Thing 5

I'm very inspired by learning about Web 2.0, and I can't wait to lurk, and blog on Classroom 2.0. What an amazing resource we have. I had never even heard of Classroom 2.0 before. I have been asking for years to my special education director if we could have an in service day to meet with other special ed. teachers and collaborate. Logistically, it never worked. Now, the answer is there. How incredible to have so many people open and willing to share their ideas and experiences.

I also feel more motivated to continue with a classroom blog that would enable me to share with my students, their parents, and other educators. The day to day communication would extend beyond just the perfunctory e-mail. It would give the parents more insight as well.

I'm realizing that the more I learn about technology, the more I need to learn about technology. I've learned to create a blog, but it doesn't stop there. I would love to learn how to keep it changing, and resourceful for my students.

The idea of creating a podcast of classroom discussions to share with parents is such a cool idea. I would love to create short pod casts to give some math tips, reminder for assignments, or keep parents informed. I really liked the idea of the students creating their own study guides using the wiki resources. It would be so much more valuable to use their guides instead of just giving them one more assignment.

Thing 4

Wow, so much information to process. That must be how our students feel as well. I can remember sitting as a first grader on a carpet square, and my teacher had a flip chart and a pointer that she would use to read us stories. In college, about 14 years ago, I learned about the software that can be used to read stories to students. Now, my own children create their own stories, put it into a power point presentation, and use animation and video to present it to their classmates. This use to be quite a feat for high school, but my 3rd grader did this last year. We were e mailed a copy of the story by her teacher, and we in turn e mailed it to family sharing her work in a matter of moments.

She was so motivated and excited to complete her project. I co teach Geometry and do not see that look of excitement or motivation from my students. I've also never taught or assigned a project such as this either. I guess we also get stuck in the rut of lecture, notes, then bookwork.

It was very interesting to see what skills were required in the workforce, as opposed to the way we expect our kids to learn. To see collaboration, reflection, and work ethic at the top of the list made me think. I can understand how and why these skills are important in the workforce, and need to be taught. I guess my frustration is how. There is so much emphasis at my school for assessment, that it leaves little time to think outside the box. It feels like we are always trying to pack 2 years worth of curriculum into 9 months. I would love to use technology to communicate with other teachers to share ideas about projects they might use to teach these skills.

I liked the quote about a literate person is someone who can relearn. I think many teachers and students are also in the rut of not wanting to try anything new. Working collaboratively involves working outside your comfort zone, and making yourself vulnerable to other people. This involves trust, honesty, and respect which are also important traits of a good work ethic.

I am motivated to find new ways to reach my students, and have them use technology on a daily basis. I really like the idea of reflection, using big ideas, and creating a supportive environment, so my students could learn to work in groups and collaborate on ideas.

Thing 3

I love the idea of blogging. I have followed many blogs from family members to friends, entertainers I like, and one from a friend with cancer to keep us updated with her treatments. I'm very intrigued with how I can use a blog professionally, and to reach my students.

Although I've commented on other blogs, I've never had one of my own, unless you could count the status updates on my Facebook account! One thing that I'll have to keep in mind is to keep my blog professional. I tend to be a little sarcastic or silly when I'm thinking and writing quickly. It will make me choose my words wisely.

I am very interested in sharing ideas with other teachers. I was in a new teaching situation this past year, and often asked other teachers for help and advice. Most were incredibly honest and willing to help me. I think our pride sometimes stops us from asking for help because we'd be feeling inept or incompetent. I think it's very positive to share ideas and brainstorm with other educators. A blog would give you one more opportunity for that to take place.

To use the blog as a teaching tool to interact with my students is also very appealing to me. I am always looking for new ways to connect with my students. I look forward to gaining new information and tools to make this happen.