Not Your Father's Classroom...

Who am I kidding? This isn't my classroom, or even the classroom from my first year of teaching! This decade has been a whirlwhind. So much change, so much innovation, so many new ways to teach and learn. At the same time, it always feels like there isn't enough time in the day to keep up, much less develop ways to implement all the new technology into your classroom.

I feel like there's been some catch-up in the last few years, however, and being a part of Edina's Teaching & Technology cohort will only help. After all, a few years ago I would not have read this article about being a 21st century teacher, much less pass it on after identifying with many of the points.

Here's to staying above water...

New Learning, Same Joy

Last night was the first class meeting for Edina's Teaching & Technology cohort. I am very excited to be a part of this group, working with and learning from Edina colleagues. One of the highlights was a group activity where everyone created a Google Map, highlighting the places they've lived and the technology they lived with at the time. Thinking back to days of VCRs, TVs without remotes, the original Nintendo, and even Atari (what up, Frogger?!) was great. It was a fitting exercise to do on a day I happened to read a great obituary on The Walkman.

What I couldn't escape after last night's session was this realization: I really do enjoy learning. I know that sounds simple and perhaps obvious, but I don't think all teachers sincerely agree with me on that point. The challenge is exciting, new concepts are invigorating, and collaborating with people I work with is, quite frankly, refreshing.

So here's the challenge to myself: do whatever it takes to instill this in my students who don't have it, and foster that love for the students who already do enjoy learning. Being an example in my room on a daily basis, and modeling those behaviors is huge...I think that's why nights like last night are so important. You can be reminded of a basic fact you may have forgotten, and that simple "aha" moment can go a long way.