It is with great pleasure that I get to announce that the South Titan Government Blog has won the Blogger's Choice Award presented by the Ed in 08 campaign (see article). I have had some that have said this isn't really a blog in the purest sense, and I would agree, in that I am not personally reflecting on government or education. I would argue that this is the type of interaction, whether a blog or not, that students are asking for in the classroom of the 21st century.
The award for this blog really goes to the students, who have taken the time to post their thoughts and feelings on various topics throughout the year. I have seen incredible growth in the depth of their understanding and the quality of their comments on issues, politics and the world. These students are not only engaged politically, but they do so with an understanding that making flippant remarks will not suffice in a democracy. Substantiating their beliefs with evidence (or at least what they feel is evidence) has become more and more common. Gone are the days of criticizing grammar. All who enter the blog know they must proof or be called out. Therefore, I proceed onward with much fear and trembling (there is not a student alive who doesn't want to proclaim the errors of their teacher). Regardless, these students are some of the most amazing young people in America. Many volunteer in their community, hold a job, compete athletically and musically throughout the year. They are what is good about America. I feel humbled to have had the opportunity to work with them this year.
So where do we go from here? Great question. First it was the You Tube Debates, then Skypeing to Afghanistan, Israel and China and now the Blog of the Year! Feels like the only place to go is down.
So again I ask where do we go from here? I have never felt so motivated and excited to continue to find ways to become a better teacher in the 21st century.
Some of my goals for next year include:
1. Share Ideas - I want to share blogging, skypeing and other great ways to get students engaged with teachers. I mean this morning we spoke for free to an American student in China. Reading about China in a textbook is great, but talking live via video to someone living in China...That is where it is at!!! I think blogging would be an incredible addition to most if not all of our courses offered.
2. Incorporate Student Blogs - I want students to write their own submissions on the blog, not just comment. I think this can be easily done and will really get students discussing topics they find interesting.
3. Learn - Wikis, Live Streaming...I don't really know what is next? I know I want to try to find ways to connect students to experts from around the world via skype or whatever. Textbooks get outdated quickly. Having students discuss ideas and perspectives with experts, ambassadors, other students in real time is probably the next step. I am looking forward to learning.
Well before I sign off I just want to thank Mr. Josh Allen. Check out his blog on technology in the classroom it is called The Tech Fridge.
He is doing an amazing job helping teachers see potential for using technology to enhance the curriculum.
I also want to thank Mrs. Lisa Alfrey for sending me to my first NERDA conference. It helped me formulate some ideas, like blogging and skypeing.
Finally, I just want to thank the administration at our school, namely Dr. Enid Schonewise, for trusting me with trying so many new things in the classroom. I mean she let me use YOU Tube, Blogger and Skype all in one year! That is a risk that many principals, and dare I say even districts, are not willing to take.
So I accept this award on behalf of my students and colleagues at P.L. South High School in little ol' Papillion, Nebraska (pop. 17,703). If we can go global, so can you!
No comments:
Post a Comment