Three things I learned this week...
* I have been teaching my sixth graders the importance of vivid verbs as they write fantasy stories this week and was impacted by George Couros' use of two verbs (leverage and immerse) in his blog.
As he talked about the intersection between learning and technology, I loved that teachers need to leverage technology to give students opportunities. If I am leveraging something, I have some power over it. Many times it feels like the technology is overpowering me. As I explore and learn, I can give my students amazing opportunities without worrying about how to manage the technology that takes them on an exciting path.
* Courus' words encouraged me not to become overly concerned with the way twitter impacts my time for awhile. When he said that transformation comes from becoming immersed in the process, I was relieved. There are so many bunny trails that I get sidetracked with as I start exploring. That seems like a good thing now instead of something to manage or fix.
* After viewing the youtube about twitter, I decided to try #newyorkcitymarathon. My daughter is running it tomorrow. Her husband sends me updates, but by checking this out, I learned how I can follow her progress closely. Love this!
Two affirmation for the week
* My affirmations are related. First, I am not the last person on Earth to try twitter for the first time, and second, it is not too late to join in. Julie reassured me by saying that it's okay to be a taker/lurker for awhile. I've never aspired to be called a lurker, but it might become a new hobby! : )
One remaining question
* I am a little concerned about privacy, and I wasn't able to see the twitter setting where my location isn't disclosed and where I am only tagged by people whom I follow. I watched that section a couple of times, and don't see those choices on my Apple 6 phone. Tips?
Hope I am not double posting this, but . . .
ReplyDelete"If I am leveraging something, I have some power over it." I think that is important. Technology ought not to be an end in itself, it needs to serve. Sometimes I think people might get caught up in the tool itself rather than in how it can be used to augment (not replace entirely) existing methods of teaching.
And there is nothing to be ashamed of being a "lurker". I've managed to glean a lot of tips, shortcuts, better ways of doing things, from watch other people's posts. Just be sure to ask questions when you need to, or even better, help out when you see something you feel comfortable commenting on.
All the best,
Fred DeWit
Fred: Thanks for your comments. Sometimes it does feel like I try technology techniques because they are bright and shiny. I usually rationalize the time put into them by saying that I won't know if I like them better than the tried and true until I give them a whirl. The main problem for me comes when I decide that I have to keep using the new because I've put so much time into learning it. And, so it goes! Being able to discern the usefulness of a tool without actually using it seems to be the real skill that I need. Thanks again! Val
DeleteI love that lurking can be a hobby. I should add that to my 'skill sheet' soon!
ReplyDeleteI feel as though you should be able to change those privacy settings no matter which phone you have. Try going to your iPhones settings-privacy-location services- then scroll until you see the Twitter App. You should be able to select "Never" or "While Using the App"
Hope that helps!
Thanks for the help with privacy settings--got it! Thanks so much! Val
DeleteThanks for the help with privacy settings--got it! Thanks so much! Val
DeleteHi Val! First, I'm terrified of English teachers. I know grammar is NOT my strength, so I hope you're not too critical of my writing on my blog as we're on the same team! :) I'm so glad that you can ask questions and others can jump in to help. Keep asking away and we can help --hopefully!
ReplyDeleteHow did your daughter do at the New York City Marathon? Great way to start following and getting an understanding of what Twitter is all about.