What Wonderful Successes! (Or Educators Learning Web 2.0)
After a little background I hope to tackle the question “Why?”
For the last 2 months (coincidentally the same time I have not posted—hmmm) the Spring Branch Library Information Services Department has been heavily involved with infusing web 2.0 applications and thinking into the curriculum and educators’ creative minds.
Liz Philippi, Vaughn Branom, and I have presented web 2.0 tools to a list of groups: Curriculum Directors, Health Fitness Teachers, Curriculum Writers, Special Education Coordinators, Bilingual Coordinators, Campus grade level representatives, ESC Region 4 participants, Library Directors, Principals, and lots of Teachers and Librarians. We have presented face-to-face using our Curriculum Wiki. Our face-to-face participants probably include about 300 educators. We have organized and supported about another 300 participants in our version of 23 Things called Library2Play. We have seen (or read) where educators have gone from techno-phobia to euphoria. We have seen educators go from confusion and frustration to excitement. We have seen educators go from very knowledgeable computer users to enthusiastic fun players. We have seen them all complain about how long it takes to explore the 2.0 world while they continue to explore and come up with wonderful ideas of uses in the classroom. To get a flavor of the excitement, just read a few posts from our Shared Google Reader Items from the current batch of Library2Players.
With near 600 educators and only 3 or so who have not been totally positive about the experience, why has this been so successful? I am only speculating, but I have asked myself this “why” question many times over the last several months. One local reason is that our fearless and inspirational Associate Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Dr. Jennifer Blaine, has encouraged, no mandated that we will work technology into our curriculum as we buy technology with bond funds. But beyond that, I think the real reason is that web 2.0 stuff is just so darn easy that it build confidence into each and every user. Teachers can accomplish what looks like professional things with just a little bit of effort. They have heard about social networking from the news in a scary way. They have experienced “programming” and trying to learn education programs in the past all of which cost money and need training. Now they are exposed to some very cool things that are free and their confidence soars.
Am I close to the mark? What do you think is the case for this momentum? Inquiring minds really want to know.
Thanks
Barry
June 28th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
if you need validation of your thoughts beyond the usual “you are not close, you are right on target”…then accept that eveything I heard today at EdubloggerCon08 as your validation. Everything we have done the past two months (just 2 months…feels like a lifetime!) was brought up in one way or another as the way to get kids involved, and the more difficult part of the equation…to get teachers to do it, and administrators to allow it!
we have adminstrator support from the top down – check
we have teacher/librarian buy in – check
we have enthusiastic student products – check
we have provided choice/differentiation – check
we have added fun to the learning process – check
I think you can not only say you are on target, i think you can say it’s a bullseye right on the mark success!
June 29th, 2008 at 9:01 am
I am not sure that my opinion is the one you seek, but I personally have LOVED this immersion and the way that things are headed. I feel so fortunate that this summer, I’m monitoring the blogs of several of my staff members as they jump on the 2.0 Train, too, and watching their “a-ha” moments as they realize it isn’t as difficult as they thought is just… well, it’s incredibly validating and so much fun, and directly applicable to the classroom even in a busy week with TAKS-focused curriculum!!
June 29th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
You don’t need my validation either – I’m just grateful you do what you. I really wish you’d relplace the hardi plank at your retirement lake house with petrified wood – and petrify the wood your self.
June 29th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
I really believe that teachers are just coming around to feeling comfortable with technology. We have been heralding the virtues for a few years now & they are starting to sprout little technical buds. Through the excellent efforts of you, Vaughn, & Liz which has given them just the nurturing they needed & Volia! you have a full blown healthy growth of success.
KRM – Karen R.
June 29th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
VWBB, it was good to read all your posts about the Edublogger experience Saturday. It does appear that we have done some very good things.
BSL, I am glad to hear that you are seeing some excitement from your teachers as they play. I see so many exciting things as I read the postings. I can’t wait to see how all this impacts a school like yours next year.
Guusje, working with folks like you do make this job very rewarding. Who would want to leave a situation like this?
Thanks
Barry
June 29th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
KRM, we have all done a little gardening and some weeding. I look forward to the harvest!
Thanks
Barr