I often begin my classes with a quotation or a poem as either a springboard for the day’s lessons or a time to reflect. Some days, the messages mirror our common experiences. Today’s quotation of the day could not be more appropriate. Emerson postulates, “Do not be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better. What if they are a little course, and you may get your coat soiled or torn? What if you do fail, and get fairly rolled in the dirt once or twice. Up again, you shall never be so afraid of a tumble.” After a brief discussion, the students asked me about a time that I “soiled” or “torn” my overcoat. I shared with them my adventure in this course.
I entered the class with both academic and professional confidence. I thought my six and half years of academic studies, teaching, and traveling somehow cemented my place as an accomplished “life long learner.” In reality, this class proves the classical sages’ warnings about learning. Once you reach a place of comfort, true learning ceases. Initially, the class overwhelmed me. At the end of the first class, I decided to take the leap—to take risks-to “be change.” I had to ask for help, experiment, and I decide to apply what I learned in my classes. Despite the lack of working equipment, administrative support and expertise—I learned and taught/introduced my students to web 2.0. Verily, we learned together, as we glogged, gogledocked, prezied, roxioed, podcasted and blogged.
This “E-Venture” permeated all facets of my life, especially my daily communication. In class, I asked cohorts questions about what they discovered and used in the classroom. Our bond grew more deeply this class, because of our shared vulnerability and excitement. Additionally, I did my best to communicate on all of our forums and joined classmates blogs, Skype accounts, and sites. By the time we chose, ning as a forum—I felt more comfortable posting comments, personalizing my page, and uploading videos. I shared with my classmates both sites and applications that found would be better suited for the grade
level /disciplines of my cohorts. I am proud of all of my classmates for not only their bravery, but for their empathy, guidance, and support. Additionally, I enjoyed the freedom to walk over and work side-by-side with everyone during class. I tried most of the tutorials my classmates presented in class. Beyond this class, I have shared what I have read and learned with colleagues and friends. For example, I worked with my Media Specialist to create the Bulletin Board in the library for October: Word Clouds and Web 2.0 Wonders. The bulletin board showcased wordles, tagxedos, and provided links and tutorials for other web 2.0 presentations for class projects. I differentiated all of my projects this quarter that include web 2.0 options. Ultimately, I have been rewarded from sharing this newfound knowledge. My students enjoyed creating in their language, and my colleagues appreciated the ideas. I have posted and created threads on my school web page about topical issues we covered in class such as Internet privacy (“Do You Own Facebook, Or Does Facebook Own You” and other articles from The New Yorker). Ultimately, I have been rewarded from sharing this new found knowledge. My students said these projects were fun and purposeful; I couldn’t ask for more.
The readings paired well with the hands-on-learning in class. I found November’s book practical, and found inspiration in the myriad of possible web 2.0 applications and activities. Conversely, Levin’s and Shrum’s ideas would be more applicable to me if I taught at public school or if I were an administrator. Tapscott’s, Grown Digital, balanced the technical verbiage with the soul of the GenNet generation. The book promoted hope and optimism rather than dismissing and stereotyping an entire generation.
At the close of our last class; I am surprised at what I gained.
The class inspired me to learn, communicate, and share in a different medium and language. I did not realize what I had accomplished until I edited my blog. I title my BlogSpot, “Techno-opportunities,” as homage to this adventure. I tried my best to integrate what I read and learning inside class and within my own classes. In the face of personal tragedy, I truly missed class last week. I aspire to continue my E-venture beyond this class to promote my students’ potential. I fully engaged and embraced the “process,” taking risks, and applying these skills into my teaching practices. I have worked just as hard in my preceding classes, without the safety net of seeing “A’s” on my papers. Despite my nerves and need for order, I feel my accomplishments merit and represent more than an A or A-. I have traversed and toiled, but I have also transcended my own fears.
Thank you for this gift Marialice, and I miss you already…
