Techni-color….Technology in color

I have been reading blogs of others who are ready for change in educational technology.  Change the way we are thinking, change the way others are thinking, change, change, change.  But in our thoughts and ideologies, thoughts of pedagogies….what about the children?  Are all of our ideas and outcries for the advocacy of technology about how children are going to be more competitive in our growing global society?  How are we going to reach the children that we are losing day by day to violence and “street” education.  What are we as educators doing to ensure that the students that sit before us during the school day are going to ready for what they are to face when we are no longer there for them.  Thats what I want to hear about.  Not about what this gadget can do, or that gadget…how can this help the children to succeed.  Today, I am making a pledge to myself to read more about HOW technology can help students succeed.  That is my main concern.  Today, I pledge to be an advocate for children, not for myself and how many people know my name or who I am.  Today, I will learn for the children, I will read for the children,  gain as much knowledge as I can for the children.  Today, it is no longer about me, its about them.  We are losing them.  Let’s do all that we can as voices for them before all is lost.  I have never even heard of Douglas High School  until I read a blog that highlighted the preview for it.  Unfortunately, I do not have any premium movie channels (HBO), but I would love to watch the documentary.  It is my plan to purchase it soon.  But what about these kids?  What are you going to do differently today?  If there are any links that anyone can suggest to help me in my plight, please offer suggestions.  Thanks!

Wow, this strip says it all. I don’t think people really understand. How can we combat diversity when those that are diverse are left out of the equation? Check out this link. Diversity? Is this true? Really? This is my reality. How can we as a community of educators work together to change the disconnect?

I really enjoyed NECC.  I have never been to a conference that was so Huge…with so much to learn!  But, well…it had its setbacks.  We live in a multi-cultural society.  I am an African-American woman working in an area of technology that is dominated by white men and women.  Sure there were some other African-Americans there, but not a whole lot.  I felt a little lost and alone at NECC.  I was talked over and ignored at the poster sessions.  People treated me as though I had nothing to offer.  I was watching a presentation, and one woman walked right in front of me as though I were not even there, then she started asking questions as though I were invisible.  I went to an activity with Discovery, and felt alone there as well.  The people were nice, but no one would really talk to me.  I am not a leper, I am friendly, I am approachable, so whats missing?  I am not the most agressive person, but as people were talking in their circles, all backs seemed to be to me, and I was by myself in a sea of educators who have the same interests in technology as I do.  Why?  Networking is important.  I want to know what other educators are doing in other places, and share the successes and failures my district experiences as well.  I found that when I tried to become a part of a conversation, no one would make eye contact with me, or talk to me directly for that matter.  I am glad that I knew a couple of people there, otherwise my trip would have just been a lonely one.  Perhaps it’s because I’m shy….or because I’m short….maybe..maybe because I smile too too much…hmmm….I would love to know what other people think!