DFI Session Five - Collaborate Sites

Visible learning one the four foundation stones of learn,  create,  share.  Making learning visible has been usually confined to that of the classroom wall, the work book of students and in the mind of the teacher.  The use of sites and blogger to share what has been learnt and what is to be learnt allows for a wider and greater audience.  It invites an opportunity to showcase the learning that occurs during the day, while allowing an insight to the planning, preparation and thought that goes into each learning opportunity. 

"When teaching and learning are visible there is a greater likelihood of students reaching higher levels of achievement" John Hattie, Visible Learning.  

I find this quote to be highly relevant given the current climate we find ourselves in and the continued desire of those in our schools to improve the outcomes for our young people.  This presents a shift in the 'status quo' of teaching and learning, no longer is the sharing of learning confined to the walls of the classroom or the page of a workbook but through the affordances of technology it is there for all to access.  It creates a sense of partnership between whānau and the school that we are all in this together, "He waka eke noa".

Through the use of sites we have been able to showcase the learning that occurs within our school walls, whilst providing an authentic audience for our learner to engage with.  Our whānau are also privy to the teaching and learning occurring daily and have the ability to support learners with direct discussion or providing opportunities to access learning at home.  

The use of multi modal platforms to engage learners is a direct form of making learning and teaching visible.  It is also provides an opportunity for learners to access a variety of learning tools to encourage their understanding and development of a concept that they may not be necessarily be 'levelled' for.  The use of a multi modal approach takes that barrier away and allows for a more equitable learning environment geared towards greater creativity and critical thinking.

The benefits are endless if we encourage visibility of teaching and learning along with the use of a multi modal approach in our schools.  As a school leader the challenge is to nurture and support our teachers, whānau and learners to ensure that the change is not overwhelming and that it is effective and of benefit to all.