Thing #2

How might you be able to use these new tools to to engage today’s “digital learners?” Why would you want to?

I’m so overwhelmed right now, I don’t even know how to answer this question. The article describing teachers X, Y, and Z, and students 1, 2, and 3 using blogs, wikis (BTW—I have no idea what this is), podcasts, social calendars, social bookmarking, etc., fascinated me. It’s amazing how we are evolving (I say “are evolving” b/c not all schools are at—or have the ability to be at—this level) as educators, and using these technologies to our advantage. I have no problem admitting that the students at my school (and my own children at home) are more technologically savvy than I am. It used to be that “working in groups” was fun and exciting for learners. Now, however, if we don’t learn to tap into their technological interests, we’re missing a tremendous opportunity. If we as educators are going to maximize our students’ learning experiences, we have to stay ahead of the technological game (or at least keep up!).

As far as using these tools to further my own learning, I see an exponential amount of opportunities for collaboration between myself and my colleagues.