My Sixteenth Post – Taking the Risk
Posted by simonsays on February 10, 2007
Well today was the end of the first week of the second semester and I have taken the leap into making my classroom a technologically integrated classroom. And I do this in a classroom with no technology, well, except for a TV (that isn’t connected to anything: cable,dvd-player, vcr) and an overhead projector. I have asked my students in my three classes to sign up for blog accounts. I started with my Grade 11 class and by the end of today about a third of the class had created blogs that I could access and the rest were in the process of creating their blog and some were having a little difficulty, however, I think this is not because of anything they are doing but because of some minor issues they are ironing out at learnerblogs. I asked my two Grade 12 classes today to sign up for blogs over the weekend, so Monday will bring some more links to add to the Blogroll.
I must admit, I was somewhat hesitant, and, somewhat nervous in taking this leap. I am heading into uncharted waters. I wonder how is this going to change my comfort zone? How is this going to change what I have been doing in the classroom since I started teaching in 2000? Am I going to have to change everything? Is this going to be more work for me on top of the already heavy workload? But along with these fears there is also excitement. Like the kind of thing you feel as you approach the top of a roller coaster before the big drop and the rush. At any rate I think this is one teacher’s step in making Chris Walsh’s wish come true.
My class blog can be found here and you can find the links to my student blogs there.
Stay tuned, coming soon the class wiki.
February 26th, 2007 at 7:38 pm
I’m sure it is nerve wracking implementing such a mainstream idea into the classroom. Todays teens are so up on technology, I’m sure your students will enjoy the tech savvy teacher and his classroom. I’m currently an Education student in Illinois and I would like to use these types of technology in my classroom. I would like my students to blog and I would like to communicate with my students via email. It is important not just to teach subject material, but it is also important to teach life skills. You are taking a very important step toward teaching your students about the internet and communication of the future. The internet is a wonderful tool when used correctly and safely. I think it’s important that students learn how to properly use the internet and what information is okay and safe to share. You are allowing your students to experiment in a safe environment. Keep up the good work!