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

Optional Assignment...

I just had an interesting conversation with my son about his summer reading/writing assignment.  Both of them are supposed to read, Roll Of Thunder, Hear My Cry and then choose three characters to analyze.  They have read about 20 pages each.  Neither one is interested in finishing this assignment.  I am concerned.

I suggested that we design My Space pages for the characters about which they want to write.  My son was apprehensive.  "Mom, do you know her?  I think I have to type the report.  I just want to do what everyone else is going to do....."  Ewww.  It sounds like fun to me.  We will see how it turns out.

Total Overhaul...

      

I spent most of the day at school. I am getting settled in my new room and I think I am really going to like it down there. I had so much stuff left over from Camp Invention and this was my first chance to put it all away. Also, the carpet cleaners are coming next week, and I had to get that stuff up off the floor. However, there is still a huge hole in my wall where the air conditioner is supposed to go...that's right, I did work today sans air. Not fun in the Alabama heat.

Then, I sat down at the computer and could not help myself. I opened up our school's web site an completely redesigned it. I can't wait to debut the new look. I still have some work to do but it looks so much better. It will not be up until after the 10th of this month. That should give me enough time to clean some stuff up and make sure everything is a-ok.

This gives me an idea about life after education. I have always said that I will never retire. My thinking was that if I am enjoying myself and still making a difference in the classroom, there is no need. I would be one of those teachers with 4o + years and still going strong.

The way things are set up, it might be too expensive to teach forever. I can overhaul a web site, but what about a career? Can I generate the same amount of enthusiasm for something else? I think if it has something to do with the web and technology, I can. Not great syntax...sorry.

Just thinking. Life goes on. These past years have flown by. What does the future hold for me professionally? It is up to me to figure it out and make it happen.

Tags: web, webbing, design, future