The Read / Write Web

Two things.
First, I'm going to work really hard over the course of the next few weeks to become a more efficient consumer of information. I think bogging and Web 2.0 can really open some doors for students teachers and administrators.

Second, I found an article in a print magazine (i.e. magazine for a free subscription http://education.smarttech.com/ste/en-US/Community/I.E.+Magazine/Subscribe.htm). The article addressed Social technologies offered by Web 2.0, blogging and school administration. The article looked at administrators who are using "social" networks of blogs to find out what others are doing to address various concerns. I really liked the idea. Another important point raised by this and other articles in the magazine is that administrators need to lead by example more with often with regard to technology. I think it would be easier for a teacher to go out on a limb with regard to blogs and wikis if there were a few administrators out there.

PD Blogging

One neat thing about blogging is that you can do it from anywhere. Today I'm in Phoenix. Yesterday, I discussed the possibility of creating a blog or a wiki to work on developing areas of focus for next year. I strongly believe that when teachers talk about education, great things can happen for kids. My thinking was to use a blog or wiki for the teachers to exchange ideas over the summer and begin a dialogue that can continue through the year. The goal would be finding ways to improve instruction / build interest etc.

When I described blogs and wikis, the teachers involved in the discussion liked the idea of building as wiki and using it to identify key concepts and way that these could be approached. I think that it would be a great for them to do this. I'll work on helping them set one up, and then just turn them loose.

Steve

Blogging

As we began looking at a few of the ideas discussed tonight, I quickly began to see how useful blogs can be. I currently maintain an e-mail database and send a daily e-mail to provide parents with daily announcements. We could easily shift the process over to an on-line blog. I think it would be possible to create sections for key areas, sports, clubs, other areas as well. This would target the message to specific groups. Parents could look for the information or scores that they are interested in. It could be modified by the group / teacher etc who is posting the message. This would make the information more available and current. It would also create a record of announcements. I like the idea. Would we need to train the parents to use web 2.0?

Carleen mentioned using a blog a way for teacher to communicate. I think that this would create a great format for teachers to use to discuss content and instruction. I might try to set up one or two to see if we can get a our teachers talking / blogging during the summer. I think we have quite a few teachers who would find the discussion stimulating. We'll see.

I think I will also try to use blogs to post a syllabus and create a place for classes to reflect. The uses are really endless.

Steve's Scribblings

This is my blog. I started in on 5/17/2007 as part of a class project for a graduate course. On this page, I hope to post a few on my thoughts particularly with regard to blogs, wikki's and podcasts. Have fun reading.