Complete a blog post reflecting on your initial thoughts about Web 2.0 and its role in 21st Century teaching and learning. Consider the ways in which Web 2.0 tools might change (or have already changed) your professional practice. How might you be able to use these new tools to to engage today’s “digital learners?” Why would you want to? How might you be able to use these tools to support your own learning?

Most of us are in this profession because we love to teach. We want our students to be engaged and excited about learning. I see Web 2.0 as something that I cannot dismiss if I truly want to do everything in my power to help teachers reach students. I know it will take time to sift through the piles of tools to get to those that cause to me pause and think, “wow, this is awesome”. I have already explored many new tools that have illicited that type of response from me. The use of video and audio tools will help us as we work to address different learning styles and get our students excited about the learning process. I also think that the connections, reflections and increased proficiency that I am experiencing in my professional life are worthwhile. Setting up blogs and wikis are much easier than creating a webpage, I love important infomation coming to me through RSS or being able to find previously saved information through my Delicious account to name a few. As a former math/science teacher, I would rather solve a problem or puzzel than to write a blog but I see this as an essential part of my personal growth and development.

As I think about the most challenging habit that I have encountered, I guess it would be the thought that we should begin with the end in mind. I have ideas about what I will take away from this course but in most things that I pursue as it relates to my professional development, it grows into something much different than my initial expectations could imagine. My experiences tend to continually mold my vision. Yes, I have an idea of the final product but to me the fun part is the continual change that comes from enlightenment. The easiest idea for me to embrace is the thought that we should use technology to our advantage. I absolutely love learning about new programs, strategies, tools and devices that help us to be better at what we do in the classroom or as administrators. When a technology application can truly enhance instruction, increase our productivity or help us to conserve our natural resources than I will passionately work  on the implementation process.  The constant challenge of determining meaningful technology implemention is the reason that I love my job. I think the most important habit to me is the challenge to teach or mentor others. My greatest professional fulfillment comes when I have opportunities to teach. When teachers or students gain a proficiency or knowledge about a topic due to my efforts, it adds purpose to my efforts. I get excited when I observe the growth in others or as I reflect about how far we have come.