Thing #4 Bloggin' Begins with Reading

Blogging varies depending on who is creating the blog - some have a very casual, conversational tone while others sound more polished and formal. (Of course the age of the blogger is a big factor as well!) See fifth grader Patrick's blog post. I enjoyed reading his posts and noted how much he grew as a writer over the course of his blogging. His blog is a great example of how commenting definitely contributes to the writing and meaning-making. So many teachers and students cheered him on and encouraged him with their comments. Then in one of his posts, Patrick specifically thanked each one of them for their support and quoted many of their posts. That is so cool! And he's a FIFTH grader!

I also enjoyed Mark's Edtech Blog: Is this SSR 2.0? I really like the concept of letting students do some of their sustained silent reading time online, and it would be a great teaser to get them wanting to do their own commenting! Because I'm such a book lover, I couldn't give up every SSR block for students to read blogs, but I know they would love it! I especially see the benefits of students reading kid-written blogs. They would yearn to join the blogging community!

Blog reading reminds me of my magazine/newspaper reading or Internet searches. I skim and scan and preview different areas until I find something that peaks my interest. Then that reading may lead me down yet another path. I don't necessarily start the blog and read from top to bottom in it's entirety. When I'm reading a novel, I read every word and wouldn't DREAM of skipping around and skimming anything! I want every detail and in order! So, I guess what I'm saying is that my blog reading is similar to other informative reading searches, but not the same as narrative readings.

As far as blogging facilitating learning, I think the above two links are great examples of how we can encourage students join the blogging community. I'm sure the applications for facilitating classroom learning are limitless! I know I'm just beginning to get my toes wet in the ocean of possibilities out there!

Thing #2 Thoughts about Web 2.0

Watching the "Vision of K-12 Students Today" stirs me to want more for our students and my own children too! They deserve to have a taste of all that's out there! The opportunities for incorporating technology into our schools and into our classrooms are endless! It's amazing!

Although I use a variety of technology daily on a personal level, I have a long way to "grow" in my use of technology with my students. As I read the article, "A Day in the Life of Web 2.0" a thought kept running through my mind..."I want this for MY children!" Students were so motivated to learn and to work collaboratively on their projects. Even parents had access to their children's learning and were involved. Grade level teams, cross-curricular teachers, librarians, campus administrators, and even district administrators were connected and working together to create the best learning opportunities for their students. All of this is so real world! As the students of these classes leave school and head out into the working world, imagine how much they have to offer! They will be ready...so we too better get ready!

I'm taking this course to learn new technology resources, so I can use them effectively. All students deserve to be motivated and engaged in their learning, and I believe technology is a great hook! I'm already hooked and can't wait to learn what's coming next!

Thing #1 Reflections on Lifelong Learning

Yea, I am finally here! My blog name isn't "the procrastinator" for nothin'!

I am a lifelong learner! In order to be effective teachers, we must continually learn and seek new knowledge- especially when it comes to education. I love to learn new things and find new tools to spice up my teaching and motivate my students to learn. Today's students expect technology! Their lives, since birth, have always revolved around technology - cell phones, portable videos, satellite tv, video-on-demand, internet, personal computers, Playstations, XBox, Wii, DS, MP3 players, the list goes on. So why should school exclude all this? This is the reason I signed up for Learning 2.0. I want to learn new ways to incorporate technology into my teaching and hook my students into learning!

To reflect on the 7 1/2 Habits of Effective Lifelong Learners, I think the most challenging habit for me will be to view obstacles as learning opportunities. I like things to run smoothly! :) (Especially being a procrastinator...because I don't have TIME for those little bumps in the road! And definitely no boulders, please!! Actually, my most challenging area is in time management, but that's not one of the 7 1/2 habits!)

The easiest habit for me is play!! Having fun while I'm working and learning is the best way to do it! It keeps me motivated and engaged and... who doesn't like to laugh along the way!

Lastly, probably the most important habit for this course is to take responsibility for my own learning. This is easy for me....but those deadlines will be the tricky part! :)