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

Parent Summit

I have been asked to present at the ECS Parent Summit next week.  The team was asked to present on parenting gifted children.  Snore.  Even I am bored!  My fellow gifted ed teachers have graciously given me the stage so I have decided to include technology in the presentation...blogging, wikis, podcasts...all of the things that engage our young ones....or would engage them if everyone knew what they were.

I also have a list that I call the 10 steps.  It is a list of things that I want to be sure to teach my boys.  I don't know if I should share it because it is very personal to me.  As a parent, haven't you taken what you loved about your parents and passed that on, and then what you hated about the way you were raised and chosen to end that?  That is what I have done and I just don't know if it will resonate with my audience.  I will have to think about that.

I am looking forward to my presentation.  I love to talk about tech in education, it is easy for me to speak in front of people and more than ever, I think I have the experience to back up my opinions.  Please come if you can.