I believe! I can help!
I believe web 2.0/social networking technology engages students and makes their learning experience richer. However, I have not been directly responsible for a classroom or Library since before the web so I do not know first hand. I know teachers like Vicki Davis (Cool Cat Teacher) uses wikis, blogs, and a plethora of other technologies very successfully. But are her circumstances similar enough to my district’s in order for us to replicate what she does? She is after all uniquely talented.
This doubt or not really knowing if the direction we have taken is the right one has not kept us from promoting web 2.0/social networking technology use in our Libraries and classrooms.
All that being said, it is with much gratification that I report of a teacher, Estie Cuellar, whose teaching was changed by our 23 Things staff development in the ’08 summer. She was so impressed with what she learned that she joined the Flat Classroom Project 2008 and has secured permission from the Spring Branch School Board to take 9 students to the Flat Classroom Conference: Leadership Workshop and Student Summit, January 24-26, 2009 in Doha, State of Qatar. And of course she needs donations to help her and her students to make the trip. I have made my donation. If you want to donate and/or contact the teacher click here.
Beyond her success with the Flat Classroom Project are her day to day success with her students check out her blog, her web page, her students’ class wiki, and her student’s flat classroom ning.
All the work we have done in promoting using web 2.0/social networking technologies has been worth it.
November 24th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
I just completed my 23 things and found your update on my RSS. I only hope that I can make a difference to my future library students, as Ms. Cuellar has made to her career and business students. What an exciting thing for Spring Branch! I am currently teaching music, but have 8 GT students I am working with. I plan on using and teaching much of the things I learned in 23 things with them. It will be good practice for later! Thanks for the experience!
November 24th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
This is INCREDIBLE!! And I know we are moving in the right direction, and I am SO PROUD to be a part of it.
November 25th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
Drop into my library any school day between 11:30 -12:30,when the Library lunch club is in full swing or on Wednesdays from 3:15- 5pm when the Bloggers are working on their craft and you’ll see Web 2.0 in all it’s very noisy and interactive glory (and bring some higher ups).
November 25th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
Wow! That is amazing! Again, I’m so proud to be a small part of something so big.