Taking the Plunge

Welcome to the first posting of my Technology Tools for Educators blog. I have been toying with the idea of a blog about technology tools for educators for quite some time. The migration from Web 1.0 (using the web as a source of information) to Web 2.0 (using the web to share, collaborate, and create our own information) has prompted me to ponder and struggle with concepts of voice and audience. In this new reality, I also have been grappling with the idea of putting my thoughts out there for the world to see. I have been rather stuck, informed and inspired by other people's work and yet rather anxious about taking the plunge myself.

Recently, I had an ah-a moment with a group of second graders who just started using FASTT Math. Some students were anxious about the program. It was the first time they had used a fluency-building program that customized work to their level. We talked about how new things can sometimes be a little scary. But, we spent more time discussing how the program was just a tool to help them get better at math facts. Who doesn’t want to get better at math?

So, why am I over thinking this? What’s to be anxious about? This blog is just a tool to introduce some new (and old favorite) technology tools and discuss how colleagues and myself are integrating these tools into the teaching and learning process. If second graders can get over their anxieties, so can I. Are you ready to take a plunge with me?

Sharpless, Seth. scuba.jpg. 12/12/1990. Pics4Learning. 1 Apr 2008