Inspiration

Photo from Flickr Venspired.com

 I always find this time of year very inspiring as the new posters go up, and the name tags get placed on the desk. It is the perfect time to have a few new goals to accomplish over the year, as well as the opportunity to try something differently from the year before.   All summer I search for new ways to inspire my students as well as myself to create the best learning experience.    As the new students walk in smiling and ready to meet their new teacher- a wave of inspiration always goes through me!  I have the opportunity to create an engaging and  meaningful year for them.  I always want to create a year that they will always remember.

This year I begin very differently as en educational technology consultant.  As I await for students to get into schools, I no longer have an "official classroom". I will be entering many classrooms hoping to share powerful practices of educational technology with them that will enhance their learning.    I will meet so many students and teachers throughout several districts.   This year I look forward to inspirations from other teachers and the classrooms they create!  I cannot wait to see a special tool or project they incorporate into the curriculum that "hooks" the students.  I also look forward to seeing connections and collaborations build as they begin meeting new teachers and classroom through the use of social media.  I cannot wait to see where each class starts and how far they go!  I am very excited to be inspired! 

There are many teacher blogs that continually keep me inspired also. Please make sure to check out these teachers and all of the amazing things they are doing in their classrooms.

Krissy Venosdale       http://venspired.com/
Nancy Carroll            http://teachingiselementary.blogspot.com/
Jason Seliskar            http://www.jasonseliskar.com/
Leah LaCrosse          http://leahlacrosse.blogspot.com/
Mrs. Shepherd          http://ericashep.blogspot.com/
KTripp                      http://gardenoflearningsc.blogspot.com/

Connecting, Learning, Growing

   The past few weeks have been such a whirlwind!  I have had the opportunity to meet amazing people, share some of my favorite tools, as well as get my feet wet in a new position.  It is an exciting time in my life!  Throughout the many changes and new faces, one thing has remained constant- the support of my PLN -Personal Learning Network on Twitter.  As I make transitions, my PLN has been there for me every step of the way.  They are my personalized cheering section and coaches that provide sites and tips. They encourage me to take risks and grow as a learner.
    During Connected Educator month, I want to recognize my wonderful PLN , which includes many #maet and #4thchat friends.  Each day they inspire me to grow as an educator and share these amazing tools with others.  I truly would not be where I am today without them.  I also want to thank Dan and Brad, two educators in my PLN that I now have the pleasure to work with on a daily basis in my dream job!  So excited to be connecting, learning, and growing each day!

A New Journey

As learners we are always seeking out new goals and opportunities to help us grow. Along the way, we find something that sparks our passion that completely changes us. This was my experience when I discovered all of the possibilities that are presented when you begin to integrate technology into the classroom. With every step our class took in educational technology, a new opportunity emerged to extend our learning that would never have been possible without it! Students were exploring, collaborating, and creating meaningful connections in their learning. Student conversations about what was going on in our classroom were taking place at the dinner table, and showcased on our class blog for them to share at home. Parents knew exactly what we were doing in the classroom and loved the opportunity to see their child's growth every step of the way! I enjoyed sharing our classroom adventures in my previous blog, http://powell4thgrade.blogspot.com/. Students were using a variety of digital tools to enhance and expand their learning. Each exciting discovery led to a new pursuit to grow and connect as a learner.

 As an educator, I was also sparked to grow and pursue other opportunities to follow my passions. This passion has led me to a new journey as an educational technology consultant. I am very excited to learn and share amazing tools, resources, and other wonderful ideas in educational technology with colleagues and fellow educators. I also look forward to witnessing amazing transformations taking place in many classrooms as students become 21st century learners.

 I hope you will take this journey with me as I blog about the Tidbits in Tech I discover along the way...