EDIM 508: Introductory Blog: 728 Challenge

My assignment: 
Post an introductory blog that answers each of the following questions. The challenge, in the spirit of today’s concise, Twitter-driven forms of communication, is to answer each question in 104 characters or less (approximately 20-25 words).

1. Who are you and what do you do?
2. What is your primary goal for taking this course?
3. What is your philosophy of education?
4. What do you see as the greatest benefit of using technology and/or digital media in the classroom?
5. What is your biggest concern or challenge with using technology and/or digital media in the classroom?
6. Provide an example of how you currently use technology and/or digital media in the classroom.
7. How does your classroom today differ from when you were the same age as your students?

OK, here goes....

1. I am a counselor, facilitator, motivator, tech support, data analyst, and finally, teacher. I wear many hats, and love each one. I leave school and become a mother, a wife, and a student of life.

2. I want to become more versed in the digital language of this generation. I need to keep up-and I love the combination of computers and creativity!

3. Teach what you know, learn what you don't. Be enthusiastic, teach what interests the student, for that will keep the student enthusiastic about learning throughout their life. Never stop learning. (over 104 characters-but that one was HARD!)

4. So much access to so many resources makes the world smaller, and brings a real-life aspect to learning.

5. Lack of up-to-date technology, and lack of needed resources, because of budget cuts.

6. When teaching about Internet Safety, I walk students through Facebook security settings, using their account. This year, my older students will be making a glog about internet safety and social networking to share with younger students!

7. I'm kind of old..we didn't have computers in my classroom (back in the mid sixties)! Now, with the punch of a button, students can see speeches and video of historical events. We had filmstrips and record players.

OK..so I went over the 104 characters, but not by much!! Interesting questions, and definitely a challenge to answer! I'm looking forward to reading everyone else's blogs!


-HSH