Well, I was more wrong than you can imagine. I now have “friends” from all over the world. We share ideas, share websites, share inspirations, share conundrums, share advice, and share triumphants. The key verb there is share. I have learned so much! This is my personal learning plan. I am learning daily and contributing to others learning. You choose who you want to follow and others can follow you. At this moment, I am following 252 people and 193 are following me. That means I have a learning opportunity for professional development from 252 people from all across the globe!

Yesterday, I was able to meet Kathy Shields. She and I share a mutual “friend” Jen Wagner. I have gained so much from these ladies. Kathy and I met so she could make a uStream of what we have experienced from the conference thus far. uStream is an online live stream. Kathy was able to interview the presenter and several participants live.

Several other teachers were uStreaming sessions. That means that teachers from all over the globe had access to FETC even though they couldn’t virtually attend. They also have the opportunity to type in a chat windows so the viewers can ask questions and make comments. This is completely amazing to me!

I’m excited to see what today brings. I hope you continue reading and find something that is beneficial to you.

Until next time ~ Danita

Learning in the Digital Age Recap
January/18/2006 10:33 PM | Leadership in the Digital Age
I have this posted on another page on my website as well.

This was posted on the Abilene, Kansas High School Dialogue Buzz website. It was an anonymous post, but VERY powerful. Feel free to share this with educators, parents and stakeholders about 1:1 and the power of the seamless use of technology. It seems to sum it all up!!

Let’s have a little competition at school and get ready for the future.

I will use a laptop and you will use paper and pencil. Are you ready…?
I will access up-to-date information – you have a textbook that is 5 years old.
I will immediately know when I misspell a word – you have to wait until it’s graded.
I will learn how to care for technology by using it – you will read about it.
I will see math problems in 3D – you will do the odd problems.
I will create artwork and poetry and share it with the world – you will share yours with the class.
I will have 24/7 access – you have the entire class period.
I will access the most dynamic information – yours will be printed and photocopied.
I will communicate with leaders and experts using email – you will wait for Friday’s speaker.
I will select my learning style – you will use the teacher’s favorite learning style.
I will collaborate with my peers from around the world – you will collaborate with peers in your classroom.
I will take my learning as far as I want – you must wait for the rest of the class.
The cost of a laptop per year? – $250
The cost of teacher and student training? – Expensive
The cost of well educated US citizens and workforce? – Priceless

Is this the way technology is going in your schools? Slowly, with baby steps, we are trying to change the thinking of the teachers and administrators. The more they see technology being used correctly, the more they are interested in implementing it in their classrooms. Baby steps, I have to remember baby steps.

Until next time ~

Danita

Flickr:Baby Steps