Connecting in a Cyber World

Reading a comment from another person validates my actions. At this point, comments tell me, okay, I did actually post and someone else is able to read it. As using these tools become more of a habit, the validation is more along the lines of--someone read my words and felt compelled to respond in some way. Isn't this the purpose? To publish your thoughts for others to see and be inspired to act?
I think the key is to comment, both in agreement and to dispute. In this world of cyber communication, if we do not respond to something that we find questionable, does the author continue to think that what they are publishing is irrefutable?

Wikis

I often do an activity in class called Carousel Brainstorm. Topics from discussion or reading are posted on large chart paper in the room. Pairs or individuals start at one chart and add any information they have about the topic. When time is called, students move to the next poster, read the information and add or edit. The process continues, shortening time at each round, until all students have visited each chart. Wikis for the technologically challenged!So, if this was done as a Wiki, then more class time could be spent discussing the information. This could also promote the importance of assigned readings.

Somewhere in the clouds...

I see myself using all of the applications presented in this week's THING. Now I just need to fiddle with the formats and become comfortable with the calendar settings. I usually use Outlook for my calendar, but have been frustrated that I cannot access this from any computer. I know that this will be a time saver once I am able to produce the material automatically.

The What

I am thinking about what technology should be doing for our teaching, our learning and our relationships. We should be able to get so much deeper, faster, because all of the surface level information is right at our fingertips. And yet, we don't. Why?
Having everything, from content knowledge to what our neighbor is making for dinner, readily available, every second of the day, has made the surface level assumed. Why don't we take the time, then, to learn more, make more connections, and synthesize information? Does this knowledge, served on a silver platter, make us lazy? Do we over-rely on the reference resources available- not ever making the learning permanent?

I want to learn how to use technology to deepen students' understanding of concepts presented. Skimming the surface should no longer be an expected outcome of using technological resources.

The Why

I find that I am a better teacher when I am an active learner.
Technology is opening doors to learning that I have never experienced. I want to know how to open these doors and how to deepen the learning for students. I have seen teachers using technology in the classroom, but the learning expectations seem to be surface-level learning that does not require critical thinking skills.