Sensei-tional Classrooms

Taught in NSW schools for more than 10 years teaching Japanese and students with special needs. Recent experience teaching in a rural, outback NSW school, so am highly familiar with necessity for resource sharing via electronic means to keep current with teaching strategies. Beginning a PhD this year focusing on successful early career teachers in rural settings, so I am keen to contribute my resources and expertise with other teachers in NSW, across Australia and from around the world.

Innovative, engaging, communicative language, technology, ICT, Quality Teaching, higher order thinking, intercultural understanding

REFEREED JOURNAL ARTICLES MacDonald, P., & Brown, G. (2014). Is Apple transforming special education? Assessing the efficacy of the iPad as an assistive technology for students with special needs. Special Education Perspectives, 23, 1, 17-28. CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS MacDonald, P. (2014). Supporting Students with Special Needs in Japanese Classes. Presented at NSW DEC Japanese Teachers' Conference 2010, Sydney: Australia. Published online available by NSW DoE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_Y5irJw3Mw&index=3&list=PL4OaBCdO34bD0OsiSNwifcxs0Qf3-IDpI MacDonald, P. (2010). Put the GO in Nihongo with Wikis, Web 2.0 & Multimedia Apps. Presented at NSW DEC Japanese Teachers' Conference 2010, Sydney: Australia. MacDonald, P. (2008). Using ICT's in Resourceful Ways. Presented at NSW DEC Japanese Teachers' Conference 2008, Sydney: Australia.

Master of Special Education with Distinction, 2013 (General Special Education/Behaviour) Bachelor of Arts with the Diploma of Education, 2005 (Japanese, ESL/Linguistics)

Interest in photography, sport and travel.