Nike!26.2 miles is a pretty random distance for a marathon. On the Plains of Abraham in 190 BC, well before instant messaging was invented, news of the Athenian victory over the attacking Persians had to be relayed to Athens. The messenger Pheidippides was dispatched to run the entire distance of 24 miles in his leather sandals - ouch! On arrival in Athens, he gasped out “Nike!” (seriously, he actually did because it’s the Greek word for victory) before he collapsed from exhaustion and died. This feat was immortalized in the running of the marathon. In the 1912 Olympics some brilliant race director decided to extend the distance to 26.2 miles so that the marathon would conveniently end in front of the Swedish royal box. As any marathoner will tell you, it’s this last extra bit that finishes you off.
As I write this post I’m experiencing the exhaustion of traveling a long journey and now struggling to finish off the last extra bit of this coursework. I’ve sat here at the computer for quite some time, languishing in a bit of a befuddled daze, wondering what profound things I should say. I’ve decided I’m giving up on profound and am just going to write.
And the Gold Medal goes to…
The achievement I am most proud of from this course is the quantum leap I have taken in my facility with technology. From a hesitant, nervous, reticent dabbler I have grown in my confidence, knowledge and abilities in using Web 2.0 applications. I am now able to hold my own in discussions about the merits of wikis, can explain the reasons that educators should blog, can easily send a VoiceThread, and can deal with RSS feeds in my sleep. (Actually I once did this during a particularly distressing nightmare during the course!)
As a side benefit I am now comfortable using my new Apple laptop and my basic computer skills knowledge has gone through the roof. I can move files around, save and insert images, locate needed online information, insert links into word processing documents and feel more at ease reading, learning and working in a more or less paperless environment. I was able to take multi-tasking to new heights by having my computer read course articles aloud to me while I painted window and door trim during our renovations.
And the Silver Medal goes to…
Another big shift for me was learning a whole new way of approaching web technology. If there is something I can’t do or don’t understand, I have the tools to go about finding the answers. I am no longer totally dependent upon my children, colleagues or district workshops for technology instruction. I am in charge of my own professional development. I know how to find the answers in virtual libraries, data bases or through online searching. Needed information is delivered to me through GooglerReader at RSS feeds, or I can tap into the 2.0 community to ask questions or engage in discussions. I can shift from one application to another, follow links, play music, converse on a ning, watch something on YouTube whilst writing a blog post. My computer habits have changed to the point that my college-aged daughter brags to her friends that, “My mom can do things on the computer that I bet your mom can’t!”
And the Bronze Medal goes to…
Gaining a better understanding how Web 2.0 tools can support education was another high point in my learning this course. I really enjoyed using Will Richardson’s Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts and other powerful Web Tools for Classrooms as the course textbook. It is probably one of the most practical, useful and cheapest textbooks I’ve every used! Using Richardson’s comments as a starting point on which to hang our learning was a great decision by our instructor. He guided us step-by-step through the practical aspects of learning to use each tool. With the big picture in mind I was equipped to do my own research investigations, make connections and develop insights.
I have also learned that “playing with mastering Web 2.0 tools” is job one for any teacher seriously interested in introducing the Read/Write web into educational practice. I appreciated the “luxury” having time to discover the features of an application.
The Agony of Defeat – For Awhile Anyway
Rather like Pheidippides, the podcast unit was almost the death of me! If I gasped anything before rolling over and collapsing it was, “Thank goodness, it’s over!” The problem was that there was just too much to do – reading Richardson, following trailfires, doing our own research, organizing a script, then figuring out how to make the podcast, using Garage Band, trying Audacity and the Podcast booklet instructions, adding music from iTunes, then conversions wouldn’t work and then finally figuring out how to use Archive.org to post it. I was so worked up over this process, I even had a good cry one evening! When it was done I was amazed that I’d finished the podcast, but at what cost? There has to be a simpler way to create a podcast, perhaps using one comprehensive application. I couldn’t possibly imagine teaching this process to students or staff members. If anyone can recommend an easier route through the podcast process please cough up the answer. This is one Web 2.0 application I really need to master...I suppose. Note the sense of excitement?
Setting up my blog was also extremely challenging, but once I stopped procrastinating and got down to it, the whole process became easier. I appreciated our instructor Joanne encouraging me through this first big leap of faith. Blogging each week and revisiting this tool went a long way toward reinforcing my knowledge of the application software’s capabilities.
