Maybe it is because I am participating in a technology course or because I spend so much time working with kids and computers during the day, but whatever the reason, it feels as though the “read/write web” is slowly infiltrating every aspect of daily life!
This year, my district decided to place a major focus on incorporating technology into the classroom. As a result of this focus, every scheduled in-service day this year has been spent exploring possible applications of our “technology initiative.” I began the school year excited about the opportunity to work with other teachers to create lessons that incorporate Web 2.0 practices. Unfortunately, we have received little guidance or instruction in the various possible resources that we could incorporate, and I feel as though the lesson that I helped create remains very “1.0.”
I have learned more tangible applications of Web 2.0 in the past 5 weeks of my graduate technology course than I have in the past 9 months of working on my district’s technology project. Had my district provided the teachers with the Will Richardson resources that we are using in class, I feel that this year would have been much more productive! Seriously, all they had to do was direct us to his resources wiki. I feel that our technology project can serve as proof that some scaffolding and/or modeling needs to be provided when new technology is expected to be used.
Next September my district is planning on implementing a one-to-one student laptop initiative in the high schools. I am trying to work with other teacher to spread the ideas that I am currently exploring. It is my hope that the laptop initiative succeeds, and I think that if the district provides a little more guidance, it will.
Aside from the “read/write web” playing a large role in my daily work, professional development, and my educational endeavors; it is now beginning to infiltrate my free time. As I sat in my car and listened to General Hospital on my drive home for work, I heard one of the characters discussing how she was creating a blog. Yes, blogging has now entered the realm of the serial drama. Who knows where Web 2.0 will pop up next? I haven’t dreamed about it yet, but at this rate, I am sure it will happen soon!
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2 comments:
Funny about the soap! You will definitely have a huge influence on the teachers in your building. You will be a great model for what teaching should look like w/ the use of the Internet.
I had the same thing happen to me the other day with a commercial. It was this guy hitting on a women, and saved himself by suggesting blogging about their feelings. I just laughed!
I wrote my blog #3 about professional development, and feel that it is seriously lacking. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the powers that be actually gave us the tools and supports to create Web 2.0 classrooms?
Can you suggest to your district some kind of needs assessment that helps identify what the teachers want and need. I know, easier said than done, but it would definitely make a difference!
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