Thing 8: Stretch

My father loved the Mexican cinema and I never have done any research on Mexican films before. This activity gave me the opportunity to look into a topic I had always kept in the back of my mind. I loved how quickly I was able to find a large source of information using Wikipedia. In addition going into the discussion page I was able to follow other leads.

Thing 8:

This is my first experience exploring wikis and visited all the ones listed under Thing 8. It was interesting how they went from complex to simple. I feel that you could almost tell the novice from those that have been using a variety of technology tools for a while. One of my favorites was Discovery Utopia. It was well organized and easy to follow. Students were provided with clear guidelines to structure and mange their pages. I liked how the students linked their new ideas with the research they had conducted. Another of the wikis I visited that I enjoyed was Go West. I liked the way the students were able to use timelines, graphics, and text to show what they learn on the topic.
I realize that each wiki is created for a specific purpose and audience. This is why I probably why I had trouble following Dr Reich’s Chemistry Wiki.

Thing 7: Comments

I understand how commenting can lead a person to research topics of interested especially when a link has been provided in the comment. Therefore, the responsibility of teaching students to be critical readers is even greater. Students need to be able to ask questions to determine the qualifications of the author of the material they are reading. Students need to be taught how to sift through large amounts of information to find the best sources. We need to prepare students to be responsible readers and writers.

Thing 6: Readers

This activity has taken me a long time. I kept going in different directions, and at the end I decided to add a couple of feeders related to my job.

One of my favorites has been "Learning the Language" hosted by Mary Ann Zehr. I found that many of her posting centered around the same topics and questions that we encounter in our district in regards to English language learners. I especially like her posting on the connection between students' reading and writing proficiency as a strong predictor on their performance in standardized assessments verses their listening and speaking scores.

I will have to admit that I did not add any feeders to my reader that are "fun". Perhaps as I practice going to the reader on a regular basis for information, I will venture into domain.

Thing 5:RSS

It is amazing how much information can come right to you. With so many choices and different ideas, I struggled deciding which one to use for this posting. I finally selected a blog written by a student on Students 2.0 on “creativity and art”. I found his article fresh and insightful. How much creativity do we stifle as we place emphasis on practice and method in schools? It would be interesting compare his definition of creativity and art to that of teachers.

Thing # 4: Eveyone Can Play

Blogging evens the playing field for everyone. Individuals engage in conversation relevant to them regardless of educational background, gender, or age. A mutual interest is what links them together and the emphasis is on communication. The owner of the blog is in the driver's seat when it comes to style and conventions.

Thing #2 & #3

After watching the video and reading the article "A Day in the Life of Web 2.0" I was blown away at how technology can connect individuals and provide so many experiences to students today. As you read the article you can feel how everything flows from teacher to teacher and all the way up to the principal. Everyone on that campus was on board. How do we help teachers let go of some of the old methods they’ve been using for so long? I believe that it will only happen when teachers are provided with intensive training and opportunities to play. However, as we move from the old to the new we have consider the issue of getting teachers to trust that students are learning. How do we convince teachers to move away from paper and pencil to this new and exciting world? Big questions, I anticipate we will get some answers along the way on this “Camino al futuro”.

Thing #1: 7 ½ Habits of Highly Successful Lifelong Learners

Out of the 7 ½ habits of highly successful lifelong learners, the most challenging for me will be Habit 1 and Habit 4.

When asked whether I plan with the end in mind, my initial response tends to be “yes”. However, I find that filtering down to the “end in mind” takes revisiting, and careful review of your goals and objectives. If we are not careful distracters we encounter along the way can cause us to falter and lose our focus.

Those that know me well will agree that confidence in myself as a competent, effective learning has always been one of my greatest challenge. I tend to focus on my errors, and if I am not careful allow them to impede trying new things or sharing with others. This will be even a greater challenge for me because I will be exposing myself to a much larger audience.

Creating my learning toolbox will be the easiest for me because I am surrounded by people who are active users of Web 2.0. I am lucky to have a team that uses Web 2.0 tools in one way or another, and I would say that they are very strong in Habit 7. Therefore, I will ask questions, follow suggestions, and dedicate time to explore the use technology tools.

The most important habit for me will be using technology to my advantage. I realize that I am far behind my team in the use of technology efficiently to help support and facilitate the role I play in our district. I understand the urgency to learn how to use the tools that teachers, students, and the 21^st Century use. This is why I am here along with many of my colleagues. If I can feel competent with the tasks assigned though out this course and let go of some of my old habits, I will have taken a step toward “el camino al futuro”, the road toward the future.