Connecting with Dr. Couros

Another class.. another interesting talk by an extremely "connected" person! This ability to bring people into the class from a distance is so great. I went to a PD with Devon Caldwell about Smartboard and other technologies. Her class is skyping regularly with other classes around the continent, and beyond... and now I'm in the mix! Her kids were talking to a vet about making dog biscuits... I immediately thought about the possibilities of skyping in local and other experts on a host of topics in my classrooms.
Dr. Couros emphasized the dramatic shift in how we get information, with smart phones now out-numbering "dumb" phones for the first time. Overlooking the insult to my poor little phone, it really hit home how the expectations for speed in communication and access to information are changing. As I start to utilise these new communication tools like Twitter, right now it feels like I have to spend so much time checking things in different places that I can't keep up! I know I will become more adept with practise, but it was funny to see the shock on my friend's face today when I said I hadn't checked Twitter yet.. it was noon, after all!  I have to watch that You-tube "Twitter" video to sort out what I'm looking at...
I really liked the connections Dr. Couros made to two areas I am passionate about... communication and creative  expression. There are so many ways to encourage both, using technology. Technology allows more opportunities for differentiated instruction and reaching students through  different mediums. His comments on activism and mobilisation also struck me. In the past two years we have seen political movements and events get started, grow and move into the global consciousness, all through social media.
In all, more inspiration for me to learn and practise and try and grow...!

Part deux.. Student PLN

This is MEANT to look like a computer screen. I have to put it up now, because if I wait I will erase it in a fit of frustration, and possibly forget how I got the first one up here! I must remember and accept that I am a newbie to this tech party, trying to take the advice of Dean Shareski and "baby-step" my way along... you have to start somewhere!

PLN Drawings... what the heck?!

Okay... this may not look like much to you, but it took me a long time! IF I manage to make it show up on my blog I will consider it a success. The next one had BETTER take me less time! Is there an app  (computer word!)  for patience??!

Sharing with Dean Shareski

Today our class had a skype presentation by Dean Shareski, who has a lot of experience in teaching and ICT and currently works for Discovery Education Canada in the area of curriculum based media. I really liked all that he had to share about the changing face of education and opportunities to engage students. He used several videos to illustrate his points, demonstrating the power of media to engage... I loved those penguins! I completely agree with his thoughts on the power of teaching through stories, and using ICT tools and the internet to create and share experiences. A quote that struck me was "the learning culture is participatory". While I have always made efforts to address the learning needs of my students through planning a variety of activities in my lessons, I can see a whole new avenue of collaborative opportunities opening up... for my students and for me. Co-construction of knowledge and experience is a vital component of teaching to me, and I want to facilitate sharing in my classroom and beyond.
One last thing that  I appreciated was Dean's message of the "myth of easy!" As a person who has little experience with ICT, it was nice to hear someone say "this stuff can be tricky to figure out! Start slow... but start!" I have had lots of experience with being told that computer stuff is easy... and feeling like an idiot when I get lost! I am happy to report that I have completed a few "tech tasks" for class with no major disasters thus far! My confidence is growing, and once again I want to say thanks to everyone for being great friends and tutors in and out of class!

John Evans Presentation, PLN development and iphone "rules"....

     I enjoyed the presentation by John Evans in class on Thursday, January 10th. He is so passionate about the use of technology as a tool for keeping teachers connected and sharing information. I definately agree that the ability to share ideas and work in collaboration with others will enhance the teaching and learning experience. It is especially great to think of the opportunities for teachers working in schools where they may be the only teacher in their subject area. I think of how interesting it was to observe different classroom styles and approaches and ideas  in my student teaching placements. With a PLN, I can have access to ideas, conversations and support that increase my options, and inspire me to create engaging lessons. In turn, I can share my ideas, contribute to the pool of creativity and get feedback. I believe that the heart of teaching is communicating. Having a PLN is an important way to exchange information and feel connected with others committed to supporting students on our learning journey.
     I was introduced to the Maple network, which will be valuable for connecting with other Manitoba teachers. I like how the network is specifically geared to education and ICT. As for many busy people with limited time, having a place to go where I know the information will be relevant to the  curriculum I work with will be valuable.
     One point that made me think was a the brief conversation about having "rules" for students / children regarding the use of  iphones. I personally feel that  part of the job of teaching ICT Literacy is to encourage the appropriate use of technology. Along with the benefits and access to information that an iphone can provide, there is potential for distraction and misuse in the classroom (and elsewhere!). Learning about safety and etiquette are an important part of the deal.  I feel that having expectations for responsible use and reinforcing these expectations is part of the job of teachers and parents. These safety and etiquette skills can and should be taught as part of ICT Literacy. Just as young people need some help to learn to self regulate other behaviour like watching TV and drinking Coke, they may also need some direction in their choices in this area. There are appropriate times and places for all kinds of communication... online, reading, listening and face to face discussion and interaction. I want to guide students to enhance ALL of their communication skills.

Well, here we go... down the rabbit hole! My first blog post ever! I was (am) nervous about taking the Internet for Educators class, as my technology skills leave a lot to be desired. I have been guilty of rationalizing my reluctance to use computer technology, and just plain avoiding it. However, after a stern talking-to with myself, I realized that I need to challenge this fear of mine. As a teacher, I want to encourage my students to try things that scare them and to embrace change and new experiences.  I had best follow my own advice!
 I realize that I am in a lucky position to have supportive people around me in this class who will encourage me and show me the way when I wander. I will do my best to keep my sighs and swears quiet...
 I will take advantage of this opportunity to expand my knowledge and ability in this venue of communication and connection. I am excited to learn about more tools to better understand and serve my future students!