Mary+Ann's+Goodies

__**Ideas that Intrigue…From Because Digital Writing Matters.**__

The ideas presented in the first 15 pages are crucial to how we educate. The idea that writing is now a highly social construct versus an isolated activity is pertinent. There are of course still opportunities for students to write soulfully and privately, but ‍‍social digital writing lends itself to higher-level thinking. This leads to critical analysis, reason with support and evidence, and overall, better diplomacy and communication. ‍‍ I found the concerns of parents overall to be interesting because it would have been my assumption that most parents would be paranoid about more technology in their children’s lives. The one fallacy the general public might have is listed in BDWM: “The concern that computers allow for taking shortcuts, not putting effort into writing, using poor spelling and grammar, and writing too fast, or too carelessly”…I am witness to this opinion frequently from parents, and even some colleagues. ‍‍The only way to persuade this perception is to expose and involve parents and members to digital media in a positive, meaningful way. ‍‍ This ever-evolving method of technology has influenced the way we think and approach our social and professional avenues. Because this involves new literacy in technology, we need to persevere and “keep up’ with the Techy Joneses. Problems arise however due to budget crises, and social class discrimination. There would also be a lack of respect and acceptance of digital literacy because of culture, religion, or age. The answer is quite clear to me and is stated mildly in BDWM. My approach to engaging student and parent digital literacy is balance. Presentations, play, experiential activities and rigorous process and outcomes might really be the pivotal evidence needed to slowly arrive at a priority level. I also really depends on the community and the school culture. I will indeed still take my kids out to the garden or woods to write, but, I consider that time a launching pad for ideas and growth. The buck should never stop in one arena or another. ‍‍Connection between tangible worlds and digital ones must be evident and presented clearly ‍‍. I appreciated the list of participatory skills ranging from Play to Visualization. This skill set can also be applied to several different aspects in one’slife. Once again, they can lead to better overall communication skills. How important that is! The idea that writing is somewhat easier with computers is false. Yes, publicaion processes can be executed more efficiently, but moreover, writing has becaome a matter of media decision and editing is of utmost importance do to the fact that so many critical audiences are to be considered. ‍‍BUT there is a problem that most see; younger writers in a world of social media write in short script or pros. This becomes a habit that when they are faced with having to write professionally for clear content, they struggle breaking these habits. ‍‍ Marc Prensky has presented some very interesting ideas regarding “digital immigrants” vs. “Natives”…I have read other articles by him and have presented some in previous RWP workshops. I have considered myself to be a Digi Immi and heavily rely on kids, colleagues, and my IT husband for tech relief and application. Now I find myself really wanting to learn, where before I would just ask my hubby to “do it” for me. Yikes!!

__**Goals, Tools, and Philosophies**__ Currently I have a classroom website, I teach English for 7th and 8th graders. ‍‍I was just given a new laptop and MOBI device ‍‍. I love them! The MOBI allows for me to walk around class and write on the big screen...it is a portable, writable mouse if you will. I have used it with kids and used it for lessons and research...it is awesome. I highly recommend one...now some would argue that an Ipad will basically do the same thing, but i have done enough playing and leg work toknow they are different animals entirely. So goals? I have so many...ideas for my kids: reading logs entirley online, I really would like our Tech Dude to enlist and ALLOW the use of GOOGLE DOCS...we have a universal dome in the GOOGLE platform but he has yet to set up a method for kids to have the access to GOOGLE apps. Arrrgh. One must treat him with gentle kid gloves too...he is a character to say the least! Now, I donot want

Now, regarding a special quote from the BDWM...I really am struck by the following: "The instant communication and always on connection that students experience in digital environments may be the root of why students can distinguish between e communication and the writing they need to do in school."

Now I have gotten into some pretty neat and heated discussions regarding this topic. I am now a firm believer that kids can ‍‍easily distinguish professional writing and "social" writing ‍‍. It also seems that they have evolved from easy texting to more expressive communication because of new texting interfaces. Kids write all of the time now. Even my kids who have writing goals, want to write better because of motivation. BUt I also believe this is a developmental milestone!! I teach junior high, so, it is age appropriate in general. 5th graders might not understand the need to distinguish between short cuts etc...developmental appropriateness is key!

__**Moving On with Big Feelings**__ Digital Ecologies. Hmm. I think this title is a bit cheesy, but, the concept spot on. A healthy one is of utmost importance as well. Regarding the spaces, Amen! I have to haul my kids to the lab in order to get any ?whole class' materail progress. Otherwise I have my two lame-asss comps in my room. Slow as molasses in Alaska. If the lab is full, I then sometimes "farm out"my kids to get spaces. Ugggh. It is ugly. I love the concept of having a colorful, hands on lab though. Instead of a lab, they announce it is a Comp Classroom too. Yes!Wow, Blogging at school??? Hello, but Neandro LabTech (my fakey for our techy) hasn't got it yet that we coul train the kids to treat these spaces with respect, like verywhere else. Although I do love the fact that he does like new great stuff for kids, he doesnt trust kids. So, that is a major halt to our Techevolution. Dig? Our students would probably stay true and have the dignity to be a part of a responsible, respectful tech forum outside of just a shared platform of savingfolders. I also have to give Neandro a little break; he has been more open to try great stuff (more honey, more flies from my end)...So,maybe I will keep squeekin; and a-honeyin'.

__**Challenges, Accomplishments, and Strengths**__ My mother has passed on and my husband has had invasive surgery to remove a basal cell from his nose. Outside of those events in my life, school is a blessing and my kids are rarin to go. I love to take these first few days and run with fresh young minds. It is exhilaration and refreshing. The latest reading of WDWM has enlightened my teaching balance with tech. I am always prepared with a back up and ready to tackle snafus and glitches