So this is my first blog entry...ever! And, I have to say, it feels quite nice to be able to express my thoughts and feelings especially as I begin my year being a part of Brock’s Faculty of Education. The first week of classes so far has been amazing. All of my instructors are great, my colleagues are all friendly, and I’m really looking forward to the learning and growing that is to come in the year that lies ahead.
I took the course Computers and Technology in the Secondary Classroom because I realized that I could definitely benefit from learning something about the importance and application of technology within the school environment. My technological skills go about as far as using Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, e-mail, and search engines (are these even considered skills anymore in 2011??). I was initially apprehensive when I discovered that I was going to be creating a Twitter account (follow me! @sarahcasuccio) and creating a blog (the name of it is a play on Julius Caesar’s famous quote “Veni, vidi, vici” and to a history major like myself, it’s clever not corny :) ) but I’ve realized that this year, I’m going to pushed outside of my comfort zone and I need to embrace that and sometimes take risks, especially because that’s when the best kind of learning can take place. I believe that in our society today, technology definitely has its place within education so long as it enhances, not shadows, it. Therefore, I hope that by taking this course, I can get in touch with my technological side and remain open-minded to the amazing opportunities I can take to enrich the learning of my future students. This blog can be considered step one...
Hi Sarah,
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking this first step. The thing with social media, I've found, is that it, once you start putting your ideas out there, you actually start to find other ideas gathering around you. Granted, many of those that you find here will agree with your point of view. Hope for some alternative perspectives because they will get you thinking in new ways.
Teaching can be a very isolating place. We didn't have social media when I started this work and so ideas were only shared with those in my vicinity. Things have changed and its possible to create and nurture communities from the far reaches of the globe.
Enjoy this work. Enjoy this year and, most of all, enjoy this wonderful profession. It's not always easy, but it is always life-giving.
Take good care of yourself, and take good care of your ideas!
Awesome first step Sarah. And I agree with your twitter thoughts. Personally, I'm still wandering around with a huge "what on earth am I doing here on this 140 character thingy" sign in the middle of my forehead. But, I think half the fun of this class will be our willingness to try, and play, and dream up possible ways to use the tools we're being exposed to.
ReplyDeleteGo Sarah Go!!
ReplyDeleteJust incredible how open minded you are. So glad that you are choosing to tackle something that might have seemed daunting. So glad that you see the potential and benefit of a network.
I am humbled by the fact that I get to be part of your journey. Congratulations on completing step one.
I really like your first blog post Sarah. You are open minded and willing to take the first steps on a new journey - awesome. I am sure you will find this path very worthwhile.
ReplyDelete~Mark
@markwcarbone
Sorry for the late reply to all of your comments. I just wanted to thank you all for your thoughtful words and say how encouraging it is to receive feedback along this journey of mine. Thanks again and take care.
ReplyDeleteSarah