I started The Nerdy Teacher because I wanted to share my thoughts and finds with the world around me. I couldn't be happier about the connections I've made and the things that I learned. I started using new strategies I picked up in class and I could see the results. I was happy, but I felt something was missing. I was sharing some of the new ideas from you great people with some like minded teachers, but the learning stopped there. We would share ideas and get excited about the success in the class we saw. I soon realized that I was leaving out the bulk of my school. I just assumed that they would not be interested because they never speak up about tech in the classroom. I realized that I was approaching the situation from the wrong direction. I needed to take the next step.
Some students do not ask questions because they know enough on the topic or don't care. Sometimes they do not know the right question to ask or they are so lost in the material they have no idea where to begin. The fear of being the only one with the question is always there as well. With that is mind, I decided to create a brand new blog geared specifically for my High School. We do not have anything like it in the district, so I saw a need and decided to fill it. I spent last weekend pulling some posts from here and creating some new one for the various subjects and launched it on Monday.
I was very nervous about how it was going to be received. I was afraid that some might see it as being a know-it-all or pushy tech teacher, but it was well received. I got compliments and good natured ribbing about the site and was hit with a few emails asking if I could focus on this topic or that topic. People offered to post their ideas as well. It had been great after only a few days. If I can get just a couple of teachers on board with what we do, they might be able to convince others to do the same. Teaching one Teacher can lead to Teaching many Teachers.
How are you using your blog to help the teachers in your building or district? Have you taken the next step?
Here is the link to my HS Blog
- @TheNerdyTeacher
That is excellent! Sometimes it just takes someone to take the initiative and do it. What is unfortunate is that fear of seeming pushy or like a know-it-all can stop us from taking that initiative. I'm glad that you went for it, well done.
ReplyDeleteAwesome! People can't say 'no' if you don't ask -- sometimes you can definitely be surprised by their answer. Keep up the great work! (and blogging, and tweeting...)
ReplyDeleteGood on you for taking that next step! I've used my blog in a similar way and it's beginning to become useful. Started out with one single teacher reading it and trying out some of the ideas. That teacher began talking to other teachers and it has slowly caught on. It's exciting.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the great work!
What a great idea. I think that many teachers across the world face the same problems of getting other teachers interested in using technologies in their classroom. Your new blog will be an important step in making change. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteI think that is a great idea. We have had a big blog push this year at my school (not exactly my doing but I am glad to help). We are taking baby steps but at least we are moving a little. I started a school blog and use it to showcase some of the ways various teachers in the school are using their blogs. I also have one page of our schoolwebsite devoted to Class Blogs and have the ones at my school listed and linked there. There are some teachers that have really taken off and I have found that showing those sometimes helps more than just me talking (or pushing). I also send out a weekly tip or trick that most of the time includes something they could add or do with their blog (although I know those tips are ignored by some but if one person gets something from it, then it is worth it).
ReplyDeleteOh, something else I forgot: My county's Instructional Technology Department keeps a blog sharing ideas and resources for teachers in my county (or I guess teachers anywhere) that has encouraged some teachers to try things. http://wsfcsintouch.blogspot.com/
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