Week+2

Journal Entry #1

This week brought high levels of frustration to my team of educators. I provided a few resources that helped prepare them for what was expected for the weeks assignments. It will be the weekly discussions that will provide the support that is needed to prevent any type of additional frustrations. The educators will continue to build an understand for the value of the resources that will be introduced but will still experience the frustration of technology not working because of simple malfunctions.

This weeks article touched upon a topic that I have talked about with educators in the past. Educators have showed resistance to asking their students what they would like to change about the approach to learning. I feel that our students have the most creative minds and can provide the most inspiration in the classroom. It will take time and confidence with the technology before teachers will be open minded to experimenting with using technology as part of student projects. I continue to support student directed learning in the classroom, and encourage teachers to practice less teacher directed learning.

I was most impressed with the facts and numbers found within the social network video. One thing that is most interesting to me is the how educators can watch the "Did You Know" videos several times and still not be convinced that small changes make a large difference. Although change begins in the classroom, I am also feel that our administrators in the districts need the same education and awareness of how to make the necessary change. It is the small changes and support and use of the resources from our administrators that inspire educators to begin making an attempt to try new things.

For individuals of educators looking to make small changes I would recommend two books:

[|Weaving Web 2.0 Tools] [|ISTE's Technology Facilitation and Leadership Standards: What Every K-12 Leader Should Know and Be Able to Do] [|Did You Know 4 for Administrators]

Hi Lealynd, You have done a very nice job setting up your wiki and working with your team. I have been reading their journals and they are doing a nice job integrating technology into the classroom. As far as the frustration, it is the same for just about all of the schools involved in the grant. You are not the only ones feeling it. I teach at Crestwood and we (me and some of the staff I have been talking to) are very excited for you guys to have this grant! I know your team will love it in the end. Keep up the great work! Teresa