I find it interesting that as teachers we fixate to routines just as our students may during the school year. I know I always thought I was flexible and willing to try new things, but found it not to be as true as I believed. As I have been learning about web 2.0 technologies and all the collaboration that it will bring makes me wince as I like to plan things on my own to complete tasks appropriately. The idea of joining and creating personal learning networks can be intimidating as I think it is up to the community of teachers to make the PLN successful.
So we know change is hard and time consuming, but I say go for it! If we continue to move down a path that is not updates, we are moving forward with no chance of development a stronger more improved system of learning for students. Teachers need to get out there and join all kinds of communities to develop their own skills. Teachers need to take chances to change so they can learn new ways to develop their skills in all areas of their instruction.
We can all try new strategies but it would be helpful to set two or three long term goals with a few more short term goals that will help you reach the long term. With these goals in mind they will be to focus on a few technologies instead of all of them at once! That could just make your head spin!
As we are approaching the 2011-2012 school year, my long term goals are as follows:
1. Develop a communication system for PLC groups at PAVCS
2. Develop a school wide use of Diigo
3. Create optional trainings on Web 2.0 technologies for teachers--self guided with some instruction from me
4. New Hire Wiki
I believe these goals are obtainable so now I need to set up timelines to ensure that I am changing and happening my staff to change too!
Again, change is hard but we all have to do it at some point in our teaching careers!
