!

Our entry relates to our use of class blogs, google apps (which we call Burnham Ako) and our eportfolios for the senior school. We are immensely proud of the great work the staff and students to do make learning exciting and inspiring in this area!

Educators across New Zealand are voting now for first and second place. We will let you know if we win this exciting national competition!

Web Safety Seminar

Next Thursday we are holding our first ever Web Safety seminar just for parents and caregivers. This evening seminar starts at 7pm in the hall and will go until approximately 8pm, with tea and coffee provided.

We have an internet safety specialist, Dean Stewart, from Web Safety NZ, facilitate the session which is free. To RSVP to this event please go to:

www.burnham.school.nz/rsvp

ICT Expo at Burnham School

Yesterday a whole number of different schools came from the Selwyn area for the ICT expo. There was lots of interesting stuff, like some schools showed us their blog, web quests, slide shows, clay-mation movie, comic life and lots more. We were the best though with our E-portfolios. 

It was a great time, more things like this should happen at school.

Reported by Adam James Craig Room 6