INF530 – Blog Task One – I’m on my way
Where I am coming from…
This is my first blog ever!
I am a teacher, have always been a teacher. I started teaching with chalk, a blackboard, 2 stand alone computers in the classroom, using programs and syllabuses that promoted teacher orientated learning. In 16 years I have seen and loved that our classrooms have been flipped, my students can access information anytime, anywhere, as long as the WIFI is working! My technology training was/is on the job, mostly self/peer taught, evaluating strategies and technologies by using them with and for students.
Current Knowledge
Well that is why I am here.
I have a broad but, shallow understanding of the technologies I use on a personal level and in and around the classroom both for and with my students.
I can trouble shoot hardware issues and work around software and connectivity issues, but I want to broaden my understanding of the digital frameworks underpinning them. I want to see and understand what goes on beneath the surface, understand how linked data is formed or how I can gamify a learning environment to encourage positive learning opportunities? Gaining the knowledge to guide my students to become learners who can function in the global one world classroom; be motivated learners that in turn are teachers through their own explorations and passions.
Personal Goal
My personal goal can be summed up as gaining the knowledge, strategies and tools that allow my learners to in turn gain the knowledge, strategies and tools to be life long, motivated learners that can actively participate in the digital and physical world. Sounds pretty big when you write it like that but, I have already gained so much information that has helped me reach this goal, the sky’s the limit!
Challenges
My first challenge is to engage with and be involved in the online community that is #INF530, I want to make sure I tap into all the expertise we have to share with each other. To do this I need to allow myself to be the learner again, not the teacher, as teachers we often get caught up in the old stereotype of having to or being expected to hold all knowledge.
My second challenge is to be kind to myself and be organised. Making sure I allow time for family, work and study so I can give my best effort in all three.
I am really looking forward to learning on a deep level again. Tapping into the knowledge networks that surround me to learn new and interesting ideas, strategies and technologies.
You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.
Amanda – well done on hour very first ever blog post. A couple of things….
I see you have posted in ‘uncategorised’. Make sure you set up a category for INF530 so that all posts can be found with one click.
Also, next time enbed an image or other multimedia, and make sure you link to external websites, tweets, etc etc – draw the reader out from your post, and then entice them back in again!
Hi Amanda,
I really enjoyed reading your blog post. I come from a Librarian background and have just started working in a school. I have always wanted to work in a school library because I am passionate about students finding a love and joy of reading and the importance of life-long learning. I totally resonate with what you are saying about needing to be the learner not the teacher. A big part of my role is helping the senior girls do research for their assessments but I find that I myself can be such a lazy student. You have made me realise that I need to take my own advice and remember that I do have research skills and knowledge and apply it to my own learning.
I am also finding it quite difficult to tap into the #INF530 Twitterverse as I rarely use Twitter. I believe this will be a great learning experience for the both of us.
Looking forward to reading more of your posts.
Linda