Thing #7

The importance of commenting is simple - If there are no comments, there is no conversation. There are at least two sides to a conversation and in essence isn't that what one of the main purposes to a blog? But just as it is in a verbal conversation, it is important to be constructive. Commenting also allows for new and fresh ideas to share and explore not just for teachers but for everybody. And don't we all want to be heard if we speak? Experienced people who share their experiences and learnings can really affect the world, especially in teaching. The possibilities are endless if blogs are clear and constructive.

Thing #6

This is really cool. This has been a great and enlightening experience already. This should be required of all teachers.

In response to an earlier post, I found an answer to the "dinoaur teacher" that I discussed in Thing #2. I David Warwick's Blog 2 Cents he has a post entitled Zero Tolerance in which he addresses what he thinks about this type of teacher.

“No more excuses.”

We’ve waited long enough. It’s been 15, 20, 30 years depending on when you want to start the count. Teachers have had enough time to accept and adapt. They’ve had enough time to decide if they want to teach today or yesterday — enough time to decide if they want to prepare their learners for the future, or for the 1950s.

I’m hearing again and again how education conferences, geared toward 21st century issues, are growing and exceeding attendance projections — and sense that a tipping point might have been reached. We have been patient enough and our students have probably let us get away with foot dragging teachers way too long.

The question is simple, “Are you going to adapt your philosophies and practices to a new generation of learners, a new information environment, and a new future?”.

If not…

Then get out and go run a Laundromat.


Couldn't have said it better myself.

Thing #5

Ok so how many of yall out there are doing what you thought you would be doing when you were 18? Not me. In the blog Should 18 year olds really know what theythey're going to do for the rest of their lives -http://students2oh.org/2008/04/04/18yrlife/ -- I found this question a bit laughable because we as educators really do ask our students all the time to ponder this decision. While it is important for them to at least start thinking about it, we won't even let them buy alcohol until they are 21. But we will let them vote at 18. I changed majors three times in college, and really figured it out about half way through my junior year. Although there are exceptions to the rule, I feel most 18 year olds need a little more time and experience to make such a major decision, one that will probably change anyway. So we as educators should understand this and just give the " nation's future" the guidance and direction in which ever way they need, some will need more than others.

Thing #4

Looking through some of these blogs, I see many different styles and purposes. Some are very formal and some not so much. Most are opinionated but some are backed up by facts. But one thing is for sure, there is a place for blogs in a classroom. With proper instruction and guidelines, I feel students can benefit from these free writing spaces. The results are endless and the limitations are few, but if done properly, the possibilities could change the classroom as we know it.
The blog that caught my attention was the blog Spies Like Us. It is amazing to me what kids can do with any type of technology these days, not always positively. Unfortunately people, no matter their age, don’t always think before they post on boards or use cameras to take pictures etc. etc. There are already countless stories of unfortunate happenings as a result of the internet. In many of these cases, age has no bearing on the result, not even fifth graders.
While teaching high school PE is not the ideal situation for incorporating blogs in my teachings, there are ways to incorporate them, maybe I will blog to find some of these ideas.

Thing #2 - Thoughts about Web 2.0

While reading this article one can't help but get excited about the possibilities that can result form the technology that has been developed in the last few years. These advancements can lead to better communication between teachers, students, parents, and administration. It is well known that good communication is a key to any successful relationship. All teachers want their students to think critically and in more depth. These advancements also allow students to create their thoughts and answers and also provide opportunities for teachers to make students accountable for their work not only to them but to other students. Most students these days want to use technology in their learning and in many classrooms teachers are using these technologies in their strategies.
Unfortunately two major problems arise when we discuss technology in the classroom, money and "dinosaur teachers". Many school districts across the U.S. just simply don't have the money needed to equip our teachers and students with the technology needed. To my dismay I just found out that they have cut out two technology based teachers from my sons' school for next year. School districts say they understand the importance of technology but the first place they look to make cuts are often times tied to this area. Another important thought here is the fact that any many cases the students do not have access to computers at home. This is a major barrier for teachers. The scenario presented in the article is definitely looking through rose colored glasses but unfortunately is not realistic for all school districts.
The "dinosaur teacher" that resists change and technology are found in all our schools. We all have our ways and styles but there will always be those that say and do things "the way I have always done them". This resistance will continue to delay the day when all teachers are using blogs and wikis. I do think eventually we will see the day where most teachers are using technology to their advantage and more importantly to their students advantage.
Learning to use these programs and technologies is very important to me. Having two kids of my own I feel an obligation to them to keep up with the advancements in order to be able to help them through school and be a resource for them as well. Having at least a base understanding of these programs allows me to stay involved in their world.

Thing #1 - Reflections on Lifelong Learning

While listening to this presentation, one thing sticks out to me as the most important fact - Attitude is everything. I am 6 hours away from achieving something that I never thought I would even try to accomplish. I will receive my Masters degree in December. Ten years ago when I signed on to teach in Mesquite ISD I never planned on working on this degree but as the time drew near and the thought of getting a new job changed my attitude and as I have progressed through my classes my attitude has changed toward my teaching. Even though I teach Physical Education I have engaged my students in many different learning strategies and learning processes and I have become a better teacher as a result. I had to change my attitude or I would be looking for a new job as we speak and I would have to leave a great school behind.
Looking at the 7 1/2 habits it is very easy for me to pick out the most challenging, the easiest, and the most important habits for me. I will struggle with using technology to my advantage mainly due to my subject area and the lack of technology available to my department. Hopefully I will find something in this class that will aid this weakness. I also hope to find more confidence in my abilities to teach these ideas. I will never struggle in finding time to play and shouldn't we all know and be able to see where the end is to all of this? I am definitely up to a challenge and one of my personal traits that drives my wife crazy is my persistence. I view creating my toolbox and teaching others as the most important of the habits. A good teacher has many different ways to teach their students and as technology grows, this toolbox must keep pace.
I also love the fact that my students and more importantly to me, my own kids, see me going to school and studying, showing them that being a lifelong learner is important no matter how old we become.