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.