This blog just came through the Twittersphere from Mauri Abraham
http://principalpossum.blogspot.com/2020/03/we-got-this-preparing-for-off-site.html
A blog from Maurie Abraham outlining what HPHS has done to prepare for online learning - interesting he calls it 'off-site' rather than 'online' which I think shifts the emphasis and the focus from all learning needing to be online...
- By Anne-Louise Robertson
But wait, there's more! I'm sure they said it would be a series of 4 but here's #5 and presumably there'll be an article to accompany ....
I was thinking about the same book last week too.
The 3 UDL Principles are a great place to start our thinking.
What ways are we designing and supporting learner variability online.. starting with our learners at the centre and what we know about them in this context.

- By Linda
Thanks, Clive - was just having a discussion with a teacher about synchronous and asynchronous online learning so this is very timely!
- By Anne-Louise RobertsonKia ora @dlmstar, hmmm it would seem the Spheros are not cheap. I bought mine secondhand on Trademe for $69.00, otherwise they range between $139 (minis) to $320 (Sphero Bolt). The bolts being a little more expensive with their LED displays. You can get them from JV HiFi, Harvey Norman or online, ie: PBTech.
Maybe you could buy one, trial and see where it takes you? The other education ideas/activities in Sphero edu are worth exploring too.
Let us know how you get on?
Kia ora Robin, thanks for your input. I've just clicked on your profile and got even more intrigued about your post. I'd love to know more about how your product can help coding and game design for NZ students.
Perhaps we could connect and capture something that might be useful for educators interested in VR gaming ideas for digital technologies?
Tess ![]()
Here's good timing! Thank you @jackyyoung for sharing this research paper from NZCER.
Curriculum integration: What is happening in New Zealand schools?Author(s): Sue McDowall and Rosemary Hipkins
This report presents the findings from a research project on curriculum integration in New Zealand schools, carried out by NZCER in 2018–19.
The purpose of the research was to explore teachers’ rationales for curriculum integration; the approaches and practices used to integrate curriculum; and the learning opportunities such approaches provide for students.
There is some background information about potential, perceptions, pedagogical continue knowledge (PCK) as well as practical examples (different models) for how teachers can design integrated learning opportunities.
Has anyone else read this already? As we move towards strengthening our localised curriculum, what are your thoughts so far?
- By Tessa GrayThanks Tessa. Yes - is science fiction now science fact? As a counterpoint, Jay Shetty says -"if their thinking is wired like ours, if their behaviour is based on the foundation of ours then they will simply be infinitely enhanced version of us...their creativity and deficiencies will be defined by ours.... " He talks about rethinking the way we think and resetting our priorities so that we imbue robots with empathy, kindness, integrity. "Anything that we fear is simply a reflection of our flaws."
We Create Our Own Reality - Technology Vs Humanity by Jay Shetty (Artificial Intelligence)
- By Anne-Louise RobertsonI might be a bit late to this party, but really enjoying the authentic integration of the Technology strands and Digital Technology learning areas (CT and DDDO) in these lesson sequences from Digital Ignition | Māpura Matihiko.
For example, Think like a Tech Creator for Year 8's walks teachers through a series of lessons that encourage students to develop computational thinking skills while designing and developing digital outcomes (apps, sensors, websites, pick-a-path stories) in response to local/identified needs, for example the Rena oil spill. Rich examples of cross-curricula planning (NZC) modelled here as well.
The resources used for stimulation are equally compelling.
Has anyone used these resources or engaged in the workshops with your students? Love to hear more. ![]()
