Thing 5

As I attended the MACUL conference last spring, I was inundated with presentations on Web 2.0. I was interested in this "new" phenomenon and how it could and would impact the way I teach computer education at the middle school level. I had conversations with our tech. department about how it would affect our infrastructure and ability to "use" these tools without affecting the "safety" of our network. I found it to be a frustrating experience when attempting to research many of the popular Web 2.0 sites and received our "access denied" prism. As I investigated further on my home computer, I found these sites to be extremely useful and helpful. I am confused with the thought process that protecting the sanctity of our current educational goals limits the possibilities of creating solutions for students. Higher order thinking skills would increase our student's abilities to problem solve and collaborate in a learning environment that they are comfortable in. I fear that many of the staff I work with will rely on the "computer teacher" to teach "that stuff" because they don't have time nor the desire to implement it in their curricular areas. I hope my continued growth in this process and the tools I have access to will empower me to lead my staff in applying many of these sites and online applications throughout other academic subject areas.

Thing 4

As I reflected upon my own schooling and the technological advances I had access to in high-school, (typewriter- with correction tape, computer programming class- 10 go to 20, 20 go to 30, 30 Run), I feel a bit melancholy in my lack of "access." As I stated in Thing 1, the influx of globalization and collaboration is multiplying exponentially. The videos and slides presented prior to this blog reinforces my intent of continually adapting my curriculum to meet the needs of the 21st century learner. As part of my curriculum, students choose a career to research further and create a digital presentation on it. However, I may need to revisit the goal and premise of this activity due to the constant change and futuristic look into professions that don't even exist. We as educators need to be life-long learners in order to have the foresight to "stay ahead" of our connected students. The basis for our school and classroom mission statements should encompass the values and qualities it takes to become interdependent learners. Without the aptitude of educators, our students, as we see in the statistical research, are going to continue to become less and less prepared for globalized careers. I am excited at the possibilities and direction educational technology is heading.

Thing 3

The realm of blogging has changed the way people communicate. It allows users to contemplate ideas, thoughts, and concepts and apply, integrate, and adapt their own opinions about the topics of interest. I am a self-described "sports junkie" and my only experience with blogging in the past has been posts to sports sites. It's like being on talk radio and being able to "trash talk" about your favorite team or athlete in real time without being put on hold. The proliferation of blogging increases daily and it has become apparent that the resources we as educators have access to also multiplies daily. The ability to connect with users all over the world is a bit empowering. Sharing your opinion on educational topics does cause me some hesitation however. While commenting on sports sites, it is almost expected to be criticized and abused. It comes with the territory. However, when posting thoughts to an educational forum, I am reluctant to post with the insecurity of being criticized. The field of education is my profession and I don't want to be accused of being an educational moron or elitist. The more I begin to understand blogging as a tool for my own professional development and not a means of spouting off, I'm sure I will become more comfortable with its positive influence on my career and my classroom.

The Effects of the Digital Age

This blog is a preliminary rant about how I perceive student's disassociation with teachers who are not willing to adapt to the ever-changing technologies of the digital age. Our students' skills and abilities are being stunted due to our lack of understanding. Today's teachers are having a difficult time adjusting to the array of digital media at their disposal, including Web 2.o. The digital age has and will continue to effect the basic academic necessities of our students. The culture of learning has transformed into an abstract reality. With the influx of social networking sites, such as myspace.com, facebook.com, msn.com, etc. our students are becoming more globalized than the academic content they are supposed to be mastering. The attempt of educational leaders to create confined contents and standards are forcing teachers to adjust their pedagogical views. The relationship between what students know and how they learn are causing greater gaps in academic achievement. The digital age should be accepted as a welcome addition to pedagogical approaches. We as educators cannot, without omniscient abilities, comprehend nor predict what our technological future holds. We must embrace the digital citizenship of our students. We must allow them to live, work, and lead the digital age into the exploration of their future endeavors. The connections, literal and otherwise, will enable them to become contributors to their own pragmatic ventures.