Summarizing my Experience with 23 Things

My Journey

It feels like I pushed a fast forward button to move me toward the present day technology, things that my students have been using since they were born. I have found so many useful technological learning tools with 23 Things. As a digital immigrant, it supports my lifelong learning with 21^st Century internet tools that I’m sure will be integrated into education more through the coming years. Based on my observations of colleagues, I don’t think I’m ahead of everyone – but I think I caught the 2^nd cybership toward the future of education.

Suggestions

I will absolutely participate in another discovery education program when it is offered. Things that would’ve helped me are as follows: 1) this program would’ve been easier for me if I had a partner. I don’t know how others feel, but for me, one or two face-to-face meetings would’ve helped me to connect with others. 2) I think using different methods for blogging and interacting with other colleagues would encourage a little more collaboration. Throughout this entire learning process, I was basically on my own. It was sometimes difficult and very time consuming. 3) I would like to learn more about software and interactive internet sites where students play educational video games for learning in content areas of language arts, math, science, social studies.

Favorites in Ning Network

My favorite learning tools were the fabulous student examples in Voicethread found in Ning Network Classroom 2.0 comments in Best Web 2.0 Tools by blogger Wanda Cotta AND the Open History Project found in Ning Network Classroom 2.0, History. Learning with Sound, Motion, and Interactivity group created by Ed Jones. This website has links to many different interactive games to connect students with learning history, geography, and other cultures.

Plans 2010 – 2011

I have many plans for all my efforts in learning through the 23 Things learning journey.

1) I will to continue to build my blog and keep it current. I want to use the blog to communicate school and classroom activities with parents and students with access to internet.

2) I will join a professional organization in education that focuses on teaching & learning through the use of technology, computers, and internet tools.

3) I will be using many of these tools with students through the coming years. I already have plenty of ideas.

4) I want to collaborate with a teacher using some of the tools within the school to see how things go. It’s always nice when there is someone to work with when so many things are new. I also want to collaborate with the librarian with some lessons using library books and Voicethread.

5) I want to develop some teaching and learning modules using wikis. I already have 2 project based learning modules that are created using MS Word. I can merge that information into a wiki, moodle, blog, or whatever works best with the projects.

6) I would like to get involved with social networking in the Classroom 2.0 community with my own Ning Network.

On Staying Current

My plans to keep up with new developments in technology are to begin a doctorate program related to Technology in Education. I’ll also join a professional organization and attend some conferences focused on technology in education.