Sometimes you get MORE than you pay for

I had an epiphany last night.   When I signed up for Technology class I expected to benefit from the education, expertise and experiences of Mr. Chamberlain---and I have.  However, thanks to technology I have also benefitted from the education, expertise and experiences of Jennifer Scoggins (Mrs. Mimi), Ira Socol, Sir Ken Robinson and the other educators and particpants presenting Ted Talks.  I got really excited when I realized the richness of experience I am having in this class.  Then I started thinking, if I am this excited---what about an Elementary Student who got to chat with his favorite children's book author?  A class studying weather who could skpe with a meteorologist?  A High School Government class that could ask questions of their State Representatives?  The possibilities are endless!  WOW!  I think I am finally starting to get it!

Blogs aka my Favorites

I have been following some blogs for several years now but I didn't know it.  No, I don't have multiple personalities.  I didn't realize that was what they were.  I just thought they were cool websites that were updated regularly so I saved them to my favorites and checked them every day!  I'm hip and didn't even realize it.  Of course using the word "hip" probably negates any "hipness".  Naturally, I follow Katy's new BFF, the fabulous Mrs. Mimi.  I love her because not only is she an advocate for teachers and her "little friends" she is sarcastic and loves Barnes and Noble.  That's enough for me!  I follow the Book Aunt and Chicken Spaghetti because they read and write reviews of children's books.  I love all books but have gained a special love of children's books from my mother-in-law who is a retired kindergarten teacher.  I chose to post on the blog of Chicken Spaghetti about the demise of picture books.  I also follow the Pioneer Woman.  Her name is Ree Drummond and she has won several awards for her blog, has written a book and a cookbook, is a photographer, has four kids and Marlboro Man, her husband.  She was a city girl who married a rancher and her life is quite entertaining.  Finally, I follow Katy Wimer, probably out of a misguided sense of parental responsibility.   She might feel bad if she only had one follower so I try to lift her spirits by making her think I really care about what she has to say.  This technique also works very well with her father.  Perhaps there is a genetic component.

Whew!

I have a lot to do so I saved Poptropica to my favorites.  That way I feel like I have accomplished something.  I haven't played it yet but Hey! I will.  I have to do a take home test and write up a paper about the school board meeting too.  I also need to get started on my philosophy of education paper.  I won't be letting Mr. Chamberlain read that after his reaction to his wife's!  :)  I talked to another  pre-service teacher at the meeting about passion and my concerns about teaching.  She is also someone who is coming into this as a second career.  She thinks part of the reason I may not be passionate about it yet is because I am just starting and haven't been in a classroom.  I don't know the good or the bad about the way things work so I don't actually know which issues I will feel passionate about yet.  Right now I think I will get my AAT and then decide if I want to pursue this or something else.  It may help when I do my classroom observation next month.  I am going to observe Mrs. Kilby for a few hours too so that may give me another perspective.  I am also interested in Social Work and I looked that up at Crowder and may think about that too.  I have a few more general requirement classes to take and I think I will do that next semester.  That may give me time to re-evaluate.  I have to say that I love technology class.  I didn't know if I would.  No matter what I decide to do it has helped me learn about things I am going to need to know.  It has also given me a lot of things to think about and I am grateful for that also....and since Mr. Chamberlain FINALLY remembered to bring his kindle to class, I know what to put on my Christmas list! 

To Be or Not to Be

I have learned several things in this class.  From following Ira on twitter I have learned that my political instincts are still incredibly keen.  However, from our skype chat with Ira I learned that I shouldn't judge people on that alone.  From Mr. Chamberlain, Ira, Dave Eggers and all the other Ted talks I have learned that one of the main things necessary to be a good teacher is passion.  They have a passion for their subjects, a passion for education and a passion for children's rights.  Therein lies the problem.  I have a passion for language, reading, and a lot of times even writing.  I have a passion for my education. I have a passion for being the student.   I am not sure I have a passion for being the teacher.  It is hard to be 43 years old and STILL not know what I want to be when I grow up.  SIGH......