Today my guest is Dr Michael Harvey, a Science Teacher from New Zealand. In this episode, Michael outlines aspects of New Zealand - or kiwi - culture, including Maori language. We also explore Michael’s previous role as an industrial research Chemist and the evolution into his current role as a high school teacher. With a strong interest in how technology can transform teaching & learning, Michael offers insights into how digital tools and approaches might be incorporated into the classroom. We find out more about Michael’s plans for using non-fungible tokens - or NFTs - as a way of acknowledging, recording and tracking students’ achievements across a range of transferable, or “soft”, skills such as teamwork, problem-solving and communication. We also explore the value of Minecraft, the online virtual building and creating platform using storytelling, game mechanics and student agency, as well how these concepts can be applied in designing real-world classroom spaces that can contribute to how students interact with each other and increase student engagement and learning. Along with the technology, Michael also offers insights into the more human, relational aspects of teaching such as connecting with other teachers and students - both locally and across the globe.
Links:
https://theflippedscientist.blogspot.com/
https://wakelet.com/@Doctor_Harves
https://twitter.com/Doctor_Harves
https://linktr.ee/Doctor_harves