DFI Day 3 - Media

Stepping Up the Engagement: Interactive Learning and Lessons in ‘Recording’

Today’s learning was a fantastic dive into how we can move beyond the linear and bring a bit of "choose your own adventure" into the classroom.

Beyond the Linear: The Power of Pick-a-Path

One of the highlights was exploring Pick-a-Path slide. We’ve all used slide decks for years, but this felt like a genuine "step up." Instead of just clicking "next" until the end, Pick-a-Path allows students to become digital architects.

Whether it's a quiz where a wrong answer loops you back to a review slide, or a complex story where every choice leads to a different ending, the level of engagement is through the roof. It’s not just about consuming information; it’s about planning, sequencing, and logic. For students, it turns a standard presentation into an interactive experience that they actually want to navigate.

The Reality of the Learning Curve

Of course, no day of learning is complete without a few "human" moments! Part of our mahi today involved recording a kōrero (conversation) with a colleague.

It was a great reminder that learning is rarely a straight line. Sometimes you have to go backwards or make a mistake before you can truly move forward. In my case, I learned a very practical lesson about digital recording: always double-check the "stop" button! I thought I had ended my recording after our kōrero, but the "camera" kept rolling. What followed was a very authentic (but definitely not intended for public viewing!) chat between two teachers. While the kōrero itself was valuable, I decided to keep that particular file off the blog—some behind-the-scenes moments are best left in the classroom!

DFI Day 2: Conquering Calendar & Google Meet (with a few laughs along the way!)

What a whirlwind DFI Day 2 was! We dived deep into optimising Google Calendar and, excitingly, learned how to create and record a Google Meet. I always love mastering tools that make our teaching lives smoother, and these are definitely high on that list.

Optimising Calendar was fantastic – there are so many clever little tricks to make it work even harder for you, keeping everything organised and accessible. But the real adventure began with our Google Meet recording challenge!

Angela and I set up our practice meet, had a great chat, and I confidently hit "record." Then came the waiting game. And waiting. And waiting some more. I started to think I'd done something terribly wrong! Was my internet playing up? Did I click the wrong button? All sorts of doubts crept in as I watched my inbox, expecting that recording to magically appear.

As it turns out, I had done something wrong... or rather, I hadn't done something essential! My big "aha!" moment (and definitely a chuckle-worthy learning experience) was realising I hadn't actually ended the Google Meet after our conversation. So, while Angela and I wrapped up our chat, the Meet kept right on recording for an extra 25 minutes! 😅

When the recording finally landed in my inbox, it was a whopping 25 minutes long, with a good chunk of it being completely irrelevant post-conversation footage. While it was a funny mistake, it also highlighted another learning point: the need to know how to trim and edit recordings! Since I wasn't sure how to snip off those extra minutes, I've opted not to upload this particular recording. But rest assured, the next Google Meet I record will be perfectly polished!

It just goes to show, even when you think you know a tool, there's always something new to learn. And sometimes, those "oops" moments are the best teachers of all! Onwards and upwards to DFI Day 3!

DFI Day 1 - Core Business - Kicking Off DFI 2026

 Kicking Off DFI 2026: Day One Done!

Today marked Day 1 of 9 in my journey through the Digital Fluency Intensive (DFI), and I’m feeling energised already. This isn’t my first time diving into the DFI world—I completed it back in 2017 (earning my Level 1 certification after failing at the first attempt) and again in 2021, when I achieved both Level 1 and Level 2 certification. So why am I doing it again? Simple. Technology never stops moving, and as teachers, neither should we. Staying curious and committed to lifelong learning is part of what keeps our practice fresh and relevant.

Rediscovering, Refreshing, and Learning Anew

Even though I’ve been through the programme before, there’s always something new to discover. Today’s standout for me was learning how to use Smart Chips in Google Docs. These clever little tools let you insert interactive elements, like people, files, dates, timers, and more, directly into your document. They make information more dynamic and easier to access, and honestly, they’re just fun to use.

One feature I know students will love is the stopwatch Smart Chip. I can already imagine how handy it will be during speech practice. Instead of fumbling with external timers or having to open a separate tab, they’ll have a built‑in tool right in their document. Anything that reduces stress and boosts independence is a win in my book.

Creating With Purpose

We also spent time creating in Google Docs, and I used the session to start designing a poster that explains our school values. It felt good to blend creativity with purpose, and I’m excited to see the final product come together. I didn’t quite finish it today because the AI tool I used for generating images hit its daily limit on the free plan - but that just means I’ll be back at it soon to complete the design.

Looking Ahead

If Day 1 is anything to go by, the next eight sessions are going to be packed with learning, experimenting, and rediscovering tools that can genuinely enhance teaching and learning. I’m glad I signed up again, and I’m looking forward to seeing how these refreshed skills will flow into my classroom practice.

Onward to Day 2!

Here is a pic of my incomplete Create activity: