tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12559663.post1826562114056988190..comments2022-05-15T07:51:38.658-04:00Comments on A GeekyMomma's Blog: Easier Said Than Done: Lessons Learned From a Born Again TeacherLee Kolberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14710085354049378555noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12559663.post-50494277742926047512010-02-23T18:53:43.258-05:002010-02-23T18:53:43.258-05:00Does anyone have suggestions/handout/information f...Does anyone have suggestions/handout/information for parents to better educate them about the "lack of danger" (for lack of a better phrase) when using web2.0 tools? Most of our parents agree, but there are a few with unfounded "publicity" fears. I'm sure I could create one...but if someone would like to pass a link to one on - why reinvent the wheel? Thanks in advance!JaymeJnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12559663.post-70534650223308343862009-12-29T04:11:34.042-05:002009-12-29T04:11:34.042-05:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12559663.post-14688507316800181832009-12-16T08:58:24.763-05:002009-12-16T08:58:24.763-05:00Lee,
Your post has been waiting for me to get to s...Lee,<br />Your post has been waiting for me to get to since you first posted it... and I am so glad that I finally read it this morning. What first strikes me here is that many of the issues that you bring up are the same ones that I struggled with years ago when still teaching full time in the elementary classroom (not talking about the technology, of course). I'll just list them here: mildly interested administration, mundane homework, homework excuses, trivial evaluation, test prep, grade inflation, differentiation, gifted education, parent communication, photocopy fanatics, textbooks vs. authentic sources/project-based learning, peer faculty cohesion, teacher professionalism,...<br /><br />What this brings home for me is that it is these things (and more) that we continue to struggle with, regardless of the technologies available out there. These are the things that make teaching such a challenge. We say, "don't sweat the small stuff", but it is often the small stuff that places obstacles in our paths.<br /><br />Your echo chamber comment is right on. I'm going to be sure to have my graduate edtec students read your post, as it brings some much-needed reality into the conversation. Dreaming large/being visionary is critical, but we also need to have realistic strategies and goals for implementing many new (old, actually) ideas that harness the many new possibilities afforded to the learner with new technologies.<br /><br /><b>It is indeed much easier said than done.</b> This applies not only to effectively implementing new technologies, but implementing effective teaching practices. True project-based learning, constructivist, constructionist, progressive, differentiated,... whatever other terms one would like to use, is so much more complex/difficult than simply following the basal series and flipping the pages to the next lesson, chapter, unit... Our teachers are ill-prepared for it, our school structure runs counter to it, our parents don't understand it, and our administration often does not support it.<br /><br />Then you throw in the issues surrounding new information technologies...<br /><br /><b>It is indeed much easier said than done.</b><br /><br />We need to stop pretending that it's not. Thanks for sharing. Your students are very lucky to have a teacher that can reflect on their learning experiences and strive to make those as meaningful as possible. Please keep sharing your struggles, their resolutions and your successes. I realize it is a little risky to do so, ... I won't pretend that it is not ;-)Steve Ransomhttp://ransomtech.edublogs.org/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12559663.post-61318766830656155822009-12-16T00:12:11.974-05:002009-12-16T00:12:11.974-05:00Thank you for writing and sharing that illuminatin...Thank you for writing and sharing that illuminating primer on the pleasures and perils of integrating web 2.0 technologies into your classroom. <br /><br />We all learn, however, when we are willing to make "good mistakes" as we expand our teaching techniques.Eric Rothhttp://www.compellingconversations.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12559663.post-29609926840278369572009-12-15T22:11:07.389-05:002009-12-15T22:11:07.389-05:00@mshertz
Their answer would have been, "Yes, ...@mshertz<br />Their answer would have been, "Yes, great!" Most don't realize that during a school event (football game, for example) anyone can come on campus and shoot pics of anyone and publish. The news publishes students pictures and names all the time. That's familiar territory for them. I don't thing we're that far off, but we're not there yet.<br />Thanks for visiting my blog.Lee Kolberthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14710085354049378555noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12559663.post-30960182208912720032009-12-15T21:52:41.579-05:002009-12-15T21:52:41.579-05:00Lee, great post. I have been experiencing some of...Lee, great post. I have been experiencing some of the same issues, even though I teach in a high-poverty school. My admin is not really aware of what goes on in my classroom (I've been formally observed twice in 5 years), so I kind of do what I do how and when I want to do it. <br /><br />When planning a podcast, I had a few parents check the "Do not grant permission" box for the project. On a history project blog we are doing, a parent refused permission for her child's work, voice, picture or anything be allowed on the blog. This denied some of my students the comments and feedback that online publishing allows.<br /><br />Now, if I were Fox News wanting to interview their child....what would their answer be then?mshertzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02995665815087186953noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12559663.post-84792475791838204992009-12-15T06:13:29.623-05:002009-12-15T06:13:29.623-05:00@Jim
