#5 MOVE Forward

I always enjoy tech classes and this one was no exception.  Adam's style of teaching is fun and thought provoking.  I loved the line "What do you want to learn".  It reminded me of a website I ran across and tried using with students this year.  In the spirit of what do you want to learn, http://wonderopolis.org/ is a great site to let kids choose their own learning.  I like the idea of letting kids spend some time each week researching something they are interested in instead of doing assignments.  What I realized from trying this program is that students become addicted to hand holding while learning.  They want to be told exactly what is expected and told where to go and what to do.  IF they can't find the answers immediately, they give up in frustration.  They are afraid to explore.   That is a fear I want them to overcome with technology.

Don't be afraid to fail~ I remind myself of this everyday I teach and step into the classroom. Some days I am prepared and some days it feels like the blind leading the blind.  I re frame my thinking to consider myself a guide instead of the wise sage.  I have had to use this approach with teaching technology. I don't know all the tools that are available and if I waited until I did feel in control over some of these programs, I may be paralyzed and not begin.  So I begin projects often without a clear outline of where I am going.  It makes for many questions along the way from students and we muddle through learning together.  It is rewarding when things work in technology.  I have learned to expect glitches and have a plan B.

THere are so many great tech tools and so little time!  I become consumed with exploring them and like what Adam had to say.  Step away and limit your time.  Computers just suck you in to the world of endless information and fun.  The seductive danger here is neglecting your body!  It is easy to spend lots of time on computers and forgetting you need to get up and move.  That will be my challenge in this new school year....to get organized and introduce new and exciting technology tools but to also remember that while my mind may be expanding....I need to remember that my body could be shrinking if I dont get up from time to time and focus on that part of my world too!  So thank you Adam for reminding me that we are human and have to be present in our lives no matter where we are and to take breaks and to not get sucked in to the vortex of giving too much of ourselves to teaching.  We are all  bright stars that have to be careful not to burn out too fast!  I enjoyed your addition of music and fun videos this week.  Thank you and good luck in Burlington...they are lucky to have you there!