Tool #2

I think being a part of an online learning community is just a natural part of what we should be doing at this point...it is where everything is going anyway. Everything can be done online now, from finding a home remedy for tonsilitis to completing coursework for a doctorate, so it would only make sense that educators use this tool as a way to stay abreast of current educational issues and weigh in on these as well as others' thoughts with regards to them.

I think of the commenting advice, Coolcatteacher is right is saying that you should be aware of Darth Commentor (however that is written)...there are those out there who are just waiting for someone to devour, and it's pretty easy when you are not face to face with the person, isn't it. Of the other advice, I think we should invite others to comment on what we post (don't you think so?), either by being open-ended or by asking leading questions.

Blogs I selected to comment on...? Well, I just looked down at who commented on the Tool #2 information and picked people from there (Eric, Lisa, Marisela, Solana, Mrs. Peterson)...probably not the most original way to do it, but certainly cost-effective with regard to my time (I have two elementary schoolers upstairs and they could need me at any minute...to pry them away from each other!!!).

Who did you (if you happen to be reading this) pick to stalk? Just kidding...but really...?

Tool #1 -- How I can use this in the classroom

Gee...I am figuring that I could probably allow my students to access this from a computer and that way force them to read (cue malicious, witch-like, sinister laughter) and give assignments this way...it is somewhat more exciting than getting it straight from me, I would imagine.

I could also see this as a way to keep communicating with them, allow them access to certain articles, books, etc., that we might not have time to discuss in class, etc. I think the more I think about it, the more applications I would see for this in terms of using it with my students.

It was interesting getting it all done, but it wasn't so difficult...just time consuming. But it is nice to have this thing out there now...!

The kids...

...are just so interesting. I mean, I do remember having all of those off and on moments with my brothers as we were growing up, sometimes fighting, sometimes walking about the house arm-in-arm, but the perspective is entirely different as a parent...especially as a part-time stay-home parent. They get along just fine for a while, then someone wants to control the other, and the other doesn't give in; that is all it takes. I try to stay out of it...and typcially I do... ... ... ...until the thing escalates and my sanity dangerously approaches being compromised. At this point, each is sent to his/her own room to reflect on his/her actions, and when they are ready to return to some normalcy (ahem... ...and "tee hee"), they may exit their rooms and find some common ground. This is what I have come up with in lieu of abusive screaming and corporal punishment, so I am wondering when we get to the point where they actually become proactive so they don't have to go to their rooms... ... ...? Sure, they are pretty young (5 and nearly 7), I was kinda hoping that if they had to think about what they did and respond to it afterwards, perhaps they would get to the thinking about it part before taking the wrong turn. Am I expecting too much...?

Never blogged before...

So, yeah, Facebook is about it so far, along with the occasional friend's blog, so this is entirely new. Not entirely sure what I should be talking about just yet, since this is, I think, supposed to be all educational, but I guess once I really get started (and that would be now, right?) then I'll get used to it. It just feels strange starting out...not really knowing in what direction this is supposed to go or what is expected of me...and then, of course, I am wondering how many of my coworkers have already done this (I can think of a few who would have already moved along quite rapidly). Anyway, this is just going to be it for now, since we are on "vacation"...uh huh...as I sit here in the living room listening to the kids arguing over a toy upstairs... ... ...oh, boy...