KP

Photo by Anton Age 6

For short video about myself CLICK HERE

Hello, my name is Zoe Page and I am a teacher of young children. I have spent most of my teaching career working in International Schools (Kuwait, Qatar,Britain,Tokyo,Bangkok and Yokohama). I watched Dean Shareski’s video from the online learning conference, Sharing: The Moral Imperative and was inspired to begin sharing.

I have been to two workshops run by Kim Cofino and one by Julie Lindsay. This has given me two things: the confidence to try new technology ideas and to think globally. Going beyond my classroom, beyond my school and beyond existing colleagues.  Technologically shaking hands with new people and the world.

Why I have decided to set up this blog?

• I am passionate about early childhood education and want to share what I am doing.
• I love working together with parents explaining what I do and why, so we can all learn together.
• I am trying to make the conceptual leap from collaborating within my school and existing colleagues to wider unknown world.
• I am a fledgling techie who is on a steep learning curve, I want others to know they really can make technology work for them in simple ways.

How you shape your child as a learner.

This is an email from my mum about the blog. I want to share it with you because parents have so much power to influence their children. I was brought up by parents who supported me in everything I did. As a result I believe  I am an adult who is prepared to take a risk.  I know I am supported and loved. What my family say is important to me. I know what you say to your child is very important to them.

My mum and dad’s email

Zoe I just loved it. Well done. So proud of you. It is bound to go down a treat. I managed to navigate the site. That made me feel good. Just loved the music too. Love Mum XXXXXXX

What a wonderful presentation, watch it lots of times it just gets better, where does this talent come from, we are so proud of your achevments,it brings a tear to the eye,what a pleasure it it to have not one but two talented daughters, and son inlaw, I am so proud I could bust, it is such a wonderful way to learn, its a long way from slate and chalk,

hope the launch went well, I will say it again BRIL/BRIL/BRIL.

LOTS OF LOVE DAD XXXXXXX

August 2011

I thought I would share my bio that is on the Apple educator site.

Children in Control, teachers as well informed facilitators.

I work within a ‘children in control’ iPad and Mac Book program in Kindergarten.

I understand the challenges and frustrations of learning new technologies and can therefore help others.

I seek and develop creative ways in which technology can facilitate children taking control of their learning.

I create and share video that highlights the thoughtful use of technology in Early Years education and the young child’s right to create their own learning, supported by well-informed teachers and parents.

I develop an ‘I can do it’ attitude with those I engage with. I believe smart learners say, ‘I don’t know’, they ask questions, and develop strategies to seek solutions.

August 2012

This page maps my learning journey, as the blog maps the learning journey of the children. I couldn’t imagine the learning environment for the children, parents, grandparents and myself without the blog as a component for sharing. Each year there are new tools which empower children to document their own learning. My chief motivator is the annual email from a grand parent who is thrilled to be part of the grand child’s life, even though they are often continents apart.

Collaborations with other classes who are not in our physical space has become a natural part of our curriculum, from writing books together to sharing information and insights. The children and I have been using Skype, Twitter and Goggle docs  and created an iBook to share our understandings.

These are some of the key points I am considering. You could say they are the next stage in the learning journey.

• Carefully evaluate the role of iPads and technological tools within our program. Find the highest quality apps that allow children to think and create in the broadest terms. Use Apps that fuel thinking and problem-solving.
• Think big, set high standards and work with the unexplored, not for its own sake but because it enhances our ability to communicate and think in new ways.
• Question everything we do with regards to technology and make it work for us.

October 2012 Meeting Dean Shareski

Learning Leader @Learning2. Beijing
Dean Shareski and Zoe

Starting the blog has lead to unexpected opportunities. I was lucky enough to be a Learning Leader at the Learning 2. conference in Beijing. This is a direct result of blogging.