Going into this training day I was a little sad. This really felt like the end of the summer for me. I was already starting to get into "teacher mode" but this was quite a reminder. I really liked the beginning of the day. It is so nice to be able to have some solid time to work on some of the things we're using in this cohort group, and there were so many people that were available to help us with any difficulties we were having . The afternoon filled my head with information and possibilities. In fact, it leads me to the thought of how are we expected to keep up with all of this? I've always felt that I'm somewhat on the cutting edge of technology, and I do what I can to keep up with things, but there always seems to be so much out there that I've never heard about. I feel like we could meet weekly and just share new things with each other and we still wouldn't keep up. I realize that we don't have to know everything out there, but I start thinking that as soon as I learn about one program, something newer and better comes out. I guess I need to be happy with where I'm at and what I do know. It's always like opening a present at Christmas when I learn about another new thing that I can use.
I agree - when I tell others about this cohort and our work, I tell them there is just so much out there to use in our classrooms! And there will be new things coming down the pike all the time. I guess it's a lot like other professional development - you go to a workshop and get 100 great ideas. You can't possibly implement them all, so you have to pick and choose a few to try out first, and then gradually add on. You can do it, Chris! (and then you can show me)
ReplyDeleteHi Chris,
ReplyDeleteI sure can relate to what you say about the volume of new information and resources "out there." I also feel pretty proficient and knowledgeable with technology, but also frequently hear about sites, resources, or social networking I'd never heard of before. I guess that emphasizes the need to continue being life-long learners. It also reminds me that my students, collectively, know many things I don't know. This gives them an opportunity to take a leadership role in the classroom.
Happy new learning!
Sue
Good point Sue, I often get a lot of great ideas from my students. Last year one showed me an awesome weather animation that I ended up using. It can be tough to let students take more control, but I know that's the direction I need to be going in
ReplyDeleteMary, I don't know about showing you, but I'll see what I can do. sometimes I feel like one of those "jack of all trades, expert of none" people as I get spread so thin and love all the stuff out there.
Chris~
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that the August 9th training was a welcome opportunity to work on the skills that we are building and the amazing compliment of people willing to help was invaluable. Thanks for all of your help with setting up the icon links on my Google site!
I completely agree with your feeling of becoming the "jack of all trades and expert of none." I have said this so many times and feel this even more so with all of the new focus on technology. However, I also feel as though this is what makes you a fabulous educator. You are always striving to learn more and help your students learn more effectively. In essence, you are teaching your students, by your example, what we hope they will all become...lifelong learners.
Remember, too, that we are all in this journey together!