- gliffy - flowcharts
- animoto - slideshows and movies
- audacity - sound editing
- paint.net - image processing
- voicethread - communal digital storytelling
- blogger - blogs
- zotero - new media reference tool
But the quantity of new tools is overwhelming, to say nothing of learning how to use them effectively. The resistance some teachers have to learning web 2.0 tools feels familiar: I, too, am reticient; fearing my already tightly allocated time may be all together obliterated by adapting 'always on' technologies. How could I possibly attend to them all? I'd need to rest less.
So add time management and resource management to the list of essential 21st century skills.
And honestly, by time-management, I'm not wanting to wring more out of my minute. I want to breathe, and quiet my frenetic mind. I see value both in making effecient, effective use of my working hours, and also in taking my non-working hours to myself; to recooperate, reflect, and rest. I want a balanced life, and a life well lived.
How to strike this balance?
5 comments:
Isn't balance what we all hope to magically achieve? I like your blogging language: very poetic, but you don't strike me through your message as an English teacher. I could be wrong - yet another phenomanon to study in regards to Web 2.0 - we think we can figure out who lives behind these screens...regardless - your message is entertaining and enjoyable to read. perhaps that is what "good" blogging should sound like.
Your knowledge of Web 2.0 resources are much more broad than mine. All those tools seem like things I’d love to play around with and use. When using computer applications, I like to learn by trial and error. I have the same issue as you do in that I rarely have the time to show the patience I need to learn all the interesting intricacies of these resources. I know students love to use these things too, but like you said with your trial last year, I want to be as knowledgeable as can be before trying to implement these to my students. I like the practical application of this class and feel it will help me be on my way to success.
Bryan
Have you ever used VoiceThread before? That is a tool that particularly intrigues me. And I don't know if we can ever achieve that perfect balance... I never have enough time to read all I want and learn each new tool as it comes a long. The pace with which these new technologies come into being is what most overwhelms me. I never seem to catch up!
Debby
WOW! I'm already impressed! Your page looks great and I like the list of Web 2.o resources you provide.... I will be sure to make time and look them over!
As for achieving balance... I'm constantly trying to get there. Exercise versus rest... family versus public service... Work versus play... technology versus traditional methods. I think the balance is different for each person. As for the balance with technology, I too feel overwhelemed. At the same time they excite me with the possibilities. It's just a matter of time to find out which technologies work best for me, my students, and our goals!
Mike Coy
Nice (I say that with sheer admiration for your style of prose and for your desire to be efficient and effective -- truly, two of my favorite words).
Thanks for the terrific list of resources and for creating direct hyperlinks -- a true model of how to be efficient.
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