This has been a unique learning experience this summer. I had the pleasure of having one of the Kickball captains as a professor and knew that if he had anything to do with this it would be an awesome program. I am so grateful to the wonderful people in Spring Branch who allowed us to participate with them.
My favorite discoveries on this learning journey were first a tangible definition of what Web 2.0 is. Now when colleagues ask me I can give them a definite definition - anything that invites participation from the global community. Secondly I really like making and maintaing the blog. I find it inspiring to read my colleagues thoughts and receive their comments. Thirdly, I must say the Mashups gave me some unique ways to break away from the "poster of your favorite book" requirement.
My lifelong learning goals have always been to embrace what is new and do whatever I can to learn the newness. I do not want to get stuck in the TTWWADI(Thats the way we've always done it) syndrome. Students are experiencing things we never dreamed of and we must prepare them to be lifelong learners and how can we do that if we do not continue to learn as well.
My views on Wikis completely changed after using them here. I can see the value so much clearer than before and will work diligently to get Wikipedia and other wikis unblocked. We have to teach students to analyze information and what better way than checking the validity of what is written in Wikipedia?
I am not sure what you could do to improve this program. The self paced aspect was very liberating. I was able to sit on the deck of a beach house and work on these posts. The thought of having to sit in a classroom tomorrow for an all day in-service is .... yuck!
I will gladly participate in any other discovery program you all offered, in fact I plan on continuing with the 11 and 1/2 more things during the school year.
I would like to create something like this for my students. Discovery education does so much for children.
ONE WORD - Participation
ONE SENTENCE - Inviting participation from the global community!
My plan is to keep this blog up to date for the next school year and encourage student, staff, parents and colleague participation.
I agree. Appreciate being able to be a part of this experience. Almost didn't do it. Appreciate all the work that went into it, and thanks to those who allowed and helped us take part. Thanks M:)
ReplyDeleteSo glad you and your group decided to join us on the Playground...the sharing aspect of all this is ever so much better when the circle of influence is larger!
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