Complete (and New Perspectives)

Kites from the Sigur Ros film "Heima"

     So its finished! Two years and my Masters Degree in Educational Technology is done. It feels odd remembering bits and pieces of courses at the beginning: figuring out where the North Bridge was in the map of the inside of a computer; designing a web-quest on the Transcontinental Railroad; creating and exploring new web 2.0 opportunities; and discovering new methods for reaching a variety of learners.
     I could go on and reflect on more than a hundred things I've learned in the past two years, but I don't think that would be entirely beneficial at the moment. What most impressed me; what I most think back on and appreciate above all else are the relationships and interactions with people from all over the US. Yes, they were short. Usually just 8 weeks. But its all about learning new perspectives: seeing things from another point of view; learning what frustrates others; learning what it takes to work together with people you've never met, let alone never seen before.
     21st century learners are going to experience working and collaborating with people of different race, ethnicity, religion, and geographic location if they aren't already doing so. Learning to collaborate - actually working together to achieve a purpose - is not simply about tolerance and respect, its about listening, learning, and opening one's self to the potential of a broader spectrum of understanding. Its admitting that your way may not be the best way, just a possible solution. Its about gaining the humility to accept your own ideas may be embraced, altered, denied, or tinkered with. 
     As an 21st century educator/learner its my responsibility to not simply understand this but to practice it as well. The last two years of online coursework, Skype sessions, discussion forums, and collaborative projects have provided some excellent practice and experiences. Thanks to each of my classmates for having shared. You offered new perspectives in so many different facets of education. You've given me a lot to think about and it will always be greatly appreciated!

  (image collected from http://earthlingsoft.net/ssp/blog/graphics/SigurRosKites.jpeg)
   

iPods, Collaboration, and a hint of Humility

For my inaugural post, I'm quite thrilled. Our learning specialist for ed. tech. just emailed, informing me that we've been offered a set of ipod touches for use 'til the end of the school year! My planning team (consisting of our GT teacher, Media Specialist, and myself) has been researching and dipping our feet into podcasting book reviews from 2nd - 5th graders. As the technology teacher, I've been working this year to engage the students in online activities and the utilization of applications which re-inforce the grade-level standards. For example, students will use Excel to create charts and graphs which they have developed in the classroom. They may not only explore subscription sites like BrainPop or BrainPop Jr. to increase in knowledge of a subject, but play games which adhere and support the standards.
So far, while this has succeeded in engaging the students, it has only mildly touched on areas of creation and collaboration. Strategy, problem-solving, creation, and collaboration are skills which are becoming more an more of a necessity for students, as the world grows smaller and smaller, technologically speaking.
Its easy to be a technological monolith: blogging silently; lurking on user groups and twitter; posting a comment or two on youtube. But to put yourself out there, ask for help, advice, or the opportunity to work with others on accomplishing a common goal requires something more. Its not only inhibition, but a bit of humility as well. What comes with collaboration is not only the assurance that we have something to add, but also that we have something to learn.
The video I've included shows a young boy trying to make a fire using a bowdrill set. Instead of working in isolation, he posted a video, showing what he knew, and asking for help. The video has (as of today) 7, 181 views and 35 comments.
I'm getting there with my own collaboration. I tend to work in isolation, and I like getting the answer on my own. Every time I look at the #edtech twitter feed however, I'm reminded of how much I don't know. I need collaboration. I need help. If I want my students to collaborate, I need to model that first.
How do you collaborate? How are you using technology in your classroom environment? As I get into creating and collaborating with my students I'll post more - especially what we're doing with the iPod touches. I can't wait to see what the kids will show me!