The Blog's Inception

When I heard that we would be using Chromebooks in the classroom, I wanted to familiarize myself with them, so I could use them actively in the classroom. Shortly thereafter, I received an email about a graduate class held nearby and signed up right away. Throughout the class, we learned a plethora of useful information. However, I feared that I might forget some of the ideas and tools we explored. I also didn't know if I would remember how to explain some of the concepts once they become almost routine for me yet very new for others--faculty and students alike. Therefore, when I saw that one of the options for a class project was to create a blog on an educational or classroom topic, I knew this was the way to go.

From the first view of our class assignment options, I knew the blog would become an important artifact in my learning. I knew that it could easily convey the same ideas we talked about and experienced in class with other educators. It could also remind me of some of the great strategies and tools our class on Chromebooks used and shared. As students, we experienced the monumental shift in thought process as well as classroom environment. We truly participated in new, different, and exciting ways. I want to continue that digital atmosphere with my students. Hopefully, if you are reading this, you also want to learn about and create a classroom that provides unique tools for learning, and for life, with which students might not otherwise interact.

I also wanted to create a dialogue that continues throughout the school year among teachers and colleagues. Some of the most valuable assets in education are other teachers and other learners. You can learn something from everyone you meet. Collaboration is key to navigating the digital age in the classroom. This is one of the reasons I included the short poll at the bottom of pages. I want to know what others find useful. My idealistic plan is to foster this professional discussion despite the craziness of our hectic class (and personal) schedules, tons of new students, or grade submissions. I would love to know your thoughts on the information in the blog as well as any suggestions and/or questions you have. I hope to add relevant blog posts whenever I try new Chromebook apps, extensions, add-ons, and other instructional endeavors. Without trial and error, we fail to realize progress. Instead, we stagnate.

Remember not to go overboard or overwhelm yourself. I truly believe technology is only one of many tools we, as educators, introduce to facilitate lifelong learning in our students. Our incorporation of technology enhances the short time we have with our students, so we must immerse ourselves in it yet use it wisely.