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.