Lisa DDo you ever feel like you are wrapped in red tape so tight you are unable to move? In order to implement an innovative classroom technique/project, we sometimes get so caught up in trying to “straighten out” the red tape that we end up with eyes focused on the tape instead of our original innovative idea.
I have been fortunate to work with excellent principals who are “all about the students” and allow the freedom to dream big. When I began teaching at Minden High, I had a one computer classroom. Implementation of technology to broaden skills was key to reaching student learning styles. My first purchase was an Averkey in order for all students to participate in tech rich lessons by connecting our channel one tv to the class computer. By the time I took over the computer education courses, my math classroom had grown into a model room which included a class set of Palms, Smartboard, projector, mini lab, and CPS.
Why then did I get so focused on the red tape of web 2.0 implementation? While I searched for a blog, wiki, etc that would be ok’d by the “internet filter committee,” I totally revamped the class website four times in three years. Each time making it just alittle more interactive with approved components and each time falling way short of what I was imagining. Granted the students didn’t mind; they were perfectly happy with a class website and the ability to journal and message the teacher. My eyes were focused on the compliance within smartfilter.
November 2008 marked the first time that a blog was allowed to be added to the website approval list and thus not blocked. You guessed it…Edublogs! To say I was ecstatic would probably be an understatement:) I quickly started building the blog and learning about all the new widgets and such I could add to this now interactive site. Of course it would have taken much longer to learn the ends and outs if it wouldn’t have been for Sue Waters, James, and Dr. Mike at Edublogs. To finally have these great tools to use with my students was like a dream come true, but I also quickly realized that there was a lot I had missed out on waiting to cut the red tape.
So what would I do differently? First of all I wouldnt have focused on smartfilter compliance and instead would have had my eyes on the world of web 2.0. To do this I would have read more, researched more, and reach out more. Secondly I would have focused on my own PLN instead of only focusing on student’s use of web 2.0.
What components do I think would have been my first stop? That one is pretty easy. I would have created my igoogle page (for organization) including the google feed, and joined Twitter(for socialization).
More on these first stops on next week’s Techie Tuesday.
What first steps would you recommend for a web 2.0 newbee?
Hi Lisa,
I like how you closed off the post with questions. I keep reading that that's a great way to get dialogue going with your readers and I've been thinking about how to do it with my blogs too.
Loved the Far Side cartoon too!
I don't know a lot about SmartFilter. Is that something imposed by your school system?
Betsy from Twitter
Hey Betsy:)
Thanks for asking about Smartfilter. I added a link to an explanation. Basically it is a filtering system that all our school internet runs through. It blocks sites such as Youtube, google talk, blogger, facebook, etc. Anything that could have questionable information, pictures, allow chatting, etc.
Lisa
I have felt like i was wrap in red tape. i felt like that when i was taking the Gee.
thats a cool story and it was also true.I also think that "all students should e able to have their own dreams ." Dream big!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!LOL
I think it is normal when we first start out to think about how to use the tools with students. After all that is our job. But now from experience I know that we do need to use it first for ourselves.
How can we understand the power of interacting through reflection or commenting if we don't experience it ourselves. How can we understand the barriers if we haven't first faced them.
Red tape still gets in my way sometimes too :)
LOL:)
Wanesha we will have to show you some de-stresser techniques before you take anymore standardized tests!
I am cutting right through it lately. It is a happy 2009:)
Hi Lisa,
I think the first steps for a Web2.0 newb would be to explore other people's blogs and start leaving comments. It may be useful for them to have a blog set up (even if there is just one post) so that when they leave comments they can also leave the web address of their blog for others to find.
I'd also suggest using Twitter and get them to follow your 6 favourite people that you follow.