I agree that our vision is somewhat scewed an...@Jim<br />I agree that our vision is somewhat scewed and that's what's eye-opening being in the classroom. When we share our best practices for integrating technology, I think we might need to be a little more practical. Thanks for your comment.<br /><br />@deron<br />I've always known that parents can be tough but perhaps it's the demographics of my school that creates a sense of entitlement to dictate what goes on. It's a lot easier to explain why and how you teach what you teach, but for me the technology thing appears to be very "out there" for most. Thanks!<br /><br />@Mike<br />Thanks. I'm curious what their thoughts will be.<br /><br />@Karen<br />Have all those mundane tasks always been there? I remember a lot of nonsense we always had to do, but I don't remember having to spend so much time every week for the sole purpose of being "showy." For example: proving I'm teaching vocabulary by using a mandated Word Wall. I appreciate your comment.<br /><br />@Anonymous<br />I absolutely understand and agree. My point is though, if you sign a release (as all of mine did) then that apparently isn't the issue. I appreciate your insight.Lee Kolberthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14710085354049378555noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12559663.post-50786154951943987342009-12-14T21:27:24.410-05:002009-12-14T21:27:24.410-05:00Loved this post and consider your insights right o...Loved this post and consider your insights right on target. One thing I would note about parents' concerns is this. While I don't dispute the value in publishing student work, there are times when the identity has to be protected for valid reasons. I have custody of a child whose biological mother would be a danger to him if she could find him. We have upset people at our school because we do not want his name published in any public venue. We do not object to private classroom blogs but if it is accessible to the public, we have the right to object. I'm just pointing out that there are a few times the fears are justified.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12559663.post-46754935968025092962009-12-14T20:31:25.928-05:002009-12-14T20:31:25.928-05:00Very interesting post. I also spent the past 8 yea...Very interesting post. I also spent the past 8 years in a computer lab and last August found myself reassigned to a 5th grade classroom. I've enjoyed being back in daily contact with students and love having fresh meaningful content to integrate with technology. But my frustration has been the large amount of my day that is spent doing the mundane - correcting, recording grades, chasing late assignments - many days I spend more time with those things than with the areas where I excel and can offer something unique. Thanks for all your candid insights. I identify with many of the things you said and your insights gave me some things to ponder!Karen Bosch (karlyb)http://ififth.edublogs.org/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12559663.post-42759395836671545282009-12-14T14:10:42.522-05:002009-12-14T14:10:42.522-05:00Great post - I am going to get my pre-service teac...Great post - I am going to get my pre-service teachers to read this. Lots of wisdom & insight.Mikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05600311767018434500noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12559663.post-38490894459281412342009-12-14T08:59:13.492-05:002009-12-14T08:59:13.492-05:00Great Post. Your perspective is insightful and in...Great Post. Your perspective is insightful and interesting since you are moving back into teaching. Parents typically are the greatest resistance with anything new in schools, because it is different from their own experience, and that is all they know. I agree with you about our PLNs. It is always best to have a diverse sounding board, but the problem with many of our PLNs is that if we believe in technology, those that don't aren't using it and it is more difficult to communicate with them unless they are local. I enjoyed reading your thoughts.DeronDurflingerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17215926033903403757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12559663.post-84946178527626126032009-12-14T07:46:53.515-05:002009-12-14T07:46:53.515-05:00Lee,
Thanks for the interesting post. The last li...Lee,<br /><br />Thanks for the interesting post. The last little part on extending your PLN is something I have been thinking about for some time. Are we limiting our thinking by listening to a set of like minded people? Perhaps our view of education in skewed because we "follow" people who see technology as an answer to every question.<br /><br />JimJimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03552849537096952073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12559663.post-53032111014084450532009-12-14T06:24:17.552-05:002009-12-14T06:24:17.552-05:00@Jerry
