My New Year's Resolution

2015 will be a year of creativity, exploration, and new beginnings in my lab.  Over the past couple of years  I have attended and participated in numerous workshops and courses, read books, articles, and blog posts recommended by colleagues, and many which I have just “stumbled upon.”  In my mind I was expanding my PLC and being a life long learner; qualities found in many educators.  As I was sitting listening to a keynote at ETT Boston it happened; my mind was blown!  Suddenly the final piece of the puzzle fell into place as the picture became evident and I knew what I had to do. I needed to put the learning in the hands of my students; allow them to determine what they want to learn about and how they plan on sharing their knowledge.   In 2015 students will be following their passions, using technology as a means to the end, choosing the tools, conducting the research, creating the end products, and sharing them with an authentic audience; creating solutions to real world problems, or finding answers to their questions (not mine), and making mistakes along the way.   It is both exciting and terrifying; as I am letting go of the weight and the control that has been holding me and them back.  My role will be to provide an environment conducive to nurturing innovators; allowing my students to move from consumers to contributors. This infographic sums it all up!  So ready the sails, the course is changing and my students will be at the helm!

image link

Happy New Year!!

Welcome to 2013!!!  I hope you had a great break from school.  I can imagine many of you received new technology gifts.  I can hardly wait to see and hear about all of your new gadgets!!  For those of you who didn't see or receive any new technology you may want to check out "Gadgets of 2013."  There is some pretty cool stuff on the horizon. I don't know if any of you have made resolutions for this new year.  Perhaps you will want to blog about them. 
I have decided to try to find more balance in my life.  This will be quite a challenge for me because it will mean spending a bit more time unplugged.  YIKES!!!  This means making better choices and managing my time more effectively.  I'll keep you posted on my progress. 
So let's get back to work and prepare for your presentations.  I can't wait to see them!  I am so excited!  We have so many great tools and projects to see, use, and create in the next months.  Remember to keep putting one digital foot in front of the other and keep moving forward with a positive on line presence.

A Well-Deserved Vacation

It has been quite a week.  So much has happened, and not all of it joyful and holiday-like.  It seems fitting to be leaving to spend time with our families and friends right now.  We are winding down the year 2012 which doesn't seem possible.  This time of year always leads people to reflect and think about the events of the past year.  I hope for most of you these are good memories and reflections.  It is also a time for making "resolutions" or creating new plans.  I know my resolutions will include trying to make sure to take the time to say "hello" or share a silent smile with those I see walking down the hall or street looking sad and alone.  It is amazing how small gestures can make a huge difference.  I would encourage all of you to remember that face to face communication skills are just as important as your technological skills.  I know this may sound strange coming from your technology teacher, but human interactions are more important that the virtual ones we talk about in class.  So during this busy and sometimes crazy holiday season, please remember to look up, take a breath, and share a smile with the people around you; those you know and those your don't.   That simple gesture could make the world of difference to someone. 
Take this time off to relax and enjoy.  Be safe and be smart!!  I will see you all next year!!!

Merry Christmas

Joyeux Noël

Frohe Weihnachten

Buon Natale

Feliz Natal

¡Feliz Navidad

Veselé Vánoce

聖誕節快樂