(Return to K12online 2006)
Hi! I attempted to join the Fireside Chat tonight, and (my luck) the ISP went down for 45 minutes. All I did get to do was introduce myself, though i forgot to mention that I am an elementary school library media specialist. I am learning blogging, podcasting, and using/creating wikis. I am concerned right now with schools in my area that are blocking blogs...though not in my district yet. I am still really fuzzy on subscribing to podcasts, but am willing to learn.
I hope to make valueable contributions to users or visitors who consider themselves "beginners."
My questions:
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Should we place technorati tags here? (as one can tell, Wikis are at the edge of my comfort zone.)
I think not. This wiki will not take HTML. I can set up an RSS feed for this site, and may already have done that. I don't remember.
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Hitchhikr is still not clear to me. Screen is BUSY.
You're right. There is a lot of information involved, and it should be layered better. I've also been thinking of creating a mobile version, so that people can follow a conference while there with their phones or PDAs.
I just want to second what Kim Cofino (Malyasia) said (about constant exposure to technology, but still being an immigrant.) I am from a very large family who just got by growing up. But as I finished college in '86, I realized I had MUCH exposure to technology through my high school (Lancaster High School, Lancaster, SC) and felt immediately in college that I had an advantage over many of my classamtes. I graduated from Winthrop College (Rock Hill, SC) in '86. I never struggled with using any of it. I had exposure to my first computers in high school, and in college the first one I actually owned was an Apple IIE. I NEVER once used a calculator to do grades, but instead set up my db using Works to calculate for me, and even merge to print out reports to send home. I didn't feel "smarter" than my colleagues, but instead invited them to come learn and use my computer. I literally converted many of them, who would visit my room to "do" their grades too. I used PrintShop way back then, and then when that 14.4 modem became available, went out to buy my IBM PC. By the time I had a 56K modem, the schools in SC began the standard practice of networking school buildings, but not mine. We had a network with a canned program (sort of like CCC), but nothing else. I don't even remember Office being part of the program. I do remember having to create a rotating schedule so kids could do their "skill, drill" time on the computer. This is when I began to realize that I had a knack for picking up programs and using them, and showing others the potential for using them in the curriculum. So after finishing a Masters in Ed I went back to do a Master's in Library Science, because I felt I could be more of a catalyst in this role. It is true that a lot of my friends think I have a broad wealth of computer knowledge, but I like to say I know a "little" about a lot. I have presented at state level conferences for years, and even garnered myself an invitation to work a three day workshop just outside of Nashville, TN. I am considering proposing to present at some of the bigger conferences, and did actually have a presentation last year at FETC. My friends and colleagues tell me I should, but I keep falling back on the thought that I am not a digital native, but still an immigrant, and that again, "I know a little about a lot." My own teenage son made me abundantly aware of that when at age 16 (a few years ago) made me realize I needed a firewire for my video camera. (And I had no idea how he knew it, but he was right.) After reading Purpose-Driven Life, I am a firm believer that I am doing what I am meant to do, and that is enlighten others and make them independent learners so they can a better person or student, and the library really gives me that opportunity daily.