Totara Class

Tena koutou katoa, this is the Totara Classes blog, a place that shows the learning going on in our class. Learning is often not pretty so this blog will not be perfect as well, it is not a place to judge or be judged, it is a place where we are not afraid to make mistakes and learn by them.  This is where we will all talk about and appreciate the efforts our tamariki make every day.

Whats Up?

This Blog is a work in progress about our learning and being Cybersmart. Cybersmart learning is embedded in our Manaiakalani goals and supports our learn, create, share pedagogy. Being Cybersmart empowers our learners as connected citizens. When their learning is visible and accessible, anytime, any place, at any pace, our young people learn to make smart decisions and understand that every time  they connect, collaborate and share online it combines to create their digital footprint. 
We have a huge amount of Cybersmart learning to do before our students can blog effectively and safely. We also have to educate our whanau as to how to respond to our  blogs and the learning they display. 
Blogging is where our kids can express, explore, create and celebrate what they do, it is not a competition, it is not a place to judge or be judged, the results will often have flaws but with a few words of encouragement we can create an interest that will set our kids up for life. 
The power of this connection cannot be underestimated we know of many students who have had positive feedback on the work they do sparking a lifelong passion that often creates pathways to future employment and success.