Blog #1

Criteria:
Blog entries demonstrate
engagement with the important
issues raised through readings
and/or class activities

Reflection on what you learned
each day related to teaching with
technology Reflection is not only
or not necessarily what you
learned, but more what you are
thinking about what you learned
(how you might apply it in your
own lives; your frustrations or
joys from what you have learned;
questions you have).

Text shows a very good command
of Standard English and have
some flair and originality.

Linked to a minimum of 2
supporting references.

The Blog:

The TED vid featuring Sir Ken is one of my favorites (I think we saw it in our month one class), because it is a perfectly illustrated narrative of why I went into teaching. The story of the little girl who was a dancer retouched the little dancer/artist in my soul, who still pangs with regret that there were no adults around to listen and recognize my creative gifts. I suppose everyone does what they think best, but what I have learned through all is that one must be true to one's self, live the creative life, and be happy.

I did/do love learning; that perhaps is my saving grace. I do love technology and creating with it. I do feel for students/ my students when they don't have learning environments that work for them. I can identify with that. But out of frustration, the necessity of something completely different can be invented- and by watching the We Think video (
CharlesLeadbeater (2008, February 26), We Think [Video File]. Video posted to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiP79vYsfbo)
my inner whining started to change. Diversion to Personal Brain for a semantic webbing tool excited me even further (http://www.thebrain.com/) as did other unnamed resources.

First, my fascination with how simply the video was made (probably a write board and excellent script). Then the impact of the "simple" message. Then I started realizing how I could do and change aspects of my classroom with these simple tutorials whether I made them myself or assigned them as projects. Then I started wondering who actually would lose if I was allowed to have a perfected adapted 2.0 classroom.

I started thinking of all of the "difficult" students I had ever worked with. I smiled as I envisioned perfect attendance and them beaming at me as if to say, "My liege." I knew these kids. I was one of them. I knew what I wanted, I know my students want what they want.

That's when I started to become re-inspired tore-consider re-entering the school zone. What if I simply stated what I would teach, under what conditions, using what tools.

I'm still composing that in my head.