Finding Time...

I have been spending the past week or so browsing several blogs that are new to me. I am both impressed and motivated to perk things up a bit on my own blogs. Seeing what's new and exciting, and how other teachers are using their blogs causes me to long for the days when I held "Techy-Tuesday" and Graduate classes for the teachers in my District. Those days seem worlds away to me right now. Economic hardships within the District have left little if any funds for improvements in the area of technology. We are using very old computers and as they break down, they are not being replaced. They have pretty much cut out all professional development for teachers as it relates to implementing and infusing technology into the curriculum.
As I look around at other teacher's sites on the Internet, I become inspired to find ways to share with my teachers again. The challenge will be to use what is available and try to be as helpful and supportive as possible.
Back when I taught courses for teachers, there was a sense that many of them felt technology was "just one more thing" piled on their already overloaded plates. It was always my desire to help them see at least one lesson or idea they could take back and use in the classroom right away.
That is the motivation I am having as I look at some new areas in the blogging world. I am inspired to teach the courses again....to help those I teach with see what's out there that is fun, exciting and useful to them.
I plan to share some links and ideas. I hope that some of the teachers in the District will have their interest level raised and begin to investigate ways they can use the online communities and resources to support their efforts in the classroom.

Journey into the Unknown....

Each day I find myself connecting with more and more resources on the Internet. As I indicated earlier this year, I am trying to make use of the Web 2.0 tools that are available online. I am in a constant state of awe as I find resources through Delicious, Google Reader, blogs and more. It is part of my daily routine to check these resources to see what new and interesting ideas and additional resources have popped up overnight. Being new to this thing called Web 2.0, I am in many ways, playing catch-up! I find myself drawn to articles and blogs of interest that are several months, if not years old.
I came across the article “Are Your Students (and Teachers) Building Networks?” by Will Richardson. It’s dated almost a full year from today and yet it is very inspiring to me. While I know I have a long way to go, I can honestly say I am making a full blown attempt at what Richardson outlines in the article. He asks, are you teaching your students how to build these connections, construct their own learning networks that will nurture them once they leave your schools? Are your teachers modeling their learning for their students by building their own networks that range far outside their classroom walls? Are you becoming part of a larger community that can offer perspective, new ideas, and support your work?
I feel very confident in saying “Yes Will, I am!”
I feel as if I am on a never ending journey... to a place I may never really get to see. The view along the way is absolutely breathtaking.... I am doing all I can to pick up as many students, teachers and parents on the road as I can and bring them along for the ride.

What a wonderful ride this is turning out to be….

Inspired...

I really should be asleep right now. I am enrolled in a writing class this week... (who does that just a week before school starts?) ;-)
Anyway, my new blog-buddy, Tony Powell shared a link to Rachel Boyd's blog. From there I have been visiting blogs all evening long. I just watched the video "One Woman's Wanderings With Web.20" (below) by AllanahK on Teacher Tube. WOW!! She is already where I would like to be when it comes to using Web 2.0 tools in the classroom. I had a bit of a temporary, mental set back last week in my efforts to bring Wed 2.0 to life with teachers of Early Learners. But the works of both Allanah and Rachel have inspired me to continue on this journey into We 2.0. I won't give up! I will use these tools with my students and find ways to share them with teachers.
Watch Allanah's video, perhaps you too, will become inspired to use Web 2.0 tools in your classroom.