I have a confession to make....during my 8Y59 (computer tech) class today, I (once again) considered dropping this optional course! I've considered this multiple times always rationalizing that I am already overwhelmed with balancing the required B.Ed. courses and being a mom and a wife, SO bottom line is that I do not have time for all this extra work!!!
That said, I am enchanted by the potential world that this course is opening up to me. So here I am, at midnight (while my family sleeps), browsing the blog of my VAT (Virtual Associate Teacher) and I find justification for my enchantment! Shelley Wright is a high school educator in Moose Jaw, SK and I've stumbled upon her reflections in June. http://shelleywright.wordpress.com/2011/06/29/june/
Among other interesting things, she says:
"I realize that over the past 10 months I’ve become a completely different person than who I was a year ago......A year ago, I wasn’t on Twitter. Now my PLN is invaluable.....A year ago, I didn’t really blog. Now it’s part of who I am. It’s how I actively try to make sense of the world. And it has connected me to people who challenge my thinking and help me to be a better teacher."
In another post, Shelley talks about the "flipped classroom" - a concept that is both mind-boggling and fascinating to me! Definitely something that I want to try during my practicum!
Reading these blog posts shows me the potential that this course holds for my personal and professional growth. It gives me the reassurance that all that we are learning in this tech course truly is applicable in real life.
We are being taught a variety of methods and strategies for effective teaching, yet when I read through this educator's blog, I am more convinced than ever that technology is the way to go! Sure, it will be challenging and a lot of work - as are most rewarding things in life!
I'll have to remember all this, the next time I get overwhelmed by all this "extra" work!
Note: Our instructor has made every effort to make this course "non-stressful", however as a busy Mom and new student, just finding the time to sit at a computer is quite difficult! (Hence my blogging at midnight!)
WHAT???!! You considered dropping this course?
ReplyDeleteSo so glad that you are persevering. I am pretty sure that even when this course is over, you might still be blogging at midnight. I'm pretty humbled to be facilitating your journey into this networked world of awesomeness.
Glad you are connecting with Shelly. I HIGHLY suggest you watch a recent video that she did during our adventures at unplugd.ca http://vimeo.com/27587410
Now...get some sleep!
It can be challenging to balance the teaching/mom/student roles. I know, I have the same issue too!
ReplyDeleteTechnology, Twitter & blogging have the potential to not only shape our classrooms, but also what we think and believe as teachers.
Hang in there! It will get easier.