Comments on: The Importance of Support and Ability

By: Tammy Sillers

Tammy Sillers — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 19:13:18 +0000

Great post Todd…I’m sure one that many, many teachers and administrators can relate to.

Finding balance is always a challenge, and I don’t think there are any easy answers. Don’t cut yourself short, though – you are likely a greater influence on your students and colleagues than you realize!

By: Dave Bircher

Dave Bircher — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 14:43:53 +0000

As I read your post, I can identify completely. With all of the thigs going on and new ideas to implement, one wonders how to accomplish it all. Find one idea and go with it. Eventually, you can try anotherone and so on.

Here’s a tip – you can take it or leave it. Try to use the time at school to the max. I read a short article once on how a top ecec. of some company only works 5-6 hours a day. I have found that if you are willing to change your routines somewhat, you can be more efficient as well. Skype me and we can talk more.

By: Dean Shareski

Dean Shareski — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 05:32:18 +0000

Your last paragraph is right on. It’s not about trying to emmulate others but developing a belief it what’s best for students but also what’s best for you as a teacher, leader, husband,father and so on. The fact is that there are so many great things happening and folks like yourself and me see all this and want change to happen now. Not realistic and maybe not even the best. I’ve switched from being very aggressive in my advocacy for change to working with teachers and administrators with where they are at right now. At the same time, my personal learning is modeled and peppered throughout my work with these people. Not in a showy or invasive way I hope but hopefully demonstrated the natural, seamless way I use technology everyday to not only be productive but to expand my learning beyond the walls of my local environment.

By: Alec Couros

Alec Couros — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 05:00:57 +0000

Our schools need variety. If everyone got it, I’d be worried. Right now, WE are the dissenters as much as those who fundamentally oppose the technology.

As you say, support is crucial, but no matter what the view, if good teaching and learning is the outcome, I think that’s the whole point.

By: Shaun Loeppky

Shaun Loeppky — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 04:39:35 +0000

Yep. Time. Any teacher will fire that response at you when you mention these technologies. Sure, we advocate “embedding” and not an add on, but there needs to be a time commitment for training right?
It’s not only hard to be a change agent in our monolithic institution, but it becomes even harder when most teachers are playing Fred Flinstone through the classroom floor!

By: Angie Balkwill

Angie Balkwill — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 03:32:49 +0000

Todd, your blog hit home for me as I am an administrator and a classroom teacher. I feel like I am pulled in so many directions regarding technology. First and foremost I am a teacher who is responsible for providing the best learning environment fo the learners in my classroom. Technology has allowed me to offer a different forum for many students to showcase their understanding. I do it because it is good for kids. As an administrator I see the greater responsibility that comes with media awareness and literacy, not to mention cyberbullying. Not that these are not classroom issues, however in my administrative role I must deal with these issues at various levels. The bottom line is this, we have a responsibility to kids. Where do we draw the line in the sand? I have many of the same questions/concerns that you do.