Monday, April 27, 2009

Being Careful with Blogs

After today's blogging class, I realize that we have to be careful before using blogs in the classroom. I am going to spend a lot of time this summer developing guidelines for my blog if I decide to implement it. I found great student blogging contracts on the Internet. So, I will use them as a starting point to create my own.

I also learned that it's important to share my intentions for my blog and/or wiki and/or web page with my principal. He has encouraged the use of web pages for student engagement and parent involvement. I was even asked to present a workshop on it at our school. However, I do feel that the more students get used to this technology, the more they might stray away from the original purposes intended by the teacher. Therefore, it's important to be proactive.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Sharing Resources

In our blogging class, our instructor mentioned that blogging would be a great way for teachers to share resources and discuss ideas in lieu of an actual meeting that requires a lot of time. I think she's right, but then I question whether teachers would be willing to openly share their resources or ideas over blogs. For one thing, many teachers are unfamiliar with this technology. Secondly, many teachers feel a sense of ownership over their resources, particularly lessons they may have spent years perfecting. They may not be willing to share these resources.

The unwillingness to share came up at my school when we were implementing the Atlas Rubicon program. I was asked to re-deliver this training to a group of teachers because I teach computer classes. Unfortunately, the attitude of some of the teachers was very negative. I understood that some were negative because they were just frustrated with the program because it kept crashing and freezing. Others were negative because they did not want to make their lessons available to any teacher who may be searching for them. One veteran said, "This is my life's work. Why should I just give it away to anyone?"

I have pondered her question for months. I think I finally have my answer. I think she, and other teachers, should be willing to share their resources because it could improve the performance of other teachers. Therefore, it will, hopefully, improve the success of many more students than just those students a teacher actually teaches in his/her class. I think that should be our goal -- helping students succeed. So, we should share resources because it helps us achieve that goal.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Apples Magazine

I added a link to Apples Magazine. This is a magazine that I founded this year that is for teachers. My husband and I essentially put out the magazine by ourselves each month from August through May. It has been difficult, but rewarding. In the magazine, I share ideas that are designed to make life easier for teachers. The magazine is distributed in several counties across Georgia and Alabama. You can also get it at Barnes & Noble in Columbus. I hope you read the magazine.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Learning More About Blogging

I am taking a blogging class at this very moment that is offered by my school district. I am excited to learn more about the ways I can utilize blogs in my classes. I hope to implement something next school year. My attempts with wikis have had mixed results in the past. So, maybe blogging will be better.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Sunday Night

On Sunday nights, I start to wind down and think about the week ahead of me. Usually, I leave myself in a good position for the coming week on Fridays. Before leaving school, I always get my classroom set up for Monday. I update my boards and even prepare my PowerPoints. Honestly, what I usually have the most trouble with is setting out my clothes for the week and thinking about what I'll be bringing for lunch. Go figure...

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

6 Weeks Left in School

We just got back from Spring Break yesterday. Now, we have 6 weeks left with no holidays. This is that rough spot, where students start to get restless. Yesterday was a tough day. I could tell that the students didn't want to be here, plus the weather was bad. I'm hoping today will be a better day. I'm trying to have a positive attitude.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Welcome to my blog!

I am a business education teacher in Georgia. I'm new at blogging, but I think it is a useful way to express yourself and connect to others. I teach Accounting I and II, Business Document Processing, and IB Business & Management. The teaching load is stressful, but I guess everyone's teaching load is stressful. Nevertheless, I am happy to have a job in this economy.