Breanna Atlee Module #2

For this week's tasks I chose to try Twitter (For the first time -odd since I'm technically a Millennial) and a digital story. This post will be about my Twitter experience this week and one of the articles that I read. 

Being new to Twitter, I had no real idea who or what to follow, so I searched for educational topics and Twitterers. One of the suggested Tweeters, I unfollowed very quickly as most of what they posted had very little to do with education, even though it came up in my search. (First lesson learned... be more diligent in who and what it is that you are looking for and following.) So far the others I am following are ok, some mostly political, but others more fluff than of any helpful substance. There were a lot of posts about math CCSS and why we made the transition, how we're doing, where we still need to improve...Frankly, I am mathed to death in my district and could really use a break from that discussion. 

The article that did catch my attention was one posted by Arne Duncan the Secretary of Ed. I'm not usually big into politics and listening to, or reading what politicians have to say, but this one grabbed me. The article was called "What can Technology Do for Tomorrow's Children?". (https://medium.com/bright/what-can-technology-do-for-tomorrow-s-children-3357831990c7) I think this article grabbed my attention because I'm at a place were although I am teaching in a technology rich building, I just don't feel like what we do with it is what is going to propel our students to be the 21 Century learners we are expected to help them to be. One of the largest topics in the article discussed the equity in technology. Making sure the the gap between those who have and those who don't doesn't continue to grow, but levels out. With the access to so much free technology and technology tools in schools, it really could be the great equalizer. The article also discussed having both students and teachers become the creators of technology. Designing and creating and using the technologies that best suit them. Of course, what article about education would be complete without mention of making it sustainable for educators. 

My favorite quote from the article was, "All students have a right to an education that helps them realize their greatest potential. This right should not be affected by geographic location, family income, language, race, or background. Technology can help to expand opportunities for students that may not be available to them within the bounds of their physical classrooms." Coming from a school in the far north suburbs, whose population is over 50% low income, 40% bilingual/ELL and ethnically diverse, this resonates with me. Some of my students do not have computers at home, or even internet, but they do have smart phones or tablets. This technology thing really could be the thing that changes everything. 

As this was an article pertaining to teachers more than students, I can't say that it has an application to Bloom's, other than my own understanding, applying, analysing, evaluating and creating in terms of what and how I choose to use technology in my classroom. I definitely see how following the ISTE standards for teachers would be a useful tool to helping me bridge the gaps in my classroom and to help in ensuring that my students are more active in using technology, versus passive. 

I think PLNs are a great way for teachers to collaborate and continue to learn and grow in our field and craft. I think that there are so many resources out there that it may take some time to narrow down and pinpoint good networks to be involved in, but welcome the idea and the opportunity to continue to explore.


Wiki Link: http://nlusummer2015webworkshop.blogspot.com/2015/08/breanna-atlee-intro.html