Blog Fog- Thing 3

I came up with the title to this entry pretty quick. It just exemplifies my feelings right now. There are so many thoughts and ideas popping into my head and everything seems a little "foggy" right now and I yearn to get a clearer picture.

I could see myself using blogs to communicate with parents. I already do this on an email listserv, but this may be easier as parents would not have to log into their email.
I could also see connecting student blogs to this main page- so parents could read student blogs on learning and I could have an easy access to grade and comment. Perhaps having a monthly "blog" question that students would have to research the answer for; provide links and post by a certain time each month. I worry about what to do with those students who do not access to this type of thing at home. I work with only 2 computers in my classroom so I have not figured out how to work this into my classroom structure . Still thinking/problem-solving.

Perhaps I should think smaller- take baby steps this 1st year. Assign students different weeks to post to the classroom blog. Have a certain set of requirements that they would have to do. Provide time at lunch or after school if they do not have home access.

I tried doing a type of assignment online before where students had to post an answer to a question I provided. What I found that it was an absolute nightmare- It was a nightmare in terms of verifying who posted; in terms of dealing with students with no access at home; and with students who said they "posted" but there was nothing there. Too many parent notes and things. This has left a bad taste in my mouth for doing online work like this with large groups of students. I think I may follow my own advice above and start small....

Concerns? They are a-many!
-Time
-Resources (2 computer classroom; many students do not have online at home)
-Organization (for me so I do not go nuts!)
-Support

However, the concerns I have do not diminish my enthusiasm for wanting to try something new. I am always one to try new things- and to rethink what didn't work and try again. I am the type of teacher who likes to get my kids active and excited and getting dirty.... and so all of this is just a matter of problem-solving and being prepared!

Off to the wrong start already....Thing 1-2

I am so overwhelmed already! It seems that I missed what to do for Thing 1-2! In reading some blogs from others, I think I am to write about why I took this class and some comments about technology. I hope that the following will suffice!

It is funny to think that at one time I was considered the "go-to" person at my school in terms of technology questions. I have been using programs such as Powerpoint, Webquests, Collaboration projects, Inspiration, online tests, online grades, parent emails, webpages, online discussions for years. In reading today, I have learned that I am still living in the Stone Ages. Years ago, I was involved with a county-wide initiative to further technology in the classroom, but that fell to the wayside as there were always more "pressing concerns" at my school and in my classroom.

I am very nervous about learning what is all out there. I know I will end up being geeked and wanting to try all of it. I am nervous because I know that there are many obstacles in my way in order to do this. Time, Effort, Support, Proper technology, Time, Organization, Time... (did I mention time?) lol. What to give up in order to add this? It is similar to bringing in something new to your house. A good way to not get overwhelmed with "junk" is to get rid of one thing for everything one thing you bring into the house. What can I afford to get rid of in order to incorporate more of this? It is my hope that my journey through 23 Things will help answer that for me.

Here is to teaching old dogs new tricks!!