Monday, November 26, 2012

Technology

During an in-service a few weeks ago our speaker talked about how Zite and Twitter are two great tools for education.  I was skeptical about how a social media network could improve my teaching, but I decided to give it a try.  So far I have been pleasantly surprised.  The amount of information and the professional connections I have made are amazing to me.

I love the fact that Zite allows me to have the news articles that are important to me all in one spot.  The downside is articles on teaching and education seem to be more negative then positive.  All the article about teacher pay being tied to test scores and politicians making rules in education has made me very frustrated.  I am probably being naive, but is it too much to ask that politicians hold themselves to the same level that they are trying to make us accountable for?


The key is to be willing to try new things and ask questions. Zite gives me the information, while Twitter allows me a platform to collaborate with other educators.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

The Beginning

I have been hearing for a while now how technology is so important to the teaching profession. During our last inservice time our speaker talked to us about the benefits of blogs and twitter. I was/am skeptical of both, but I jumped on the twitter wagon and have truly been amazed at all I have learned in just four weeks. Now, as I am home sick, I was reading a tweet about how great blogs can be and how all teachers should have one. The article also explained why the author believes teachers don't blog and he mentioned fear. I have to admit, that was my main hesitation for starting a blog. What if people commented that my ideas were stupid or that was wrong about something. After thinking it through, fear seemed like a bad excuse. As a music teacher I tell my students not to worry about making mistakes, but to focus on giving effort and working hard to improve. If I speak these words everyday, it seemed to me that I needed to start living them.

I realize I am nothing amazing and my thoughts or ideas are not unique. I know many teachers have done the same things that I get excited about doing in my classroom. I am in my fourth year of teaching, but my first at my current school. Friday was a rough teaching day and after a conversation with a fellow teacher, I was reminded that we have all been there. My hope for this blog is it will serve as another platform for my learning more about my profession and to gain ideas to help me improve. I also hope that it will serve as a source of motivation and a reminder that the rough days don't last.