After reading about Linda in Student 2.0, it made me reflect on my application process for my undergrad. It was so overwhelming and nobody in my family could help me. I was the first to go to college. My parents were there, but we aimlessly went from office to office on a wild goose chase full of paperwork! No one really prepares you for how overwhelmed you'll feel before the classes even start! It also brought back the pressures of choosing a college, choosing a major and how the beginning of the process felt. I appreciate her openness and honesty during this journey in her life.
I'm going to enjoy the updates from RSS. I like the idea of streamlining all that information without all the clicking and visiting of other sites. I'm excited to learn what else is available.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Thing #4
Again I'm amazed at the doors educators are opening for their students through blogging. Blog reading is different from other types of reading because it is so current. We love peaking into the lives of others and blogs give us permission to do that. It is also a type of communication that is efficient and resourceful. I can keep up with my friends when our schedules don't align and I can also stay on top of assignments for classes at the click of my mouse. I love that Mr. Meyer allows his students to explore blogs during SSR in Is this SSR 2.0. My students would love the novelty and I bet every kid would be totally engaged! Better yet they could probably summarize everything they read!
Blogging is different from other types of writing because it can be pretty casual. My favorite sample blog was that of Mrs. Edmison's Class. Being that I was a 4th grade teacher of writing for many years, this one was near and dear to my heart! I can't wait to share it with my colleagues.
What a better way to encourage young kids in their writing journey by talking to a real author and letting her share her struggles/successes!
The feedback blogging provides is incredible. Having conversations in such a way allows for meaningful thought processing. One has time to mull over what he is reading and give feedback on his own time. We all know the importance of wait time and this allows as much as needed. In this way blogging facilitates learning. It can enhance the way we learn and mesh with our different learning styles/interests. Therefore, our learning is customized and much more meaningful.
Blogging is different from other types of writing because it can be pretty casual. My favorite sample blog was that of Mrs. Edmison's Class. Being that I was a 4th grade teacher of writing for many years, this one was near and dear to my heart! I can't wait to share it with my colleagues.
What a better way to encourage young kids in their writing journey by talking to a real author and letting her share her struggles/successes!
The feedback blogging provides is incredible. Having conversations in such a way allows for meaningful thought processing. One has time to mull over what he is reading and give feedback on his own time. We all know the importance of wait time and this allows as much as needed. In this way blogging facilitates learning. It can enhance the way we learn and mesh with our different learning styles/interests. Therefore, our learning is customized and much more meaningful.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Thing # 2 Thoughts about Web 2.0
I was amazed and overwhelmed after watching the videos about Web 2.0! It has already had a tremendous effect on my learning as well as my students. In several of my masters classes, we have viewed online videos and pod casts that have enhanced the content of the courses. One particular website called The Futures Channel uses pod casts connected with lessons to teach kids how science and math are connected to real careers.
Students can now have so many more opportunities for learning that are rich and meaningful than I did. They can connect to the real world right from their classroom. Having and providing these opportunities as a teacher gives me that key to engaging students on a much higher level. Motivating students can be so difficult, but using components of Web 2.0 can definitely keep them intrigued and captivated.
In the video of kids K-12 students today, I saw kids of my past that did not get to benefit from technology. I felt guilt as I watched and wondering what I could of done or could be doing to further enhance my students' learning. Once I learn more about wikis, pod casts and creating other online features I can give my students the power to own their learning.
I enjoyed the article by Mr. Warlick. It was overwhelming to think about all the technology practices going on in that school. But, if you just think about one teacher's role, it doesn't seem too bad. That is how I'm choosing to view the challenge in front of me-start small.
Students can now have so many more opportunities for learning that are rich and meaningful than I did. They can connect to the real world right from their classroom. Having and providing these opportunities as a teacher gives me that key to engaging students on a much higher level. Motivating students can be so difficult, but using components of Web 2.0 can definitely keep them intrigued and captivated.
In the video of kids K-12 students today, I saw kids of my past that did not get to benefit from technology. I felt guilt as I watched and wondering what I could of done or could be doing to further enhance my students' learning. Once I learn more about wikis, pod casts and creating other online features I can give my students the power to own their learning.
I enjoyed the article by Mr. Warlick. It was overwhelming to think about all the technology practices going on in that school. But, if you just think about one teacher's role, it doesn't seem too bad. That is how I'm choosing to view the challenge in front of me-start small.
Thing #1 Reflections on Lifelong Learning
As I reflect on myself as a lifelong learner, I think of all the new things I learned just this year. I accept that learning is an on-going process no matter what your age. After speaking to a former 23 things student, I'm really excited and encouraged to start this journey. I think I will learn more than I ever have in a PFK class. I will hopefully feel confident enough to coach my colleagues on the new technology I've discovered.
I know this learning curve will not come without it's challenges, however. Finding time to navigate through this course will be very challenging for me. I'm a little discouraged that I'm having a late start, but I'm going to keep truckin' anyway! I guess this means I need to focus on the #1 step: begin with the end in mind. My summer is very full with classwork for my masters program so I will need to stay well-planned and focused on the end result.
I expect the easiest habit for me will be using the technology to my advantage. When I find time to get to the computer, exploring comes naturally to me and I enjoy it. In the past when I've learned something new with technology, I've tried to use it immediately so I will not forget about the skills. Hopefully the same will occur in this course.
There are two of the 7 1/2 steps I find to be important. First is teaching and mentoring others. To me, that is what lifelong learning is all about-sharing. I'm sure that is why MISD is supporting and facilitating a course such as this. The district really encourages collaboration and mentoring, which I think is fantastic and helps us to stand out in the community. I don't know where I'd be after these 10 years of experience had my team not taken me under their wings. It is only right that I return the service to the new teachers on our campus.
The second habit which is very important to me is the aspect of play. What course allows you this much play online? I haven't found another and I'm thrilled to be a part of this one this summer. Play is completely conducive to learning because the excitement that comes from play better prepares the brain to accept new information. Knowing that play is part of my learning experience motivates me to accept the challenges that will come along.
I know this learning curve will not come without it's challenges, however. Finding time to navigate through this course will be very challenging for me. I'm a little discouraged that I'm having a late start, but I'm going to keep truckin' anyway! I guess this means I need to focus on the #1 step: begin with the end in mind. My summer is very full with classwork for my masters program so I will need to stay well-planned and focused on the end result.
I expect the easiest habit for me will be using the technology to my advantage. When I find time to get to the computer, exploring comes naturally to me and I enjoy it. In the past when I've learned something new with technology, I've tried to use it immediately so I will not forget about the skills. Hopefully the same will occur in this course.
There are two of the 7 1/2 steps I find to be important. First is teaching and mentoring others. To me, that is what lifelong learning is all about-sharing. I'm sure that is why MISD is supporting and facilitating a course such as this. The district really encourages collaboration and mentoring, which I think is fantastic and helps us to stand out in the community. I don't know where I'd be after these 10 years of experience had my team not taken me under their wings. It is only right that I return the service to the new teachers on our campus.
The second habit which is very important to me is the aspect of play. What course allows you this much play online? I haven't found another and I'm thrilled to be a part of this one this summer. Play is completely conducive to learning because the excitement that comes from play better prepares the brain to accept new information. Knowing that play is part of my learning experience motivates me to accept the challenges that will come along.
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