Thursday, July 16, 2009

Who Am I?

How do people keep up with all the technology issues out there? I've spent hours looking at Tweets and am amazed at the vast array of blogs, websites, wikis, conferences, etc. that are out there. It boggles the mind! While I am no where near being technology illiterate, I sometimes feel that way after reading the blogs of Dr. Z, Scott McLeod, Will Richardson, Wesley Fryer, and countless others. Heck, just reading Tweets is enough to make me want to crawl under a rock in shame. There is SO much that I don't know! But thank heaven there are people like those mentioned above who can lead me to locations that just might hold the answers I'm searching for.

Reading tweets and blogs is kind of discouraging. I read what those scholars have to say and look at the numbers of people who follow what they have to say and then I go to my blog. I don't seem to have much of importance to say. I have a whopping 11 Twitter followers while my blog has a whopping 4 followers! Woo-hoo! But then again I have to ask: Who am I anyway? I am just a mere Iowa school teacher who is trying to find ways to make learning more relevant for today's learners. A huge task! So, in spite of it all, I think I'll just keep plugging away at my intended goal (making learning relevant) and if I can help even one student find relevance in their education then it doesn't matter that few people follow my Tweets or read my blog. If I help one student - I am more than just a mere teacher...I am a success. And THAT, my friends, is what I was put on this earth to do. TEACH!

Friday, July 10, 2009

What are Computer Basics?

I'm sitting here with my computer in my lap and thinking about the curriculum for my newly created class for 6th graders. It's called Computer Basics, but the name is about the only thing I have settled on. What are the computer basics that 6th graders need to know to become computer savvy? This class could go in so many different directions that it is hard to know where to begin. Any ideas? You'd think that after creating two, count them...TWO, new classes last year that I'd be an expert. But right now I'm at a loss. And I'm quickly running out of time. School starts in 39 days, 18 hours, 28 minutes, and 8 seconds (and counting) and I need to start writing a basic plan. But where do I begin? How much do they know when they come to me? How basic is basic? I just don't know! If anyone knows of a website I can refer to that will help with this endeavor, PLEASE let me know!