I agree that the amount of non-instructiona...@Jerry<br />I agree that the amount of non-instructional busy-work is incredible. I didn't think to include that in my post, but that would have easily taken another 3 paragraphs. The tedious nonsense that we have to do to "show" what we're doing (forget whether we are actually doing it or not) is really mind-boggling. I think it comes from too many cooks in the kitchen trying to prove that their stew is the best. Thanks for your comment, Jerry!<br /><br />@Dean<br />There are not many here who are willing to speak up either. Many are afraid (perhaps I'm just stupid). I don't think I posted anything too offensive but there is always that concern that someone will read themselves into your words. Thanks, Dean!<br /><br />@IMC_GUY<br />You never know Chad! It's nice to be on the right side of the decision-making process. I'm glad I made the switch, however I'm not completely there yet. I still don't completely feel like I fit in and I still miss my old team and miss a lot of my previous responsibilities but I'm sticking with it for now... I hope what you say isn't true though about next year's teachers because I've been there and it creates resentment. I'm not going to let that stop me though. :) Thanks for your thoughts!<br /><br />@Mantz's Mission<br />Hey Dean, thanks for those encouraging words. I do hope I'm doing right by them. As I said in my post, they are very forgiving when I'm not perfect, so if anything, they will learn along with me. Thanks for commenting.Lee Kolberthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14710085354049378555noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12559663.post-74959618731438944942009-12-13T23:39:51.042-05:002009-12-13T23:39:51.042-05:00You have once again written a great post. I am gl...You have once again written a great post. I am glad you are willing to speak your mind as well as listen to the parents. It is this willingness to listen and collaborate that makes the great teachers stand out. The transition back into the classroom is a class move as well. Those students may not realize it now but down the road they will all greatly appreciate how you provided the opportunity for them to learn how to make decisions when it comes time to decide which path to take. The question then will be "Will they take the path less traveled?"mantz's_missionhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05106293803923740725noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12559663.post-61956021281001011542009-12-13T23:32:24.428-05:002009-12-13T23:32:24.428-05:00I agree with Dean. I'm not sure there are man...I agree with Dean. I'm not sure there are many teachers I work with who would be so willing to be candid online. Good for you.<br /><br />There are not a lot of people willing to make the jump back into the classroom like you have, I'm proud of you for doing that. Your students are truly benefitting from the time and effort you are sharing. I bet they will have a huge letdown next year when you aren't their teacher. They will be saying, "But last year we...." and the new teacher will not be happy - but I think that's okay. <br /><br />Keep sharing your thoughts on the return to the classroom. With NCLB, you never know what might happen to the rest of us down the road. We may find ourselves back in the classroom, whether by choice or not.IMC Guyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16279699282698965195noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12559663.post-71130113333858712712009-12-13T23:22:28.585-05:002009-12-13T23:22:28.585-05:00Thanks so much for your perspective and reflection...Thanks so much for your perspective and reflections. I would kill to have a few more of our teachers in my district offer such insightful stories from the classroom.Dean Shareskihttp://ideasandthoughts.orgnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12559663.post-62787471888568890112009-12-13T23:16:56.100-05:002009-12-13T23:16:56.100-05:00This year has been quite an eye-opener for me as w...This year has been quite an eye-opener for me as well. For the previous 4 yrs, I was the technology specialist at my school. At the end of last school year, I was informed that my school was the only school in the district eliminating that position, so I needed to go into the classroom for the first time.<br /><br />Our classroom is paperless and has been all year long. I, too, have experienced the same sort of push back from some parents. In one breath, "I'm impressed and happy that my child is doing the things he is doing." In the next breath, "I don't want my child adding an mp3 file to his online slideshow because this seems like more "fun" than "learning" (it was a slide show on a European nation.) <br /><br />My biggest frustration this year has been the lack or absence of any enthusiasm from my administration. At the beginning of the year, they were all very excited (or gave the appearance of) about the things we would be doing in my classroom. Since then, no matter how hard I've tried, I cannot get any of them to spend, even a minute, in our classroom to observe the successes of my students.<br /><br />I was also surprised (shocked might be a better word) at the amount of non-classroom related work we are required to do outside of the classroom. This has severely limited my ability to plan, which in the long run has affected the things my students can accomplish. We need to ease up BIG TIME on the "extra" non-classroom related stuff we are asking them to do and let them, once again, focus on the kids and their educations.Jerry Swiatekhttp://citrushightechnology.comnoreply@blogger.com