Momentum!

Well, I'm excited to report that the winds of change seem to be stirring! Another teacher in my Middle School is on the iPad Wagon! I was feeling lonely at my small independent school thinking that my dreams were disconnected from the dreams of my peers. But, this teacher has decided that it would be a good idea to look into iPads as portals for online textbooks. I applaud his openness to this idea. I too think that the iPad is a great conduit for a number of texts. So, hurray for teachers that are beginning to see the possibilities of an iPad Classroom.

My 7th graders just wrapped their 4 week long Digital Research Project on our Class Wiki. Wow! What a journey. My students debriefed the project with me today for a few minutes and I was thrilled to hear that they were challenged on a lot levels but could also identify how they've grown. Isn't that what it's all about? I've had some parent feedback that landed on the "not so positive" side of the spectrum. I can't say it's been negative, but I've heard that some parents were bugged that they couldn't help their child with the work because it was over their heads. The technology is still a struggle for them (or even completely foreign) so they have felt somewhat helpless. I knew that component was out there, but I guess that I hoped more parents were engaging technology. Maybe they are but these resources are still too much. Whatever the case, I think we're all a little relieved that the project has culminated and we can move on to BIGGER and BETTER things!


Also, my 8th graders just completed their first Voice Thread. They loved it! And their reflection on it gave my the sense that they are aware of the benefits of gaining these skills even though several have identified themselves to be frustrated and overwhelmed at times.

So, as I wrap up the week, I am left with an overwhelming sense of gratefulness for the 12 little laptops I have access to in my classroom, but continue to dream of the day I can call myself a true Blended Teacher.

Tech Thought of the Week:

“Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.”

 Arthur C. Clarke quotes (English Writer of science fiction, b.1917)

How do I possibly write down all the ideas in my head?

Well, I suppose I need to take a deep breath and realize that I cannot achieve mastery right now of this EdTech phenomenon that I find myself in the midst of.

I am a teacher of 8 years and I am feeling so inspired and overwhelmed and motivated and uncomfortable all at the same time. Am I alone in this? I mean, I only just started my Personal Learning Network on Twitter back in January and in a few short months I feel myself regenerating as an educator. I am taking on new challenges, seeing the benefits of some of these new changes, and also noticing that some of my attempts have flopped. I guess that's part of the growth process. I'm just not used to feeling like I don't have my head TOTALLY wrapped around my content area and my instructional practices.

I think this is making me a better resource for my kids. I can connect to them and their learning process more directly now. So, here I go... starting a new adventure by starting a blog. We'll see what happens with this!