Last night my teacher book club met at Katie's house -- and since she only lives about 15 minutes away I decided to take Gilbert along with me. 10 miles later ... my legs hurts; but it was a good work out.
The title quote is from author Clay Shirky whose book "Here Comes Everybody: The Power of Organizing without Organizations" discusses how social networking is changing the world we live in. I haven't actually read this book myself, but today I participated in a discussion sponsored by the Future of Education as facilitator Steve Hardagan interviewed Howard Rheingold author of "Smart Mobs" and scholar regarding "mind amplifying tools". The general consensus both from Rheingold and other discussion members is that an integral component of education should include helping students "find their way through the noise", develop a filter, and recognize when they are being spammed.
In Canada this falls under language arts and media literacy -- a critical component of some curriculum -- as one discussion member shared with me. http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/elementary/language.html
I hope to see Oregon school districts (especially the one(s) I hope to work for) will take this curricular movement seriously.
It had been a while since I last participated in a discussion from the Future of Education; and after each visit I always feel invigorated and excited to discuss the future of education using the social networking lens; and grateful for the plethora of resources I am exposed to in such a short amount of time.
If you are interested, check out "The Future of Education" and/or links about Rheingold's work: http://www.conversations.net/forum/topics/howard-rheingold
This poem was taken with apologies from the new book "How We 'Do' School: Poems to Encourage Teacher Reflection" by Karen Morrow Durica (no relation)
I Used to Ask the Questions:
Kindergartner’s Lament
I used to ask the questions.
I used to play for hours
and learn so many things.
I used to watch how something happened
and then try it by myself
till my own effort found its wings.
I used to pick the books we’d read at naptime.
I used to know the stories
all by heart.
I used to listen to the sounds those friendly words made
and play with silly rhymes
and change the parts.
I used to write great stories for my teddy.
I used words that made
my daddy smile or sigh.
I used to make the letters in green crayon
And if I wanted—just for fun—
I’d decorate the i’s.
I used to feel my world was so exciting!
I used to wonder about things
from stars to sand.
I used to think my questions weren’t a bother
and my answers—right or wrong—
were always grand.
I remember that I used to ask the questions.
I remember
just how learning made me feel.
I remember how I loved to think
and puzzle
and how the word discovery was real.
Yes, I remember that I used to ask the questions...
and then...
I started school.
Where did June go?
As always my mind is swimming ... composing responses to various job application essays; planning Maddie's trip to Portland, coordinating my first book club meeting, thinking about all those other projects that I never seem to have time for -- cataloging my classroom library, finishing my treasure map, finishing the purse I am making, paint-by-number, updating my website ... and the list goes on and on.
Yet, these last few days have been filled with bonding with my new dog-friend Benson Tengs. Last week Eric and I adopted Benson "Benny" Tengs from Animal Control in McMinnville (after scoping him out on PetFinder.com) ... after just a few minutes we were sold on his dopey looks, affection and mellow demeanor. Oh, and the fact he is a boxer-rot-pit mix.
I didn't realize that life with a younger dog (he is 2ish) would be much different from life with my older dog-child Daisy (who passed away in early June). Benson is full of so much energy -- it is a great reason to get out doors and shed some of these pesky pounds. Today Benson and I drove over to Katie's house in order for her advice (we had a frustrating walk yesterday evening) -- and Katie did an excellent job of calming my stress over his "puppy" behavior -- which I am told is normal. Duke & Maddie did a wonderful job of modeling good walking behavior; and Duke helped Benson understand dog boundaries. Benson might have a little crush on Maddie, who played hard to get at first, but then laid on the dog kisses before we left.
Ah, young love.
The rest of today will be filled with reading, lounging, eating, planning for tutoring tomorrow, and perhaps some water aerobics ...
"There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face" -- Ben Williams
Stay Thirsty my Friends.
B
My work sample at the Forest Grove Community School involved a social networking site as well as helping the students understand what is means to be a responsible digital citizen. This video was part of the authentic post assessment on digital citizenship. Let me know what you think!
