---

Yes, it is that time of year when I get to take a break from visiting the 10 schools that I serve, and concentrate on me for a moment. I will be taking along some reading materials including Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works and some of T.H.E. Journal magazines that I have not had the opportunity to read yet. I am so looking forward to this break, and I may not have the chance to blog while I am away, but I will be reading and if I get the chance, sharing some of the things that I have read or learned from my reading. Bon Voyage!

I am so new to blogging, so today I took the time to read the blogs of prominent bloggers so that I will get some ideas on what to do on my blog. First, I have to say that I was totally inspired reading Will Richardson’s blog today. His words just truly touched me. I agree with him 100%, not only do we need a leader, but we need a teacher leading our country, and Barack Obama is most certainly that, a teacher. When we face our cultural differences, and embrace them, discuss them and move past them, then we can grow as a country. We are different, we have to recognize that, but we can move past hurdles that seek to trip us up, together. One concern of mine is the Digital Divide that exists between the ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’. It’s there, lets face it and explore why its there, come up with solutions, and together bridge the gap that exists. I am so going to order Will Richardson’s Book Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms. I am so eager to learn how technology can be used to engage those students who are considered lost. As an African American woman working in a predominately black school district, I am confronted everyday with the faces of children who have given up on a society they feel cares nothing for them. As I read different blogs, and Mr. Richardson’s book, I am sure that I will gain some insight on how to use these tools, as well as other Web 2.0 tools, for students success.

Today was my first day at SCASL.  Yesterday, my co-workers and I presented a workshop on Web 2.0 tools.  I am learning alot about those tools.  One thing I like about Web 2.0 is that most of the tools are free and those students who may not have access to some programs can now access a Web 2.0 tool that will do the same thing that software you have to purchase does.  There is just so much out there to learn, and when I attend conferences, it gives me the chance to see whats out there.  Unfortunately, I sometimes feel alone and isolated in my quest to learn, but being around other people helps me to really see whats out there for me!  I don’t understand why when someone learns something, they keep that information to themselves.  Never understood that, even when I was in the classroom.  Its not about me, or about them, its about whats good for the kids.  And if you know something that will help me to help teachers to help kids, then share.  But hey, not everyone is willing.  We, as a community of educators, must learn to work together and not hide what we have so that another will think that what we have done is better than what someone else has done.  Well, thats my rant for today.  I do wonder how others feel though.

I love technology. The more I learn the more I love it. I see technology as a tool to help students who are not doing well in school, succeed. I have worked in districts where there is a high percentage of students of color. It is my passion to do whatever I can, whatever I must, to ensure that the students whom some have “given up on” are successful. I see technology as a tool that will aid in the enrichment of those students who get left behind. One tool that I now have a better understanding of is a wiki. I love the implications of what a wiki can offer in terms of collaboration. What do you think?

FindArticles – Technology as a Tool for Urban Classrooms. ERIC/CUE Digest, Number 95
ERIC Educational Reports, , by Gary Burnett

We Must Have a Voice in Technology

In todays classrooms, there is an ever increasing digital divide that exists between the “haves” and the “have nots”. What can we as educators, parents, administrators and leaders in technology do to ensure that all students have equal access to emerging technologies that can aid in student success? We as leaders in technology must be the solution. We must be willing to work together to aid students who are not thriving in our failing schools. Its up to us to come together and be the change that makes the change.