Over the last week we’ve held two online workshops for Pond.  Of course, there was the occasional technological challenge (Andy’s sound going haywire) and the challenge of recording attendance to an open digital workshop with a magic disappearing/reappearing form to complete. But overall, the responses via Twitter (and #N4LPond) have been overwhelmingly excited.

The tweeps are buzzing about the possibilities of Pond, excited mentions of the ripples feature and the ability to follow other teachers are constantly coming through Twitter.  Followed up by enthusiastic Pioneers sporting their Pond lanyards when they arrive in the post a couple of days later.

With over 100 people attending the first workshop and then approximately 30 at the second, the landscape within Pond will be changing very quickly as new profiles appear on a daily basis. Within 24 hours of our first online workshop, over 60 educators had created new profiles within Pond and were happily paddling about testing the features.

The only issues Pioneer Educators have encountered so far is getting past the ESAA/Education Sector Logon authorisation part of registering.  As mentioned previously, you do need to have an Education Sector Logon which has the correct entitlement for Pond. A TKI self authorised log in isn’t sufficient and you still need to complete the forms and have your application authorised by your Principal.  The forms can be found at this link (editor note 21 Jan 2016: link removed as it is now broken). 

The great news is that the Ministry of Education contact centre has been fantastic at ironing out any issues Pioneers have had with their ESAA log ins.  Don’t hesitate to give them a call, they can be contacted on 0800 422 599.

Key Information about Pond online workshops:

– Happening on a number of dates over May at either 3.45 or 4.15pm

– Visit the webpage (editor note 21 Jan 2016: link removed as no longer relevant), fill out the registration form and watch the short live presentation at the appropriate time

– Make sure you have your Education Sector Logon and that it has Pond entitlements by calling the Ministry of Education contact centre ahead of the workshop

– Your access codes will be sent to your via your email within 24 hours

– Don’t forget to edit your profile at least once, otherwise you’re invisible to other educators…..

Finally,

– Remember, we’re interested in you being a Pioneer because you go the extra distance; helping to make change happen by using Pond regularly and adding items to the catalogue.  The effort you make now to use Pond regularly, the more it will become like second nature and the value of Pond will grow.  By your hands. You powerful person, you.