Key Things I’ve Learned from Others in the Class
After entering individual URLs all semester, I finally added my classmates to my RSS feed and Bloglines this week (about time, I know!). Today I visited everyone’s site, read the blog messages and truly realized what a wonderful resources these people have been to me during the course. I thank them so much for being partners in shaping my learning and development during this class. That old adage about many hands making light work is true. These super sleuths found amazing resources that I never came across in my own searching. Some comments:
Selena-
Has always been so encouraging, and made one of the first entries on my blog for which she has earned my undying gratitude! Loved the quote in her last blog post… In the words of the mathematician and philosopher, Alfred North Whitehead, “Ideas won't keep; something must be done about them”. This has to get up on my library’s walls – somewhere! Her post on Wikis
from November 30 is one I need to revisit when I need answers.
Jill –
Her suggestions for sustaining change are worth rereading when I’m back to work in September and creating my information literacy action plan. Key quote: “it is important to be reflective when introducing new technologies, rather than simply using every technology we hear about.” How true!
Rhonda -
Connected me to Anne Davis, Karl Fisch and Wesley Fryer through her blog posts – three Edublog gurus I’d never heard of which made for very interesting reading and new insights.
Very impressed by her creation of another podcast and hope to contact her as a resource in future. Speed dial?
Christine -
Enjoyed her input in discussions and her crazy, entertaining posts which are always fun to read. Has collected a huge selection of wiki information - videos, practical pages great for beginners, examples, etc. which I can investigate and also share with my staff.
Cynthia -
Always comes up with very practical suggestions that speak to my nature – such as Steve Dembo’s Teacher42 ideas of writing blog thank you notes and using a mission statement. This last post Moving Web 2.0 Towards School 2.0 contained a list of very practical ideas which built upon suggestions of Michael Fullan (who I am familiar with from my curriculum coursework on change agents).
Heather -
Also ecommended Anne Davis site, which really was helpful with my last post. Blogs are also her tool of choice and she recommended 50 Useful Blogging Tools for Teachers by Alisa Miller – absolutely WONDERFUL site! I can't wait to snoop through this during the holidays, Heather. Thanks so much for connecting me to this.
April -
Another blogger convert with a list of good classroomblog sites to visit. I appreciated that April posts often take a different perspective and help me to consider new aspects of a tool. I also learned all about Meez from April.
Darryl -
His Videothread blog inspired me to try one! Offers “lunch & learn” technology sessions – something I’d like to try. He’s had success working with teachers on websites. I appreciated reading Darryl's concerns about the use of Facebook by educators and that nings and other tools might be better options. I had similar thoughts and so it was nice to find support in another class member.
Jessica -
Has created a wonderful First Nations Voicethread Project which I am eager to learn more about. She's bravely taken the plunge and is out there "Livin' the Dream". Can't wait to hear how things went as I want to share these projects with my Socials Department Head and try them together with his class. Appreciated Jess' regular comments on my blog posts.
Joanne -
Thanks to my "guide on the side" who encouraged me throughout the course, listening to me during my meltdown phone call, answering my questions, providing feedback and supporting me through tough times. The great news is I don't have to say goodbye because I'm taking another course with Joanne next semester.
Where do I go in terms of learning about technologies?
Here are a few of the things on my “Honey Do” list in no particular order. Some I’ll tackle during the Christmas break and some will be an ongoing focus. Learning has to become a daily habit. As Stephen Downes says, “This is a necessity. Make it a priority.” You wanted intimidation factor?
Learn to use the Webcam feature of my computer.
Identify a good website software for setting up a school library website.
Plan and begin development of own library website.
Set up RSS feeds for favourite bloggers.
Become aware of virtual libraries.
Work on gathering information for a technology information/literacy plan for the school.
Visit The Clever Sheep http://thecleversheep.blogspot.com/2008/11/12-tools-to-teach-about-creative.html Rodd Lucier to learn all about creative commons – what it is etc.
Train myself to check Google reader daily
Learn how to subscribe to podcasts and put them onto my iPod touch to listen to when I fly, drive, drive…
Learn how to do a power point style presentation with sound.
Get into a habit of checking my Google Reader daily.
Keep emails down to less than 10 items.
Learn how to download books from the local library’s collection to iPod.
Finish going through my iPod Touch features guide.
Keep blogging.
Read more blogs, especially those written by Edubloggers.
Master the art of creating podcasts.
Set up a wiki for our District’s Langley Book of the Year program.
Review all the information from our course.
Set up a program to ensure that my own Web 2.0 learning continues.
Keep working on VoiceThreads.
The Finish Line? No Way! This Marathon has No End...
This is my last formal course blog post. I probably won’t be writing such lengthy entries anymore (I heard that applause) because I’ll be writing just for my own purposes instead of course criteria. I now find myself in the central position of the Web 2.0 network. A realm of possible paths beckon and I know that I have the skills in place to be in charge of my own path of discovery. I shall be embarking on my own personal inquiry project as I continue the marathon I've begun this course. I hope to see you along the way.
