To blog or not to blog?

            I have learned a great deal this summer!  I really haveJ  Just in terms of technology  I learned how to use glogster, blogger, navigate google and moodle with some skill, how to embedded images and music into blogger, voicethread, tourbuilder, use google chat, podcast with garageband, record audio clips with quicktime, develop word clouds  with worditout.com, and use my new iphone 5.  The phone had nothing to do with class, but none–the-less is technology and I tackled it.  Technology done well can be effective in engaging and motivating learning.  It often demands higher order thinking to analyze and synthesize information.  Technology allows you to apply what you’ve learned by creating something new.  It also allows you to teach someone else what you’ve learned. And for that you would receive a 4 on most scoring guides!

            I also learned that we need to think even more creatively about scheduling so that there is allowance for teaching and learning opportunities for teachers and students throughout the day.  Scheduling is a serious pain in the neck, but without careful consideration of what you want the outcome to be (grouping students, collaboration time for teachers) you will default to old practices.  Form does follow function.

            Oh…then there’s the whole social networking thing.  I am a stalker by choice on facebook.  I rarely post. I love to keep up with family that are in other states and see pictures of their children.  Not a fan of actually engaging though.  Well, I’ve learned that we need to “power-up” and join in a bit more.  This generation needs us to help them navigate the genre that is social networking.  We can network together and figure out this genre with some grace and dignity.

            I have a better understanding of what global literacy could look like and how I might infuse a more worldview into the classroom.  Technology will ramp those opportunities up as well. 

            An finally,  as I write this post, I am still thinking about my curriculum “menu” idea and how to give teachers AND students choice in teaching and learning.

            Will this blog continue?  Hmmmm….I have tried journaling so many times in my life.  I was only ever successful when I did it for someone else.  I kept hand written journals for my sons during the first 5 years of their life.  I can remember from age 5 on and I was hoping they could as wellJ  So I’m thinking that if I say I’m going to blog for teachers then I might do it.  As a literacy coach it actually would be a great way for me to share resources.  So, yes…..I will try.  First I have to figure out how to write with a great deal more brevity.  My school schedule should help with that!