Aha!!!

My "Aha" moments occurred while creating my e-portfolio. I realized that I had not shared ideas that I had created through other graduate courses. I committed the "save it and forget about it" sin. I possessed rich resources that were lying dormant on my computer. I felt foolish.

Yes, I did accomplish many tasks this year as a first year Media Specialist, but I could have started the year appearing much more organized and focused just by giving one or two of the assignments. The staff really had no idea what a "Media Specialist" is/was. So, those few items would have given them a much clearer picture. Thus, they would have been able to ask for more specific help. I missed many opportunities by not painting a clear job description for them.

In addition, I realized I did not have a true focus for the year, so I ran around in a maze at times because I did not know my destination. The e-portfolio reminded me of the importance of gathering resources but doing it with a purpose in mind. I think I was just trying to survive. Now, I am more aware of the objective and will keep my eye on the prize as I plan daily/weekly. Since I serve K-12, the whole school will benefit from this "AHA!"

Technology is something I love, and my belief in using it to "talk" with digital natives has not changed. But, I need to be a louder voice for 21st Century learners. My passion runs deep in this area, and I haven't expressed it well enough. I need to convince others to join the techno train and give students opportunities to show what a difference in makes in their learning.

I am on a mission. Watch out!

Net Gen - Where do we start? (Part II)

The first place education needs to change to better educate the Net Gen is through attitude. So many teachers are afraid of technology and refuse to even try it. In addition, many teachers see it as the present evil in students' lives. Anything can be abused and be harmful...even drinking milk. But, technology has a billion benefits that educators can use in the classroom.

The second change involves learning by doing. Teachers need to not only attend workshops but spend time playing with it to find a comfort level. Then, the teacher must choose at least one new piece of technology to incorporate into the classroom.

The third change is probably the most difficult for veteran educators. It is allowing students to be the experts and giving them creative rein with technology. This is the best way to learn how to serve them. They will teach teachers how to teach them. Students are the best resource.

Change is not easy, but change is coming. Get ready.

Net Gen - Do I Qualify?

I am a part of Generation X, but I find that I possess attributes of Net Gen. I am more comfortable composing on the computer. I feel lost without a laptop when attending workshops, conferences, meetings et cetera. And, I am constantly connected to the internet with phone in hand. If my cell phone is not within reaching distance, I feel like an appendage is missing. I wouldn't qualify myself in the Olympic multi-tasker team like the Net Gens. In fact, I wouldn't even make the "B" team. I get flustered when too many tasks fly at me. So, I can hold my own with the Net Gens, but I cannot win any IM wars. I prefer smaller chunks of tasks at a time.

As a teacher I realized quickly that I had to learn the digital native tongue. Fortunately, I taught in a 5-A school district with a progressive philosophy that provided many opportunities to learn present and upcoming technology. The first time I used the data projector to have students write notes onto Powerpoint I felt very empowered. My students were incredibly willing to teach me what they knew, and I became comfortable not being the technology expert. They were, and I became their student. In the process, we shared ideas and created a learning community. It was beautiful, and I did not plan one piece of it. I experienced the infusing of technology into my world through their world. I still am very connected to many of those students through Facebook or email. It was a year that changed my perspective as a teacher and changed me personally.

I know many worry that technology will take over the world and replace teachers, but I do not believe or fear this. The teacher is the facilator that helps weave meaning between subject areas and technology. They prepare students to be digitally literate in a world of meshed information with misinformation. My excitement of teaching this generation grows as I learn more.

Net Gens...Bring it on!