I like to consider myself quite savvy when it comes to the internet and technology, but I'm quickly realizing that I have a lot to learn. Some areas, I'm not incredibly knowledgeable about because I've intentionally avoided them (Facebook and Twitter) and others I just haven't come across, or experienced (Ning, RSS feeds).
However, I have maintained a blog for the past two summers chronicling my holidays, which I've enjoyed writing. It was a great experience because it helped me to stay connected to my friends and family. They had a window into what I was experiencing, which they enjoyed (well.. most of them). I used 'blogger' for it and decided to use it once again because of my familiarity with it and also because it's fairly user friendly.
Sites like YouTube have been completely unavoidable, and incredibly entertaining. I'm also familiar with podcasts, and have used them to stay connected to what's happening in the world.
I'm looking forward to this course pushing my boundaries and also filling in the gaps of Web 2.0. Some questions I'm inquiring about at this point:
1) How can a wiki be used to help my students to discuss books we are currently studying?
2) How can I use Web 2.0 tools to develop professionally?
3) How could Web 2.0 tools be used in the event of school closures?
Others have expressed hesitancy with putting information 'out there' on the web, and I have to say I am in the same boat. It's part the reason that I have avoided Facebook. I have to say I had some anxiety joining it, but alas I have.
That being said, here's some personal information about me... My social insurance number is... jk. Take two: I like to consider myself a curious life long learner, as well as being active, and somewhat balanced. I am chronically single, which I'm finding is rare for teachers, but I'm not bitter... yet. I have an amazing group of friends, and a great family, some of whom are still in Saskatchewan. Most have jumped ship, including my older and younger brother. I've been living in Alberta for almost 10 years now, and teaching for about the last 5. Some activities I enjoy include reading, running, swimming, yoga, writing and live music. One of my aspirations is to become a fluent French speaker. I've spent the last 3 summers trying to accomplish this by studying in Montreal, Paris and then Montreal once again.
I'm looking forward to this learning opportunity: to 'catch up' with Web 2.0. I'm hoping that not only will it connect me with friends, family and new people, but also that it will inspire me to use aspects of it in the classroom to engage my students and help to prepare them for our new connected world in which we live.
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great blog! I would also love to become fluent in another language. Would especially have loved to study in Montreal and Paris :)
ReplyDeleteTyson, I enjoyed reading your post and learning about your goal of learning French. Do you wish to teach an immersion class at some point?
ReplyDeleteThanks Laurie. I'm not sure I could ever teach Immersion. I'm quite happy just teaching upper elementary FSL :P
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tyson. A very interesting introductory post! Where did you study in Montreal during the summer? My husband is working on his French as well and spent 3 weeks this summer in Jonquiere (north of Quebec City) at a French Immersion program there. It was great--he learned a lot and really enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteYour questions for inquiry are also very interesting--thinking about using a wiki to contribute to novel studies is great. Some of our other tools (animoto and voicethread) have lots of potential for students to use to complement their novel studies as well. I'll look forward to hearing your thoughts on these things.
Joanne
I enjoyed your intro blog Tyson! I've studied French in Quebec and France also. I like your idea of a summer blog to keep in touch with family and friends. I think I'll give that a try. Looking forward to working with you!
ReplyDeleteDonna
As we may be in the midst of a flu pandemic, your 3rd focus question regarding school closures is particularly relevant. I’m hoping that we don’t actually have to face this first hand. None-the-less, I grew up in a smaller northern community where school attendance decreases drastically during -40 degree weather, so perhaps you’re on to something here!
ReplyDeleteBonjour! Great idea, Tyson. I think that using a wiki as either a teacher or a librarian to discuss books with students would be really useful.
ReplyDelete