A list here... a list there

Whoa!! Looked at my TO-DO list thoroughly this weekend and realized it is quite extensive. SOOOO many webliographys. (sp) I thought the point of information literacy was learning to winnow our resources down! Interesting to see other states tech plans as compared to ours and our district...glad we are trying to bring on the tech in TN. I hope we continue to emphasize professional development.

The Sound of Music

At the beginning of the course, about 5 short weeks ago, I felt like I was reading rocket science. I have developed a whole new vocabulary. I learned about technology and how to use it effectively. I am aware of the uses of technology by students and the world in general. I have a better an understanding of the workings of my computer that may allow me to think more critically to solve the "glitch" problems I run into. I can see the possibilities of how the students’ use of technology can be incorporated into the learning environment. I have good sources that I can refer to on the web for professional development. I am aware that technology changes quickly so I need to keep up with this by using my resources. I have an understanding of where the library and education in general are going in the future and an understanding of how some schools and libraries are achieving these goals now. I know some issues and concerns related to the current topics in libraries, education and technology.

I feel like I am a jack of all trades but master of none. I am having a little competency problem right now in my role as mother, daughter, teacher, student, friend… but this can bring empathy to all my roles. It will all come together. I sat down with my son to watch The Sound of Music last night. That was such a pleasure. I haven’t watched a movie with him in weeks. These last weeks if he was spending time watching a movie I was going to take that time to do some school work. While we were watching the movie he threw his head back and laughed at something that happened…now that is the sound of music.

Internet begins with a capital I

It's all in the details.

Time

Big struggle for me to work within the 5 week timeline for assignments. I keep telling myself that I will adjust to balancing life. The research report project has been very odd. I spent a lot of time searchng within the data bases in the library using various search terms to get very little for the k-12. It wasn't till I located online journals that I found more of what I wanted but wow the hours....a little anxious about balancing work, family and school with what I consider a significant amount of work to complete in 5 weeks.

No Computer Left Behind

Today we debated social networking. I was to represent cons which I tried to do. I really think social networking has a place in the school system. I think each new communication/technology that is embraced by students should be explored to see how it can be applied to teaching and learning. I do believe some of it will fade or evolve. I still haven't explored all the aspects but it sounds to me as if most of it can be set up with appropriate parameters.

I now feel more adept at maintaining my computer. I actually had to defrag this week due to some problems. I understand more about how to protect it from all that nasty malware. Now...where is that research report...

Bits and Pieces

This week I continued to explore web based learning. The current focus is on the learners experience with the online course including social contacts that allow them to deepen their learning. I was excited about finding clean and simple tutorials for web design. I think I am going to start my own web page related to resources and ideas for students with special needs. I am going to work on that over the next year in my few spare moments. I am enjoying reading the last Harry Potter book. I usually devour a book but this one is going pretty leisurely. I have an eight year old who needs my time and attention more than Harry.

Up to my ears in research

We have had a hard time narrowing down our research. One thing seems to lead to another which is the way we learn right! I have been very impressed with the interactive resources I have found for kids that will be helpful in my classroom this year. These resources will also be helpful to me as a librarian/media specialist. I will have internet resources for teachers as they begin to explore using web based materials.