I have never written on a blog before and I do not have much experience of what is expected when one writes on a blog. Although, after questioning my teenage cousins about how to make mine appear more "cool," I realized that creating and using blogs has become a popular past time for teenagers. Which explains my lack of knowledge about blogs, since they became popular once I stopped being a teenager.
As much as I love to write creatively, I never had much use for writing anything online. The thought of putting my words out there, without knowing who could read them or comment on them, terrified me. But then again, during the time when blog writing would have been the thing to do (in high school), most girls used instant messaging as a tool for fighting. Therefore, I was deterred from sharing my thoughts, opinions, and even my personal writing online.
Now, as I am trying to start this blog, I have a hard time believing that my daily events are special enough to display on a blog. (I don't think I can do sarcasm well on this thing?) Anyway, who would want to read about my thoughts and my actions? Then again, I am constantly thinking hundreds of things at once, and so the actual idea of following my thoughts is pretty dizzying. But because this is an assignment, and because I would rather post on here than Twitter, I will start organizing my thoughts into seemingly coherent statements. I hope you can follow along, if in fact, there is someone reading this...
Today, at the beginning of class, I did a lot of hyperventilating. Did my camera fit the requirements?? And, if not, can I get by using it anyway?? But yes, I was nervous to begin this class. Mostly because I hoped that this class would not be as hard as I think it might be. Let me explain. I have a tendency to break technology as soon as I hold it. For example, when I was given an old family camera (old being two years), the minute that I touched it, it refused to turn on. Is this because of me? I do not know, but things like this always seem to happen.
After speaking to the class, and in smaller group discussions, I began to calm down and started thinking that this class will not be too bad, and I do not think I can break that much technology in one summer (my record is currently 3). I also think that this class is necessary because it is important for teachers to learn how to use technology and to implement it in the classroom. For instance, I liked the idea of creating a blackboard or ctools-like site that was open for students and parents to check on grades, review notes, get homework assignments and study guides, and even talk to other students in a chat room. This could provide students with tutoring sessions while they were at home. In addition, parents would be able to talk to the teachers and see how well their child is doing in the class.
I have some other ideas about technology in the classroom, but I think I will save them for later posts!
I hope, for whoever is reading this, that you were able to follow.
I'm a bit of a technophobe, myself, Molly. We'll get through this and come out on the other side as tech-savvy as most others.
ReplyDeleteReading your post, I want to suggest that what you might be seeing as a weakness (discomfort with technology) could actually be a strength in terms of showing your students that you're still a learner who is willing to seek out answers rather than magically ;-) possessing all of them. Thanks for being open to the possibilities and the process, Molly. Before the summer's over, we'll be bringing in some MAC alum/English teachers to whet your appetite with some ideas...
ReplyDeleteI'm sure that the class will lend itself to HOW to educate using technology as much as how to USE technology. The fact that we're all in this together is certainly going to make a difference in the support factor. Something my brother had to add when I was discussing my classes was that most of the kids in his class show the teachers how to use the new technologies, having our students know that we are learning along with them makes them feel more in control of their own studies and therefore more engaged.
ReplyDeleteI love the openness to trying! I hope that you've garnered encouragement from the great comments above. I just wanted to say that one of the reasons I want to be a teacher is that I love learning. I think that is part of what being a teacher is about: being a life-long learner. You can do it! :)
ReplyDeleteContinuing with the string of comments, I'm reminded of the comment made ( I believe by Kristin) during lecture that ultimately you are there to bring the content, not the tech support. Letting kids work together to figure out the "how" lets you elaborate on the "what" and the "why" of an activity--That way you're playing to your strengths! You never know, it could be fun to let kids have the opportunity to explore, with a little teacherly support.
ReplyDeleteLearning that it was OK to say, "I'm not sure ... what do you think?" or, "I'm not sure ... let's find out," was a hard learning curve for me, but I find that the more I open myself up to listening to my students, the more we learn together. Like John says so well, ill-preparedness or lack of concern are problems. Opening yourself to learning is brave modeling -- hold me to it! :)
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