Thing 5

After reviewing the videos and reading the information provided in Thing 4, I began thinking about the way that I look at things and approach life. The 7 1/2 habits of Life Long Learning was a big help to me in my thinking. Habit number one is something I don't do very well. It stated,"Begin with the end in mind." I look at the big picture often, but I know I don't always look at all the small details to things that may be necessary to set up to help me reach the end goal. I know that I set lessons up in my classroom following this habit, but in my life I don't think I spend time on this habit enough. I am currently working to better myself at Habit number 6 in trying to use technology to my advantage. The other habits I will continue to work on as well. Stopping and really taking a look at myself and my own learning will have a great impact on my students.

Web 2.0 is exactly what I needed. I didn't really know how interested I would be in all that Web 2.0 has to offer. I guess I feel a little neglectful that I did not pursue this information sooner. I am excited to experience and learn what it has to offer and more. In this fast pace society, I feel it is important for all teachers to dive into the technology that is changing so quickly. In thinking about the 10 trends of Future education, I feel overwhelmed. I go with the flow pretty easily, and I felt pretty knowledgeable about technology, until now. I feel that I am back at the beginning stages of my learning back in high school sitting at a Mac computer trying to figure it out. I want to be Collaborating, Contributing, and Creating things that are useful for my students and colleagues.

I am not sure what questions I have at this time.....

While thinking about Teaching & Learning in the 21st Century I completely agree with the statistics that I read. I see it in the students that have recently graduated and are working in my area. I see the lack of critical thinking. I also see the difference in how kids these days have a very lazy work ethic. I remember when I was going to EMU that I worked three jobs, took a 12-16 credits per semester and did well. Today, if I ask kids about working...they say, "no...there will be plenty of time for that when I graduate." I hope that is true for them. I hope that they get great jobs and are willing to put forth effort to do their best. I have recently been trying to express to my son the importance of written communication. He is a high school student and doesn't think that elaborating on details is very important. Hopefully, he'll come around and realize that details are important in verbal and written communication so that he can be successful in the career he chooses.

Overall, I was very intrigued with what I saw and read. I am definitely thinking in a different more technical way. Mostly, I look forward to learning more so that I can increase my knowledge of all this new technology in our changing society.

Thing 3

Have you blogged before? Have you read blogs before? How does it feel to share your thoughts so publicly? What are your fears or concerns about blogging?


Well.....
Blogging is a new experience for me. I find it very interesting that so many people are into this. I not really sure how I feel about expressing thoughts so publicly. I guess I feel apprehensive about sharing information with people that I don't know. This is a bit scary for me. However, I do find it fascinating to be able to read thoughts and concerns from others that may have the same views on things as I do.

Upper Penisula

Well, I finally made it to the U.P. It was great!! We took the boys to see lots of amazing things on our family vacation. It was a really cool adventure. We hiked around and saw T. Falls, fed a baby bear at Oswald's Bear Ranch, watched ship go in and out at the Soo Locks, climbed Castle Rock, froze our toes in Lake Superior, shopped around, and enjoyed the view everywhere!! I was thrilled that we got to share this experience with the kids.