Thing 3

I have already been using a blog with my students through our District Website. My classroom blog provides answers and information to commonly asked questions, important dates, homework assignments, ideas and information "about me". I include student successes as well. Another teacher in the District has taken on the task of creating a site especially for the needs of our students in the Music Department which relates not only the the afore mentioned but includes many practical educational links for students to use to learn and practice. We tell him what we need and puts it there! I send my students to this blog as well. A few of our teachers require that students and parents use their blog on a daily basis. I am not yet to that point but certainly will be holding some course requirements this year which will include grading which is connected to the classroom bloging and online other learning. Class blog comments are a wonderful way to start!

I like using comments as the students are interested in reading what others think - they do it on facebook and myspace! I can tune in to how each student processes the information presented. I also like having the opportunity to respond to them in a meaningful, unhurried manner. They can read my responses as many times as they need to for understanding and ask questions whenever the mood strikes. It gives every student a voice!

As we change the way our classrooms run consideration will need to be placed on the amount of time and PD teachers will require to learn, practice and implement these strategies. We also have to make sure that all students have access to a computer whether it be through the local or school library, home etc. Wouldn't it be wonderful if Federal funding provided that for us!

Thing 1 and 2

I am participating in 23 things because I need assistance in learning about the "things" that my students already know! In order for me to teach this generation of learners I must understand how they are learning and the vehicles that can be used to reach and teach them. Using the tools of technology is not only fun and relevant for the students but also fun for the teachers! Of course there will be a continuous learning curve as technology keeps changing which is our challenge. The traditional classroom is going to have to change...it will need to come from within but also from above. A shared vision and plan must arise!

The question of knowing that anyone can read anything that you put on the internet is a serious one. Not only for our adults but for our children. There are so many little ways that people gather imformation (What car are you most like - personality gathering info, what is your favorite movie...). There is also more of a willingness to "trust" than there is to be wary of these things. I am sure that there are dangers out there that we don't even know about. We need to be on top of this and really need to educate our kids - constantly. I can only do that if I am knowledgeable as well.