You are not off the hook... ever in teaching

I don't really like to blog because I guess I am more a listener.  But I had to post this wherever I could.  We can't let teachers off the hook.....



http://dangerouslyirrelevant.org/2010/09/we-cant-let-educators-off-the-hook.html

I'm tired of the excuses

As I was reading I had two reactions.  This is really going peeve some people off and Amen Brother.  So I am not going to add any additional thoughts to this blog post because the 94 comments just riled me up!

Goal 4: Weeding through all of the stuff

I am back on track on my goals.  Just like the running.  Keep at it.  I guess I have been doing better with my running than my 30 goals. 

I actually completed this goal about a month ago and I didn't realize until today that I have already subscribed and commented to a new blog.  I have begun following the blog http://1to1schools.net/.  This is great outlet and inspiration for the http://facilitatinga1to1.blogspot.com/ I am contributing to. 

I have been trying to weed through some of the many blogs that I found interesting and prioritizing a bit the ones that can really help me professionally and personally. I use my iGoogle as my morning coffee reading and posting.  I have google reader but I have found iGoogle works better for me as it is my home page.  I use tweet deck, but honestly I only really check the most tweeted comments at the end of the day if I do that. 

I would love to hear of some great strategies as to "weed" through all of these blogs, tweets, and posts.  Please send them my way!

Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Day 3: Start a New Adventure

Day 3 didn't have to be tech related and nor should it be.  I am starting my adventure to complete the Outerbanks 1/2 Marathon this coming November.  This is my journey to meet up with on November 14th.  I will have the chance to rebuild my running.  It has been at least 5 years since my last full marathon and I get to enjoy the "ride" with some great friends along my favorite coast. 

Of course this some how turns back to Education, as most items in my life do. 

100% of net proceeds are split 50/50 by the Dare Education Foundation and the Outer Banks Relief Foundation.

Check out the OuterBanks Races in November!

Day 2: Blog Carnival

I did it I am now on Day 2.  Interesting concept this blog carnival thang?!  The long and the short of a blog carnival that I can see is that it is a great way to get your blog noticed and get participation from interested and relevant parties.  I didn't find one that I felt like joining yet, however I am not giving up on the idea yet. 

I did find a very useful blog and carnival that I am going to recommend to the ESL teachers I will be working with in a few weeks.  The English Language Technology term was very new to me and something I have been thinking about for quite some time.  I am glad to see that there is a movement towards integrating technology to meet the needs of the English Language Learner.  Here is my new blog to follow http://educationaltechnologyinelt.blogspot.com/2010/05/visual-literacy-flickr-fed-web-20-tools.html

Best of all I really enjoyed the blog carnival post on the Q&A English-Learning Blog.  What a clever way to answer basic blog carnival questions while directing the reader to some great new posts.

Like I stated before, I am not giving up on this blog carnival thang yet...

Day 1: 30 Goals in 30 Days Challenge

Day 1: Diary Entry

This diary entry stems from accepting the 30 Goals in 30 days challenge.  I am looking forward to starting this but as with any 30 day system I start off with great gusto and lag to the finish line.   I am making it a mandatory task to complete this task.  However, completing these tasks within 30 consecutive days is not mandatory.

Taking on this challenge is attributed to my continuous effort to carry out my teaching Mantra:  "The Day I Stop Learning, Is the Day I stop Teaching"  I don't know who said that or if I actually could patent it as my own.  I consistently refer to this while working with teachers and students.

How can I be a hypocrite and sit at my desk preparing for learners and not develop my own learning environment.  Sure, it was easy when I was working on my Masters Degree.  I had the opportunity to always make my learning relevant.  I also had the large tuition bill to push me to achieve these tasks in a more timely manner.  The one thing I really did learn from this experience of learning while teaching was that it made it so much more enjoyable to develop lessons.  I am a glutton for punishment and I do love to develop lessons.  Why?  Because these lessons are authentic and tailored to the students' needs, not just the standards goal for that particular date and time.  Nerdy as it may be... I love learning and teaching.

So, Day 1 was to write a journal or diary entry.  There, I published it....

Why am I doing this 30 days?  I want to carry out my teaching Mantra and encourage others to do the same. 

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When I Become a Teacher

I don’t quite remember where I was when I first saw this, but I would have to say this was the video that started it all.  This is the video that made me think about what I really want to do with my education degree.

More Moodle

Moodle is quickly replacing the age old blackboard system.  There are several "free" tools out there that teachers and students can utilize to collaborate and contribute transparently with daily coursework.  Moodle has quickly become my personal tool of choice for hosting courses, promoting participation and collaboration amongst student and adult learners.  Here are a few helpful links for those starting out with Moodle or just looking to refine some Moodle skills.

Considerations for Implementing Moodle: http://www.mguhlin.org/2009/02/moodle-habitudes-constructing-online.html

2 Minute Moodle Tutorials: http://human.edublogs.org/moodle-tutorials-2-minute-moodles/

I have to admit I was a self-taught Moodler and I could have used some of these sites and tips.  Please feel free to share your experience(s) with Moodle.