Teacherly Reflections 4/11/09

Well, I've done it. I have completed all of the work for my Blog and Wiki class at Hamline University. I have to say, young readers, that it was one of the best courses I have taken in grad school AND since I started grad school back in 2001, I've taken a bunch:) I believe in life long learning, but I also more specifically, believe in learning that occurs in classrooms AND life. For the past few years, as a new mother, I've been learning loads outside of a traditional classroom setting. I know more about diaper rash, toddler sleeping patterns and what it feels like to be loved and accepted unconditionally. Being a mother has made me a more patient and loving educator, but in taking this class and another (Urban Education), I have strengthened my professional resolve to strive for equity in the classroom and to use any and all means to achieve this. In the case of this technology course, I have a much stronger sense of how to connect- in meaningful ways- my life and the internet, which means I have a better idea of how to do the same for students. Whatsmore, while I continue to age and get further away from my teen years and the direct understanding of young people's lives, understanding how to access the rich resources on the web is a way for me to stay "current" if you will. I need to practice more, inquire more fully and not be afraid to fail in this endeavor, just as I suppose I want all of the learners in my classroom to do with all things. Stay tuned for more of Becky 2.0, the tech whiz....