The Classroom

I’m still reflecting on the Warlick PD I went to on Friday.  Another thing that stand out in my memory is all the people who felt overwhelmed by the amount of information given to us.  I spent quite a bit of time reminding some of my colleagues that there’s no way we could master EVERYTHING on the web, and that was the whole point behind setting up Personal Learning Networks (or at least that was my interpretation).  I keep encouraging baby steps – pick one or two things – use them really well and then add more.  And remember – it may take a year or two of solid use to get good at something.

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During spring break I took a day just to mess around on my computer.  Yes I had a million other jobs that needed to be done, but I really haven’t had anytime just to do techie things, and I was starting to feel out of the loop.  The stuff I found made my imagination just soar!

Now it’s no secret that I’m a huge supporter of the WordPress blogging platform.  I don’t usually “preach the joys of Worpress” during my inservices because I personally believe that everyone should always have a chance to make up their own minds, it is my software of choice.  WordPress comes in many different flavors from the hosted WordPress.com, to the host your own WordPress, or even the multi user WordPress Mu.  It is this last option that currently has my attention – and has exciting possibilities for the classroom. Read the rest of this entry »

Ok – I’ve been trying to avoid the technology stuff on this site as much as possible, because that’s not what I’m all about. It’s what I’m best known for – but it’s only the tip of the iceberg of what I use in my classroom. A very large tip perhaps, but just the tip.

Like most teachers I teach my students, not the curriculum. I teach people, not technology. I mean technology is just a tool. A pencil is a piece of technology. One we use all the time, but you don’t hear a kindergarten teacher say I teach the pencil, and when they’re ready I’m going to teach the eraser! It’s just a tool to help students master the world around them. To interact with those near and far and to make their mark on the world.

I tell my students I teach because I want to live to be 300. I figure that’s a great age. To reach my goal I need people who will make huge advancements in medical science, who will make sure the food I eat is safe, those who can build a home that won’t fall on my head, and make sure the economy runs smoothly so I can afford to buy a new car every once and a while, and people to make sure the world is a peaceful place for my family and I. That’s not much to ask is it? Read the rest of this entry »