So, the next challenge posted by Steve Dembo is to write a thank-you email to the person that encouraged you to blog. While I read many blogs like Dembo's and Will Richardson's, it never inspired me to write and continue to write on a blog. I thought I would stretch Steve's assignment to thank those who put me on the path to technology enlightenment.
1. My former AP, S. Frye. Three years ago she was the only admin to attend a local technology conference (the same one I am presenting at this year). There she learned about the middle school technology course that I teach today. Not only did she fight for adding this course at our middle school, I was the only one she had in mind to teach it.
2. The DEN STARs, especially those at the summer National Institute. All of you inspired me to be a better teacher and hopefully a technology leader.
3. My PLN on Plurk. Beside the amazing resources, they are always so supportive through my good days and bad.
From the bottom of my heart, Thank-you!
11/03/2008
11/02/2008
What is wrong with ClustrMaps?
The Day 2 challenge is to sign-up for a service to get real stats on who visits the blog. This is some pretty serious stuff! Read Steve's Blog to see the rationale, which does make sense.
While my new site meter may tell me more, I still enjoy my ClustrMap. I have enjoyed watching the dots grow across the map and some dots have actually grown larger. Even if the dot came by accident I was glad it was still there. It made me happy to think someone stopped by and may even be feeling the same challenges in their schools. My map encourged me to keep writing and I was glad I added it to my blog.
Only time will tell on how stats will help my blog. I hope it doesn't hurt my blogger self-esteem.
While my new site meter may tell me more, I still enjoy my ClustrMap. I have enjoyed watching the dots grow across the map and some dots have actually grown larger. Even if the dot came by accident I was glad it was still there. It made me happy to think someone stopped by and may even be feeling the same challenges in their schools. My map encourged me to keep writing and I was glad I added it to my blog.
Only time will tell on how stats will help my blog. I hope it doesn't hurt my blogger self-esteem.
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30D2BBB
11/01/2008
Beginning New Challenges
I haven't blogged in awhile, because I have been waiting on my new challenge. Steve Dembo, Teach42, began a 30 day challenge to be a better blogger. This was exciting to me because I needed a new tech challenge other than keeping an eye on Plurk Karma number.
The first challenge was to recreate the About Me section of the blog. I almost wish that it would have been another challenge since I have been under an identity crisis lately. Don't worry, I won't use this blog as therapy sessions. The best part of the challenge was to remind myself why I started the blog in the first place. The idea of growing and reflecting sometimes gets lost in the day to day challenges.
While I am beginning the blogging challenge, I am also working on another challenge Dembo posted to the DEN. During the DEN Virtual Conference, Steve told us to be Rock Stars and share what we know. Since the opportunities at my school have dried up, I applied for a VERY local conference. I was happy to be accepted for two presentations: Google Apps and Web 2.0. I think this is a positive step in the right direction since there has been so much negative in my building.
The first challenge was to recreate the About Me section of the blog. I almost wish that it would have been another challenge since I have been under an identity crisis lately. Don't worry, I won't use this blog as therapy sessions. The best part of the challenge was to remind myself why I started the blog in the first place. The idea of growing and reflecting sometimes gets lost in the day to day challenges.
While I am beginning the blogging challenge, I am also working on another challenge Dembo posted to the DEN. During the DEN Virtual Conference, Steve told us to be Rock Stars and share what we know. Since the opportunities at my school have dried up, I applied for a VERY local conference. I was happy to be accepted for two presentations: Google Apps and Web 2.0. I think this is a positive step in the right direction since there has been so much negative in my building.
10/12/2008
Does it matter who is in charge?
Here is an update in my adventure to bring technology to my entire school.... it is a mess. I found out that while I was away at the Google Teacher Academy, there was a technology committee meeting. Not a big deal normally, but some big decisions were made without two of the leading members present, the IT guy and myself. The committee decided to focus on a tech skill a month, train teachers on that skill, and have students complete a project using that tech tool. Not a bad idea, but as usual no organization, just the idea. It took me over a week just to find out that information. October is Publisher Month, but no one in the building knows it. In my frustration I demanded a meeting with the principal, IT guy, the Tech Liaison, and myself.
I expressed my frustration at the lack of organization and the need for a real technology plan for the building. I can't proudly say that much was accomplished. There is now a major reward for the teachers to participate in this monthly skill program. The principal expressed her desire to have more computers in the media center, which probably can't be done. For the tech liaison who does NOTHING his only question was: Who is the leader of the technology committee?
Insert screaming here
One thing I learned from my teacher leadership degree is that you are not a leader by name alone!
I am not sure of my next step. What am I working so hard for? Maybe I should just concentrate on my classes and not doing a lot of extra work for other people? I just don't know if the fight can be won. Saga to be continued.....
I expressed my frustration at the lack of organization and the need for a real technology plan for the building. I can't proudly say that much was accomplished. There is now a major reward for the teachers to participate in this monthly skill program. The principal expressed her desire to have more computers in the media center, which probably can't be done. For the tech liaison who does NOTHING his only question was: Who is the leader of the technology committee?
One thing I learned from my teacher leadership degree is that you are not a leader by name alone!
I am not sure of my next step. What am I working so hard for? Maybe I should just concentrate on my classes and not doing a lot of extra work for other people? I just don't know if the fight can be won. Saga to be continued.....
