Thing 4

These were alot of fun, and can become quite time consuming! I love playing with pictures and can see it becoming addictive. This could be great fun in a classroom, from focusing on vocabulary with the word tools, to showing pictures of the class and or students with the photo tools, the children would love it. I felt that this was really cool, because I was able to explore some useful internet tools, that are simple to use and open oppurtunities for learning. It would also be easy to share with students. It was difficult to right click and save on some of them, but being able to copy into the blog through embedding was quite simple. I will be playing with these tools some more in the future. And as a side note, many of these are blocked from the school filter, as I played with some of them there, and then had to work through some of them at home. SO, maybe we can get that taken care of before school starts, in order to be able to use them.

Thing 3

Social networking is growing tremendously fast, and has become a vital part of many lives. Though, I have to admit, there are many things about this that are frightening. I personally was quite resistant to the idea of becoming a part of social networking. Circumstances caused me to rethink, as a friend who is in the military and currently serving overseas posed a friendly plea, I gave in and joined Facebook, as I knew this would provide an opportunity for me to keep up with him and his family while he is away. Little did I realize at that point, the connections that I would be able to make. It has been amazing, from former students (who are now grown), to family I do not have the opportunity to see, to fellow graduates from a few years back, to friends we have made along our travels in Texas and in the world of education, I am blessed by this adventure. Though I have a general rule of not accepting students and/or parents, unless it is a personal friend and even then I think twice. As the video of the ten year old student suggests, posting of all of the daily activities is a little much for me, and all of the games get to be a bit much as well. For the purpose of communicating, I have truly enjoyed the virtual reunion this has provided. And, trying to adjust with the times, we have allowed our teenage daughter to have an account as well. This requires constant monitoring, as we can and do monitor her postings, we cannot control others. Though it is a great tool, it is a difficult thing to read some of the things people post, hmmm...the virtual picture of what exists in our world today. Thankfully, it does provide the opportunity for you to be able to set blocks, and monitor what is visible to others outside of your "friends."
As for Twitter, though I have read some of it, I do not have personal experience with it. I can see where it has some very valuable uses, when done in an appropriate manner. I am open to exploring it more in the future.
The options for using these tools in education are endless, and I am certain with proper maintenance and training it could provide for a great means of communicating with students. It is amazing how much this generation of children rely on social media. As we adapt in education, we definitely connect to their world.

Thing 2

Overwhelming?? Yes. Amazing?? Yes. True?? YES.
I remember making the statement, I am going to learn to text before my children can. And to think what their future holds is simply incredible. I was overwhelmed by how far we are from the possibilities of what we could be offering children. Yet, I am realistic to the fact that it takes resources and the almighty dollar to make these opportunities available to our students. I have often wondered how many of our children do have access to the tools of technology? Many of them are already carrying cell phones by the third grade, so where will they be in the next few years. So, do we truly know what they have available to them? Can we provide the needed opportunities for them to be able to learn even a glimpse of what Web 2.0 can offer? I felt as though the more I read and watched, the more I wanted to know. I found myself quite engaged and wondering if this is real. Now, I realize it is true, but wonder what else I do not know. From blogs, to wikis, to google reader, to social media, to podcasting and skype; wow! At my young age (ha), I realize how naive I am, and how amazed I can still find myself.
The video clip talking about the children of today with the repeated phrase of "engage me," kept reminding me of the current educational theory of student engagement. The tools are at our fingertips, and yet seem so far away. So, I feel as though I am rambling, and have so much to learn. I look forward to seeing what the future of technology brings us, and maybe with the help of education, we will be able to afford learning opportunities for students and teachers alike.

Thing 1

So, I am back after a few days of relaxation on the Pedernales River and good times with my crew. I am blessed beyond measure and am thankful for memories that are made. I believe this is a great way to do this memory tracking, through blogging. Journaling on the internet, where there will be a record of sorts of times that have occurred. I am assuming as long as there is an internet, there will be this post for my children, family, and friends to read. I am sure with the times changing as they are very quickly, the next generation will rely on methods such as these. Being willing to grow and adapt to the changing world of technology alone is huge, and what a learning curve. I do like the fact that there is a way to moderate what is posted, as this is a sort of security. Virtually...what an awesome way to share life's moments.

From the professional standpoint, I could see the blog having multiple uses. The idea of the communication tool alone is so powerful. It would be a great way for teams to collaborate with each other on their own time, instead of meeting as often. Blogging with students and parents concerning the happenings of the classroom is another way for teachers to be able to communicate about the happenings of the classroom environement. With the demands of our time becoming more and more, any way to find more of it is invaluable. The use of blogs could help in that area. I am certain the options are endless...

Beginning

So, everything has a beginning. I look forward to the adventures in learning to blog. I chose my title for many reasons, and feel that faith is what has brought me to this point in life. Even to blogging :) The faith to learn, the faith to believe, the faith to step out of my box, the faith to understand, the faith to continue moving forward in life. So, here is to a summer of learning to blog.