Monday, July 20, 2009

CSD-EMT Retreat

I was a little worried that this week was going to be long, since I have been working on the same team with Darren and Kelly in JSD, and was part of the planning for the EC program. I have actually learned a lot and the retreat has given me time to reflect and learn more about social networking and the importance it has in education. These are my thoughts about CSD Retreat (training) week.
I was very glad to have learned more about Twitter. I feel like I have a better handle of how to use Twitter as one of my new PLN's. I finally see the benefits of using Twitter and how it can help me as an educator. Most of the people that were Skyped into our trainings, were also members of the Twitter world. After using it daily with my EMT team, I have been able to send direct messages, leave notes from Skype, and connect with other educators outside of Utah. I look forward to continuing networking this new school year through Twitter.
I came away from this week with the "Big Rocks". The first would be, relationships. It is going to be very helpful for me to build relationships in my schools. In building a relationship, trust should be built, and hopefully teachers will be willing to let me in their room to help integrate technology into their curriculum. Another rock would be students. It is important that I place students first when teaching educators. It is ALL about the students!!!!! Another important rock is the importance of me being a Learner. I should be a learner as I teach others. All teachers should be learners along with their students. I think this is important to get across to teachers because the thought was that we should know everything. With the technology changing so regularly, it is hard to know everything!!!! I am very excited about working with Canyons School District and working with my new team.