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

Dealing with the "right now"

I have not been checking in with this blog and finding and linking to new content as I would like.  I am afraid that life is happening and I have so much to attend to as a working wife and mother. I am dealing more with the "right now" and less with the "what could be". With 2 boys in middle school, our life is very busy.  When I have logged on to the internet, I have found that it is more for an escape than for work right now.  I am completely hooked on my iPod and have downloaded several workouts and other self-help podcasts.  Now I have to hit the road and exercise.  I know it will make me feel better but so does sleeping until 6:15.

I am taking a long look at the direction I wanted to take my class this year and I am not happy with it.  I started wanting to dive into authentic research and we have done some meaningful work with graphs and timelines and their functions and uses.  In an effort to familiarize my group with the wonderful novel, James and the Giant Peach, by Roald Dahl, I have found myself wanting to go into another direction.  We started last week and I am finding so many other curricular connections that I believe are more appealing to kids so I think I am going to ride this wave for a little while.  If you are a parent of one of my students, please bear with me on this journey. 

Today, I am meeting with my colleagues in gifted ed.  We have already found Tapped In, an online community building resource that will make collaboration so much easier.  We are also moving into wikis and getting the framework for these laid out so our kids can jump in.

Before too long we will be starting the 2nd grade child find procedures that the state requires.  I am always curious to find out who will show us some sparkle.  The process is tedious but worth it.

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.

Marc Prensky

Loving what I am reading from Marc Prensky...here are a few nuggets I have to share.

Engaged learning is active and passionate.

Kids today are 'powering down" for school.

Engagement is more important than content.

Content will not help students to learn throughout their lives, engagement will.

Teachers are used to content first.  Kids need engagement first.

Does a child with ADD look engaged or ticked?

We are all teachers and we are all learners.

Use technology whether you have mastered it or not.  The kids will help you figure it out.

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.

Here is what I am dealing with....

Went into work today....had to fix the school web page.  I had to use 2 computers...one for speed and one for pictures.  It was not fun and it was not air conditioned.  Ready for that project to come to fruition.  Ready to wipe the grit off and get to planning.  People think we teachers have the summer off...lololol!