Jenni Clark

This web carol says it all...

I wonder as I wander all over the net,
If people who write ed tech blogs still forget
That teachers may blog in a workshop and then
Be hampered by tugs between time and the pen.

If we really want to see students who write
On wikis and blogs both in class and at night,
We need to find tools and resources just right
To save teachers time and not force them to fight…

For access to places both simple and safe
So parents and principals never will chafe.
For computers in classrooms that do operate
And home Internet access all over the state.

I wonder as I wander the ed tech blog’sphere
If we preach to the choir– the wise few who come here.
If perhaps it’s the people who show the most fear
Whom we should address with our efforts sincere.

The greatest of gifts we could wrap just might be
Bringing visitors into our midst so they see
The passion of teachers and hopes yet to be
With classes that thrive aboard blogs and wikis.

So to each other we should blog no more,
Instead bring in parents and VIPs galore
To see what the tools of web 2 have in store
For learners not limited to our own shores.

I wonder as I wander if I could invite
Just one parent or maybe a blog neophyte
To comment right here and see the bright light
Of learning not just so that each answer is "right."

Of asking more questions than knowing it all
Of seeking for answers outside the school walls
With peers side by side or in a world virtual
Where loving to learn is the beckoning call.

So speak up and ask what these wiki things are
And how children write blogs from both near and afar
And how you can help make this vision a star
For us all to follow and wander no more

Digital Storytelling

Bernajean Porter says that there are 6 elements to digital storytelling...

Living Your Story
Unfolding Lessons Learning
Developing Creative Tension
Economizing the Story Told
Showing NOT Telling
Developing Craftsmanship

I love the idea that no one touches the technology until the writing is THERE.  Have you seen some of the stories that are told this way.  Incredible.  I want to do this on the elementary level.

I spent some time at school today....no air conditioning and not cleaned yet, but I cannot wait!  I have so much to do.  I rearranged and changed around.  I hung some art posters and did some bulletin boards.  I always enjoy this part of teaching.  Getting the "stage" set so that the most learning can occur.  I love Bordette and decorative borders.  I am partial to staples and hot glue.....got me a wireless glue gun....sweet!  If someone sent me a bouquet this time of year, I would want it to consist of freshly sharpened pencils...that would make a great name for a blog....you can't have it....it is MINE!

Thank goodness I have my laptop and wireless access at home.  I have been looking around and making notes and plans to add to our web page.  I met with my colleague yesterday.  She was very gracious and let me run on and on about what I learned at the AETC.  Then, she reminded me to get back into reality and what is possible for us as gifted educators in Eufaula.  I am the dreamer and she is the pragmatist and I think it makes a great combination. 

Talked to our special ed coodinator and it looks like we will be getting a new teacher computer.  I promptly sent him an email and asked for a digital video camera with picture taking capabilites and an iPod with video...the big one....an educator can dream, can't she?  We will see how it turns out.

Microsoft Student

Just downloaded Microsoft Student.....free!  Have you seen it?  Let me know how you like it.

So true and I want...

We need to get away from the notion that computers are something we go use in a lab once a week. When was the last time we sent kids to a pencil lab??

Chris Lehman from School CIO

I am trying to make some headway with this notion at my elementary school and within the gifted program in our system.  We have missed the advent of a very significant change in education. There is so much more that we could be doing with the kids who already read and write and understand.  We have got to be able to provide more for them based on their interests and passions and tech is the way to do it....I am convinced!

I don't want to lose any more ground technologically speaking.  I want a computer lab in my classroom.  I need 20 computers tomorrow.  I am looking into Donors Choose and other avenues of funding for such a project.  I want the equipment to teach digital videography for storytelling.  I want to teach writing through blogging.  I want to interact with my peers and help with professional development.