Reflection - 21st Century Teacher & Classroom

I did not grow up in a world where everyone had a Facebook page or smart phone.  Those things didn't come until I was an adult.  So it is interesting to see how...bold and open people are on their social media pages.  It is so important to always remember that you never know who is looking through your pictures, or reading your blog!  But most importantly, you have to be aware that whatever you put "out there", is probably going to stay "out there" forever!  Recently, I went back over my social media pages and made sure my pictures and posts were secure.  I also googled myself.  If you haven't done that, I would highly recommend it.  Apparently there is a very good Dermatologist with the same name, who knew!?!  I think it is important to be aware of what is on the internet about you and what people have access to.  It is ALWAYS better to be safe, than sorry!

When I am working with children and technology I hope they learn what I mentioned above. I also want them to know that when they go to college or to apply for a job, one of the first things checked is social media pages.  I'm the Director of a program at my school and you better believe I am going to look you up before I hire you to work with our children!  I hope my students also know that people will pre-judge them before even meeting them, just based by what is online.  You are "branding" yourself, positively or negatively, based on what you put out.  This is crucial for teachers because those parents are going to be checking in on you!  When e-mailing, using social media pages, etc. what is most important is that you treat others how you want to be treated.  And I hope my students learn to READ before they SEND!!

Overall, everyone needs to just be careful when it comes to using social media.  It is a wonderful tool, but when used inappropriately, it can come back to haunt you!

I hope to gain clarity from my Digital Learning course.  I am very familiar with technology, and using technology in and for my classroom.  However, I would like to gain confidence and a sense of ease when using this technology.  Basically, I want to be able to use it better and faster.

I did not have to create a new blog for this class.  This blog was created as an outlet several years ago, but I haven't written on it since 2011, I believe.  I do not remember it being overly difficult to set up the blog.  With the information that is available today, I was able to quickly set up this blog by using directions I found online.  I was also able to make my blog personalized by doing a quick search on Google for backgrounds/templates.

Blogging is a wonderful tool teachers can use to keep in touch with parents.  I love the idea of weekly blogging about the class and its adventures.  It would be a useful way for the parents to feel more involved and an easy way for the teacher to help everyone stay connected.  Also, I can see a blog being a great way for parents to quickly check class assignments, dates, trips, etc.  Also, the teacher can easily post pictures to share!  I know on this type of blog, Blogger, you can set the blog to private and only those you invite via e-mail can have access.

It has been years since I've posted to this blog.  A busy life has gotten in the way of writing.  I will be posting more often this summer however.  I've returned to school (FINALLY!) and will be posting on here for one of my classes.  It is a Digital Learning class and I will post reflections and thoughts after assignments.

Maybe this will spur my writing again!

Here's to a wonderful summer!!

~Leslie