Thing #7

I searched for pictures of the marching band I work with - Todd County Central High School Marching Rebel Band.  I had to try a few different keyword searches before I got it... credit to Darrin Cole for the photo.

This is at the end of this year's show, entitled "Breathe."

I couldn't link to the picture, as it was not enabled by Mr. Cole; however, you can view all in the set here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/colephotography/sets/72157624821582819/

Thing #6

iTunes - my Web 2.0 award winner

iTunes has changed the way I teach my general music classes.  With podcasts, RSS feeds, and the fairly new iTunesU... the options are truly changing each day for ways of introducing and teaching the content in a variety of ways that engage the students.

iBooks are being published via iTunes.  Movies.  You name it, it's there.

This tool allows quick sharing of information and ideas on a broad range of topics, and is invaluable to today's educators, in my opinion.

Thing #5

Given the idea of Web 2.0, I think we can all infer that School 2.0 means looking at technology and specifically the web as a tool which not only should but must be integrated into our education.  Educators can share information, have video conferences, and have at their fingertips resources not only from their district or physical school... but worldwide... and at an instant.


We must use these resources for "teaching, learning, and driving innovation" in the classroom.  It's not enough to have laptops in each student's hands, or an iPad, or whatever... they have to know how to use them to enhance their own learning.


I believe, ultimately, the future is limitless in what COULD happen.  With school 2.0, we might never have to again cancel school due to "snow days," but students could be given instruction via blog or web conferencing.  Students missing school for sickness could stay abreast of instruction via blogs with relevant sites listed for learning.  The possibilities are potentially all there... we just have to be fearless and innovative in implementing them.

Thing #4

Commenting fosters a sense of community, in that you anticipate, expect, and grow/learn from those that comment on whatever you've shared.  This allows deeper insight and interaction among peers, friends, and/or coworkers, in seeing the ideas of mutual acquaintances.

One of the blogs I read suggested a strategy to improve blog comments as making sure to "interact with comments left."  I am guilty of this, in that I make a blog entry, and then forget to read comments often.  This probably doesn't encourage viewers to continue to do so, as it gives the appearance that I don't value their comments.

Another warned of "Darth Commenter," the troll who visits blogs just to stir up controversy.  I've ran across this guy a few times in some other blogs I have... and it's a GREAT idea to follow the advice of the blog comment sited: delete them, and move on.  Don't get sucked in/turned to the dark side.  ;-)

I am following the following folks:

McClenathan

Dean

Erica Coleman

tabsir

Molly Wilson

and (out of our circle)

Yuhui's Apple Blogger

Roughly Drafted

I chose the first five based solely on having their sites via D2L.  The last two I've followed for a while, as their Apple dorks, and I'm trying to become one.  ;-)

At this point, I haven't made too many comments because I just found out who all was on... but I'll fill this part in (as a comment) once I've done that.

Thing #3

For this program, I intend to use this blog in an attempt to bounce ideas off of classmates and colleagues.


I use a blog already in my classroom to remind students of assignments, projects, and upcoming events.  I also occasionally share milestones (of my own or individuals in the classes) via blog.

Thing #2

My posting name was easy, as it was my first initial and last name.  I wanted something I could easily remember to share with others.  I named this blog appropriately so I would not confuse it with other school (work) or my personal blogs.


I have a work blog, and two personal blogs, so creating this one was very simp.e


My avatar is a picture of my family - which is who I am.  I chose this as it is a reflection of me, and all I hold dear.

Thing #1

Habit 4 is probably the easiest to me.  I have always had confidence in myself, and feel as though I can be effective in learning (and then teaching) new concepts with ease.  I believe I am a natural leader, and have been evaluated several times by university professors and administration who echo the same ideas.  The WAY I lead must be key to me, as students will imitate my direction.  I believe this must force me to always show the students that I am always eager to learn new tricks, open to new ideas, and ready for challenges so that they will work to do the same.

Habit 7 1/2 is actually the hardest for me.  My classroom is sometimes chaotic, but it's ordered chaos.  I feel that at the middle school level, there needs to be quite a bit of structure.  At the same time, I believe I need to work to find a balance there, and allow students time to do what all middle school students miss most about elementary school: play time.