Responsible Risk Taking
I am sure you feel as I do. There is always too much work and not enough time. This happens in any job but in education it can be hazardous. We are refreshed in the summer and think of tons of new ideas we want to try with our kids. Then the “truck hits us” and we work to keep our heads above water. It only takes a minute, however, to rethink our thinking about how we deliver information or how our students might deliver theirs. Our future for technology is not mapped out for us. We will choose our path. Watch for quotes and bits of information in the next few weeks that are thought provoking.
Most situations in life don’t have a single right answer. In my experience, the most effective actions arise when we live the question, ‘What do we want to create?’ The key to all this is pretty simple – believing that every person has the capacity to create(Senge).
What Can Technology Do for You?
I think it is easy to live in our rural area and think of computers as a tool to communicate. We are all familiar with email, instant messaging and informational websites. Each day we may use our computer for this purpose and it has become a part of our lives. Recognizing what comes next is the hard part for all of us. Our students need to become good “users” of computers but they should also have opportunities to become “productive developers”. Point your child in the direction of web development. Ask them if there is something important that they could share on the web. Put them in the drivers seat. Could they offer some sort of service. Here is an example. If your child likes dogs and cats teach your child to share tips on how to care for a “lab”. Learn to develop spaces to share without using MySpace or a place that is independent of others. Be creative. Perhaps a daily “blog” for journaling would be appropriate. Most of all teach them how to share while remaining anonymous. Your child will learn problem solving skills and web development skills. It’s a win win for everyone! I am linking to a blog with a good discussion on Digital Citizenship. http://www.classroom20.com/group/office20con/forum/topic/show?id=649749%3ATopic%3A46892
SMARTBoard Update
I stopped by the school the other day and I was pleased to see that the wiring is being installed for the SMARTBoards. It should look tidy when the conduit holds all of the wiring. We have an in-service set up for August 6th at 1:00 p.m. The custodians have removed a couple of bulletin boards and painted the wall so we are ready for a clean installation. All of this is so exciting. We are moving into another chapter of delivering information to our kids.
Our Path to the Future
Hello. I am an educator who has served children and families for 32 years. I have several passions. One of them is technology. I appreciate the way technology can empower students and teachers. Another passion of mine is Language Arts. There is no feeling that compares to a child making a successful connection in reading. The “a ha” moment that a child experiences should be bottled and sold! My goal for the future is to be part of the “oh cool” moment in technology. It is my feeling that a student should experience the “oh cool” factor in every classroom. Technology will help us achieve that goal. Teaching is great, neat, super and exhausting if you do your job right!
Hello Groton Area School
I am looking forward to my new position as Technology Integrationist at Groton Area School. As I speak with each of you, I can also detect your excitement with new PC-Tablets and SMARTBoards. It will take dedication and creative thinking on our part to use them to capacity. For those of you who have not had the opportunity to work on this project, here is a sample video of a Promethean board (different company) in action. SMARTBoard classrooms: Where SMART minds meet!
No matter what language. 
