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/