Post #2 – Thoughts about Web 2.0

Posted on February 23, 2008 by kristipi.
Categories: Uncategorized.

At the beginning of my teaching career, I often felt very isolated and alone. I didn’t feel that I had other professionals to connect with on a regular basis. I didn’t think I had good ideas. I didn’t feel like I was a good teacher. I didn’t think anyone else in the world felt like I did. I wanted to have other people to talk to, share with, and learn from. I wonder how different I might have felt had this technology existed then. With Web 2.0, there is no need (or excuse) to ever be alone again!  At this time, in February ‘08, because I know so little about Web 2.0, it is hard for me to imagine exactly how I will be able to use this technology with my students. I know I will use it as a way to connect with other professionals. There is so much for me to learn, and I as I do, I will incorporate what I’ve learned with teaching. For example, when a technology person at school helped me with the “Thing One” audio comment, she said that this technology would be a great way for my students to begin “blogging” about their work. Since most of them are emerging writers, audio blogging would be a fantastic way for them to be able to talk about and describe their work. I suspect that the more I learn , the more difficult it will be to ever think the same way about teaching again. Before I signed up for Web 2.0, I didn’t even know what a blog was, and now I am actually blogging! I am so excited! I am so overwhelmed!  I think that all of this information is mind-boggling, and the impact it will have for teaching in the 21st century is limitless. I think it is critical for teachers of all generations, and levels of experience to become technologically savvy to be able to successfully guide and facilitate our students. That being said, I don’t feel that I am in any position to change my teaching right now….or am I? What I will commit to do is to take baby steps…learn something, do something, introduce something to my kids. It can be just one small thing. That small thing will lead to something else…a connection will be made and I will learn something else…and on and on an on. Let the learning begin! My head is spinning!!!

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Post #1 — 7.5 Habits

Posted on by kristipi.
Categories: Uncategorized.

The habit that will be the most challenging for me will be #3 – Viewing Problems as Challenges. When I get stuck on something, I often hit a wall and I feel really stuck. Then the problem becomes an impossibility and I lose confidence that I will ever be able to solve it. I also tend to get easily overwhelmed and intimidated by technology in general so it is very easy for me to view my obstacles as insurmountable. My challenge will be to see each obstacle (and there have been several, already!) as an opportunity for learning and growth.I think the easiest habit for me to employ will be #1 – Begin with the End in Mind. I am a “big picture” type of person and I love being clear about what my goals and expectations are for myself. With regard to this web course, I am really excited about unlocking some of the mysteries about technology, and the web. I am constantly amazed with the amount of information out there, and I want to begin to learn what it is, and how to use it in my teaching practices. I almost feel like a kid in a candy store, except I don’t yet know what all my choices are. I want to learn more about technology, and then use what I’ve learned to help me become a better teacher.The most important habit for me will be # 5, Creating the Learning Toolbox. I am really excited about this one, because at Paideia we have so many wonderful resources at our disposal, but I don’t always know where to go or what to do when I need something. Or, I will learn something really helpful, and then forget it as quickly as I’ve learned it. I am looking forward to have an organized, detailed toolbox that helps me quickly access the information I need.

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