Thing 3

Well, I am both excited and a bit overwhelmed. In reading about the many ways blogs can be used in the classroom, both as "learning" tools and a means of communication, I immediately began thinking about how I could begin with my students. I guess the first steps will include sharing with my colleagues and brainstorming. We need to determine the optimum means of planning and implementation, always keeping in mind any limitations we may have (hardware, software, school policy, etc). I think this can be best accomplished by working closely with our Technology Coordinator so that we are all on the same page and can do a needs analysis that is realistic and practical.

I am also certain that my ideas will crystallize as I do more work with the 23 Things, become more familiar with the possibilities, and have more opportunity to reflect and share.

Thing 1 and Thing 2

As things go, these Things were very interesting. I was particularly impressed with the breadth of tech use discussed in the article and the "common sense" urgings of the video. Educators, no different from other professionals, often resist change and we can cling to ideas and methods that exist primarily because "that's the way I have always done it." The incredible growth in information technology is impossible to miss or ignore. I feel that failing to use technology would be as foolish and counter-productive as, for example, (1) forcing a student who scored 100% on a spelling pre-test on Monday to do exercises on the spelling words throughout the week and then take the "real" test on Friday; or (2), asking students to do 50 math problems on a concept they already know how to do with high proficiency.

It is exciting to begin to learn about what is "out there" and how we can use it. It also seems imperative that everyone "buy in" to the concepts to ensure proper and continued educator training, appropriate hardware/software, administrative and parent support and participation, and appropriate and meaningful assessment protocols.

In short, the whole "thing" is very exciting and energizing!

Genesis: In the beginning ...

Okay. Blog is created (only about three weeks late)! I am about to delve into the "23 Things" and look forward to the experience.

In my "other" blogging experience (songman.vox.com) I tend to make observations about things that amuse or dismay me. Those of you who know me realize that I tend to talk a lot. Unfortunately, the same is often true for the "written" word.

In any event, I look forward to sharing my experiences and benefiting from every one's insights.