I'm still sorting through how I will use this blog, but I figured I needed to start somewhere.
To take a few steps in becoming a successful 21st century educator, I enrolled in the Summer Technology Challenge. My first challenge of the summer ... create a blog! For now, this blog will be a collection of my thoughts as a fourth grade teacher.
Recently, I read the article, 10 Skills Modern Teachers Must Have. My eyes were opened to just how much I have left to learn.
In summary, modern teachers ....
1. Build their PLN
2. Establish real relationships
2. Establish real relationships
3. Understand where technology fits in education
4. How to find useful resources
5. Manage online reputation
6. Know how to correctly blog
7. Slow down
8. Make social media work for you
9. Don't be afraid of failing
10. Know when to disconnect
Out of the skills listed above, I am proficient in approximately 50% of the skills. My PLN is continuing to grow, but I struggle in making it work for me. Sometimes I feel I'm on technology overload! I'm learning to slow down, and focus on one technology skill to implement into the classroom at a time. Slowing down is a must!
I'm definitely new at blogging, so this is risky for me! But I'm not afraid of failing!
Excited to be the first to comment on your blog. Now you need to get more followers!
ReplyDeleteI am so happy that I am not alone in creating a first time blog for this summer program. I could hardly believe how long it took to completely figure out the blogging process. Great job taking the risk being fearless of failure!
ReplyDeleteMeagan--Very impressed with your first blog entry! You even added a picture! Woot woot!
ReplyDeleteLike you and Amber, I am starting a blog for the first time for the Summer Tech Challenge. I figure I need to practice what I preach, right?
I think that blogging is a good way to reflect on what you are doing in the classroom. You got it right when you said your blog would be about your thoughts as a 4th grade teacher. I think sometimes just stepping back and reflecting on what went right and what you want to improve upon is a good thing. And getting it down in writing is kind of like a promise that you will do things differently.
I do think slowing down is important. You don't have to use everything all at once. Focus on one thing at a time. For example, you don't have to use all of these tools next year. Find one or two things that you really like and focus on those.
Keep up the good work!
Thanks, Mickie! Great advice. Slowing down is a must! This blog will help me focus on what I'd like to accomplish. Baby steps...
DeleteAmber - Thanks for checking out my blog! I look forward to commenting on your first post.
ReplyDeleteMeagan - I like your blog. I am in the same boat about starting and connecting with my PLN. I have a hard time with building relationships and that affects my PLN. I know that if we both keep at it, it will get easier.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm definitely new to the blogging universe! I look forward to reading your blog!
DeleteI am so glad you mentioned technology overload! During the school year, I just have to limit my time to one new device/tool/method at a time. I am excited to have the summer to dive into this training and pick up some new tools, so I'll be ready to go.
ReplyDeleteI love that you assessed your current skills with a percentage. Good idea! I'm going to go back and do that now.
Thanks for visiting my blog!
DeleteOkay Meagan, you do NOT look like a rookie blogger! I'm so impressed! I am going to have to find you on pinterest and check out your pins too. I have to admit, I'm a bit obsessed (and my husband is not thrilled with some of the projects he has to create).
ReplyDeleteWe should build our 4th grade PLN this summer - even if that means meeting at Gobs and Gobs of fun so the kiddos are entertained!
Thanks, Heather! Yes, I really am a rookie blogger, but it's not as difficult as I thought.
ReplyDeleteLOVE the idea of meeting this summer at Gobs... even if it's to check in about the new reading program. Let's do it!
50% proficient puts you a few steps ahead of me! I am with you though, technology can be SO overwhelming. Slowing down is key and that is the exact same approach to technology that I am hoping to gain from this. I'd rather be slow and have some then be rush, rush and end up with none! Keep it up :-)
ReplyDelete50% was probably an exaggeration!
DeleteIt sounds like you've come a long way the last few months! The term of "technology overload" is true for me too! With all you've done this summer, you will have lots of great ideas to use with students in a few short weeks.
ReplyDeleteI agree on the technology overload. My problem is when I do something, I want to do it with 110% and I'm pretty sure the rest of the teachers I know would agree. So when we try to tackle a new tool, we don't just want to figure it out in 15 seconds we want to dive in and know all the ends and outs. Keep exploring!
ReplyDeleteWow! Just learning how to leave a comment has been a learning experience. Just like a toddler...I pushed and click on buttons to see where it would take me. I found your blog to be very interesting. Since it is so late I will need to come back another day to read about your experiences with the rest of the Challenges. I'm just getting started with the first Challenge even though July is moving right along.... Hopefully, I can accomplish a few more. Nice job, Meagan. Sure glad I know where to find you if I have any questions in the future!
ReplyDelete