CEDO 535 Week I - What we discussed this week that I can apply in my school job and how I might use it

This week's class was eye opening and exciting as we discussed the development of technology tools and how they are used at large and their impact on education. We looked at blogging as a tool for collaboration among our students and light bulbs were flashing on everywhere. I have to admit that before entering this graduate program, things like blogging, tweeting, facebook, etc. were not of importantance to me. I gave them very little thought or time. I actually thought they were not relevant to me and what I did on a daily basis. Of course, now I feel very diffently.

Now that I am required to blog weekly, I find myself looking forward to it. This is because it provides me a vehicle to share my thoughts, not just with those who know and love me and dote on my every word. Blogging allows me to share my thoughts and idealogy with the masses, with people who agree with or differ from my point of view. It also allows me to get back in touch with something I have been missing for the last few years...writing about my perspective and getting feedback from others.

Seeing blogging as a valuable tool and the impact it is having on me as an educator, I can not in good conscience rob my students of this joy. How will I use this as a tool in my classroom and in my school? I am going to make blogging a part of the curriculum for my seventh and eigth graders to write about their service learning projects. I will also share my blogs with my students and colleagues as a model for responsible internet behavior and discussion of issues.

I believe that once my students see their writings posted and others besides myself are responding to their writing they will be inspired. I believe they will also get an enjoyment and boost to their self-esteem that will be immeasurable, resulting in their increase desire to write. With the increase desire to write, I hope to see improved writing. As I prepare to return to school, I will spend my time investigating the safest platforms to use with them and get prepared to read some mind changing posts from some of the most incredibly gifted groups of young people the world has yet to meet.