Filed under: ECI 831
My wife was working on report cards on my laptop when she announced that this thing popped up and the computer was “ringing”. Because I have Skype set to sign me in automatically, I discovered that fellow classmate Dave Bircher was “calling”. Dave used to teach in my area, and I have known him for some time. Not wanting to interrupt my wife, I quickly answered Dave through the chat area and we set up a time to visit through Skype.
Later that after noon I began my first internet phone call. I must say I found it neat that I could talk to someone through the computer, just like a phone. Dave and I chatted, catching up on things then our conversation led to our current class. He had a question about configuring his blog. I logged into my blog, he into his, and presto we were working together to come up with a solution. It took no time at all, and we turned to some questions I had. Soon we came to the conclusion we weren’t going to get any reading done if we kept talking, so we said our goodbyes.
It was an interesting way to get kick-started working on a quiet, yet incredibly windy Sunday. Dave and I agreed to “chat” again. It was a small collaboration, but it was a beginning of something I’d never done before. Maybe we’ll find something else to collaborate on. Maybe we’ll just visit. Ain’t technology grand. I can’t wait to get others onto this!
Filed under: Personal
It has been a month since I took over as vice-principal of my school. As I have worked in this class, I have often heard David Jakes name mentioned. It led me to go back and reread his responses in my blog regarding administration. My first reactions were full of gratefulness for him taking the time to connect with me and offer his support. Reading through his lists, I realized how helpful his comments were. So much so I have printed them off and placed a copy on my desk. They are good reminders of how I need to approach situations. Some I have handled well, others I need to learn to listen and reflect before I respond. I can already think of one situation where I “jumped the gun” a little and it will lead to extra work on my part as I explain myself to the person I spoke to. Nothing of a serious nature, but nonetheless I wouldn’t have to explain myself had I heeded David’s words – “When making a decision, you have to consider how it impacts everyone. Classroom teachers make decisions and it impacts kids. When making decisions on an admin level, think deeply about all the impacts, everywhere, that your decision will have.” David’s words were also echoed in other posts of support with advice. It really brings to the forefront the entity known as a ‘social network’. I never really knew such a thing existed, and here are people from all over the continent reaching out to me. It really is overpowering. As I think back on my first month, I am grateful for the support, I have enjoyed the position to date (with all the helpful words from my “network”), and I look forward the challenges coming. This position is a temporary one, giving me a unique prospective to see if I was interested. Though it is only one month, I feel this is something I’m going to like and with the support of the world, “my network”, I know I am up to the challenge. Thanks to everyone who has offered support to me and to those I’m sure will offer support in the future.
