I'm Technically Speaking

Technoconstructivist--using technology to completely change approaches to teaching and learning in the classroom I believe that I am in the "technoconstructivist" group or at least mostly in the group. I try to be "up" on technology resources and use them in my classroom. But I have a confession to make.... I have been a Twitter user in name only. Today I learned that I could be called a "lurker". Honestly, I have not been sold on Twitter. It was intimidating to me. There are certain ways to post with hashes and @ and RT, etc. Following my presentation yesterday in which I posted my twitter handle, I added about 15 or so followers. Adding those followers made me feel responsible to be more productive with it....like at least use it :) I had become brave enough to connect my TLC (Teacher Learning Center) activity to my Twitter account, so that I was posting something. However, I felt the need to learn what it meant to be a Tweeter (even now I am not sur...

I presented my webinar today! Wahoo! I always think presenting will be a good idea....until the day before and day of the presentation :) Then my nerves get the best of me! What a relief when it is over! Today's presentation made me very aware of some teaching/learning opportunities that are completely reliant on technology. Everything today was dependent on sound and my (new) headset working, the internet and connectivity working (which was a little iffy), my presentation software working and their webinar side working. Speaking in person, if the technology decides to not work you can at least have a backup plan. This seemed like an all or nothing deal. I am glad that the "bugs" were worked out and I was able to "hold up on my end" of the presentation. It was a little overwhelming, the feeling of dependence on the technology. Dependence so much that you feel like you might fail your task if the technology fails you. Today technology did not fail me and I di...

Well on the "down" side of things, I did not get selected for the Google Teacher's Academy. Fifty teachers were chosen from all over....it would have been quite something to have been one of them. I guess there is always next time! On the "up" side, I submitted to be a presenter for SimpleK12.com and was chosen! I will be presenting my very first webinar on Wednesday July 20th at 10:00 a.m. entitled "Wixify Your WebQuest". I am equally excited and terrified to do this presentation. Fortunately it is only a 30 minutes presentation, for this first adventure. If it goes well, this might open the door for more opportunities. I have attached a screen shot of the advertisement for it below: I really like this website and the Teacher Learning Community that you can (for a price) become a member of. Even without membership there are opportunities for free webinars (such as the ones on the 20th) and other free resources. So there it is the ups and downs of ...