Digital Education

Final Blog Posting

This course has made me learn new technological skills that I otherwise would have probably never paid too much attention. Being able to create and maintain a blog is something I will continue to enjoy for many years to come and I cannot wait to see how my students take to this new communication tool. Being part of a wiki was a tad confusing at first with the setup but I do see the benefits of this style of collaboration. The podcast was the most challenging of the assignments but was satisfying to hear the final product and I thought working with audacity was cool.

The challenges and frustrations and even triumphs of being a student again make me keenly aware of what it is like to be a student so empathy for the kids I teach has increased. Knowing how technology can be used to engage learners is very beneficial and I plan on taking advantage of any and all new resources made available. My style as an educator has never been teacher centered but now I know even better ways to step back and let students take control their own education.

This year I’m stepping out of my comfort zone by teaching 3 new courses at a brand new high school. Even though I have been nervous at times, I continue to get a better grip each day on the new content I will be teaching. So, in many ways me and my students will be learning together and I’m comfortable in knowing sometimes they will be teaching me! I welcome this collaboration and will do my best to guide this process.

One of my immediate goals is to have clearance to use blogs and wikis in the classroom. Currently, anything involving a wiki or blog is web washed by the county filter. I feel that if these two learning tools can be safely monitored, the powers that be cannot say no and I will follow the chain of command trying to make this happen.

Another goal is to have a full program of Video/Broadcasting classes at my new school. This course is new to me and I am excited about the possibilities. Right now I have one class and next year I hope to have at least three. By making this class challenging, exciting and fun, hopefully kids will want to take this class.

Digital Education is here to stay and it is our job as teachers to lead our students in using these new technologies to remain a global leader in this world.

The Podcast

Here goes my very first Podcast and it was a very neat experience. Audacity was used to record and Podbean is my host. My interviewing skills will need to improve and that will take a little time to get experienced. Hope you enjoy.

http://thebishpodcast.podbean.com/about/

The Partnership for 21st Century Skills Website

The site looks like it has a definite agenda of providing a world class education for all students. Only a few states seem to be represented and they are actively pursuing membership. There is also an online store for educational resources. Everything appears legit to me and I do not see anything wrong with what they are trying to do. I think this site is trying to challenge the educational system that we have and will challenge educators to step up to the plate and deliver the education our kids deserve.

The 21 century skills set needed for all students in this organizations opinion mirrors the views of Dr. David Thornburg and are as follows.

1. Information and communication skills (information and media literacy skills; communication skills)

2.Thinking and problem-solving (critical thinking and systems thinking; problem identification, formulation and solution; creativity and intellectual curiosity)

3. Interpersonal and self-direction skills (interpersonal and collaborative skills; self-direction; accountability and adaptability; social responsibility)

4. Global awareness

5. Financial, economic and business literacy, and developing entrepreneurial skills to enhance workplace productivity and career options

6. Civic literacy

The founding companies that helped start this entity along with the Department of Education are impressive and include:

AOL Time Warner Foundation
Apple Computer, Inc.
Cable in the Classroom
Cisco Systems, Inc.
Dell Computer Corporation
Microsoft Corporation
National Education Association
SAP

Blogs in the Classroom

I'm excited about the different ways blogs can be used successfully in the classroom. This next school year will be the first time I will use this technology in my classroom and I'm hoping to get some great ideas from fellow teachers all over the world. Blogs can serve many purposes in education from what I've seen and heard and the possibilities seem endless. The first function a blog serves that comes to mind is a place to showcase work and interact about content. Also, I feel it will be a great outlet for shy students that normally don't want to speak out in class. Any tool that will get students thinking, communicating and opening up is wonderful and will enhance learning.

Above all, I think blogging will increase the level of communication between students, parents and teachers. Blogs can be accessed anytime, anywhere and anyplace which makes them all powerful. This communication that can occur outside of regular school hours is important. I plan on using blogs for discussion topics and journals.

I'm a high school business ed teacher. 

My question for fellow educators is how are you successfully using blogs now in your classroom and what tips can you give a novice blogger to use next year.