APC - Reflective Journal - Activity 1 - Welcome

Kia Ora,

And welcome back. This blog has been silent for some time because I had stopped using Blogger in my classrooms, in favour of Google Sites and then as a school we switched to Moodle, and most recently Google Classroom (like Moodle lite) to keep students up to date with what was happening in my classroom. A lots has changed in that time.

Perhaps switching platforms is partly due to each platforms' technological evolution (or built-in obsolescence) but it seems like a good time to dust off the old blog and start afresh. I switched back to blogger for my Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Practice (Digital and Collaborative Learning) with The Mind Lab by Unitec because it has good analytic data (so I am told). 

A short introduction - who am I

My name is Matt Harrison. I am a specialist ICT / Digital Technology teacher. I was trained in the UK. I worked in the IT industry for 7 years in a variety of roles such as a graphic designer, web developer and chief sub-editor. I've taught for 10 years now in the UK and NZ. I am happily married and have four great kids aged 4, 6, 15 and 18.

What I teach 

I have taught high school (Y7-14)  ICT, Media Studies, Graphic Design, Mathematics, Digital Technology (including Computer Science, Programming, Digital Information and Digital Media). I am an IT Leader/Mentor and have been responsible for training staff.

Own picture. I enjoy teaching adults and students.
This whanau was learning to code robots with sensors so they follow the black line. 

I have recently changed roles and I now work for The Mind Lab by Unitec as an EdTech Educator. This involves teaching students and teachers: coding, robotics, Arduino, LittleBits electronics, stop motion and 2D/3D animation, film making, games design and 3D design and printing. The students' ages range from K-12. 

Overview of my teaching approach/style. 

I have experimented with a range of flipped classrooms styles and for  project based learning and think that student centered blended learning models work effectively and are the most fun when they have student agency and co-constructed learning tasks. I am learning to say less and let them do more. I am also learning that I don't have to know everything (although I have worked really hard to upskill).

What am interested in or inspired by.

Inpired by Kung Fu Panda & Jack Black

I studied Lau Gar Kung Fu and Kickbooxing at the Sheffield Academy of Martial Arts for about 6 years and earned a Brown sash (junior instructor grade). Had I stayed in the UK I would have continued to black sash but there are no BFKA clubs in NZ. I've visited many different clubs and have found one locally so I can continue.

I am inspired by The Hour of Code Code.org and EdX.org and how learning to code is like painting, poetry and art all rolled into one.

I am inspired my my family and whanau who continually surprise and impress me.

References:

Arduino course:  https://opensourcehardwaregroup.com/thearduinocourse/ 
Generation Bass. November 28, 2007. Kung Fu Panda. Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/generationbass/5051722203