As part of my random thoughts series, I will post a random picture from a random Google Images Search. Enjoy!
Why the heck are you not blogging or on Twitter?
Yesterday I was able to take a student to meet the Secretary of Education. Actually, my student didn't just meet Secretary Duncan, he was actually given a 10-15 minute interview. My student was also able to meet the Governor of Michigan, the Mayor of Detroit and the Superintendent of Schools of Michigan. For an eighteen year old aspiring journalist, this was a huge score. What does this have to do with blogging or Twitter? Everything.
At the end of June, I wrote a post entitled, "Why is the Department of Education Terrible at Social Media?" At this point, I had actually been in touch with @EdPressSec Justin Hamilton and had some nice discussion about teacher involvement in policy. After my post went live, he connected me to Cameron Brenchley from the Outreach part of the DOE and we have been working on some cool things. Cameron was the one who worked hard to get me a spot on the bus to interview Secretary Duncan and worked even harder to get my student there.
My main point is that this would not have been possible if it were not for my blog or my Twitter account. My social media presence allowed me to connect with people that allowed me to set up an amazing learning experience for my student. There are still people, some in my own district, that think that social media does not have a place in schools. If an interview with the Secretary of Education, who is pro technology in education btw, doesn't convince people to use Social Media, I do not know what will.
10,000 Followers
A friend pointed out I had passed the 10,000 Follower mark. I laughed and wondered what 8,000 bots are doing following me on Twitter. The number of followers is awesome, but it's not about the number of followers. When I started 2 years ago, I never set out to get a certain number. I just kind of let that number roll on with out much of a thought. I want newbies out there to never be intimidated by the number of followers a person might have. To be honest, some of the most helpful people actually have the most followers. Maybe that's the connect.
Unblocked Sites
My school district decided to unblock some sites that had been blocked in the past. YouTube, Flickr and Google Images were the big ones. I would love to take the credit for making this happen, but it was a decision made by the whole group and I want to give them the props they deserve for supporting this change in policy. It was one of my goals, but it would not have been possible without their support. If you are reading this, thanks and I hope to keep thing moving.
My Throat is Killing Me
Am I the only one that gets a scratchy throat the first few days back at school? IS that a bad thing in the sense that I'm talking to much and I should do more listening the first couple of days back? I'm really going to think about that next year. Really. I left a note for myself to think about it.
Blogging and RSS Feeds
I helped my Am Lit students set up their blogs and their RSS feeds. I will share the class wiki so people can look at their blogs once we get rolling. If you are interested in connecting our classes for some blogging projects, leave me a comment and we can chat.
I think that is it for now. Have a great night everyone!
- @TheNerdyTeacher
Re: scratchy throat. . .I definitely get that, too. It often comes with an explanation of "I hate talking this much in class" (after going on for what feels like way too long). The students always understand, though. They know we need to talk about general policies and that information needs to be given to them. Even when rules and structure are developed with or by the students, there's always going to be a lot of talking on our part. We need to say some things, and no amount of technology can replace the intimacy of the human voice.
ReplyDeleteRe: painful throat. Seeing kindergarten students as part of my job assignment and singing lots is what makes my throat ache. I think I need to return to voice training!
ReplyDeleteRe: sore throat. Don't forget this also happens because we're collaborating and sharing all of our ideas with colleagues. I think we'd all agree that for the majority of people this time of year enthusiasm is at it's peak. Although this is changing in some ways.
ReplyDeleteSore throat... In Turkey school hasn't started yet but a week after I will have it, too. Thanks for reminding. I should take precautions!
ReplyDeletehow very cool! I love the unexpected opportunities blogging and social media sometimes throws your way.
ReplyDeleteWow, I had no idea that the "I knew you when" phrase would come in handy so early in our friendship :) Nice to see that everyone else is starting to notice your genius.
ReplyDeleteYes on the throat...wondered the same now writing myself a note.