Manaiakalani Reflection Week 8      Computational Thinking

Definition - Computational thinking involves taking that complex problem and breaking it down into a series of small, more manageable problems (decomposition). ... Next, simple steps or rules to solve each of the smaller problems can be designed (algorithms).

Well I've had to do a great deal of computational thinking and problem solving during the last 8 weeks with my DFI Professional Learning Development. To be honest I have questioned myself more than once whether or not I was up to providing the type of education our tamariki need to move forward in this new world where digitally fluency is a must have. What kept me motivated and determined to push through was the underpinning pedagogy of Manaiakalani Learn, Create, Share. 

The idea that I wasn't just up skilling in how to use another teaching tool but I was  transforming the way my students would learn in my class was really motivating for me.I have believed for a long time that it is our students educational RIGHT to expect to be digitally savvy by the time they leave school. All very easy to say when I thought I wasn't going to return to the classroom, now I have to become part of the solution and not continue to be part of the problem!  

So, I have come to the end of my Manaiakalani PLD Google Classes and as much as I am relieved, I now really want to go back, knowing what I know and start again. Luckily for me I can - rewind, ano!!!  I will be revisiting the toolkits and the amazing resources that Manaiakalani Team have generously shared.  

The anxious feeling in the pit of my stomach has disappeared and I'm not afraid to 'tutu' and problem solve for myself. I now have the basic skills of blogging, class websites, google sheets, forms, doc's, slides, Wevideo and apps to help nurture deeper level thinking and action using the digital Learn, Create, Share approach. My attempt to create a game using Scratch today was not one of my better moments. 

I am determined to continue to transform the way I plan and present my teaching using these skills. Watch this space.!