Connecting to Others

Seesaw

Seesaw can be used to collate and share information, reflections etc. You can add video, text, sketches, images, links and audio. It can be private or public or a combination of both. Especially good for using with younger students as it is very easy to use, but suitable for all ages.

Google Forms

These are a really easy way to collect information, eg finding out more about your learners , to gauge understanding or to get feedback. They can help to establish common interests and connections.

Twitter

Twitter is a good way to connect with others with similar interests. Here are 10 tips for educational tweeps (people using twitter). The MOE twitter feed can be found here. There are lists of twitter users in education in NZ and also the world. Here is another such list.

Sites

Sites can be used to collate resources which can then be shared with learners. The new Google Sites is very easy to use with drag and drop modules. You can add videos, links, information and images. You can embed folders, documents, presentations and forms. If you embed items they will automatically update so if you add something to a folder or change the wording on a form it will automatically update on the site. This is an example of a Google Site.

Facebook Groups

Facebook groups can be a great place to share information and resources with other teachers. You can upload and share files, images, videos and links to resources and information. Teachers can take part in discussions and ask questions. Groups can be Private (only those in the group can see members and what they post) and visible (people can search for the group) or Hidden (membership by invitation only). To make a group click on the Create button top right in Facebook and choose your options.

Examples are the Google Educators group , the Primary Teachers Facebook group and the Digital team's Learning With & About Technology group.

Slack

Slack is a popular enterprise connecting and collaboration app that offers a variety of features including conversations, video or voice calls, integrated file sharing, and other third-party apps. It works well with both Google and Microsoft tools. A good tool for connecting with staff.