Another Year Ends- A reflection of change

As another school year ends today, I look back and think of what I accomplished this year. Did I make a difference? Did I do what I set out to do? Did I teach my students that technology matters in this world and they are a part of something big? Isn't that what it is all about? It is not about me, that is for sure, it is about them. Those impressionable, funny, silly, naughty, middle school kids I love to teach. It is about showing them the way. Teaching them that technology is not just about texting and IMing their friends, but it is a way of life. It is their future. They are just beginning to learn what that all means. I was a small part of that. I hope.

While reading today, I came upon this article by Ben Grey. (Who I admire a lot for his wonderful technology writing and super great blog!) Making A Difference: By Ben Grey, was just what I needed to read about on my very last day of work. I know today, what I do every day; fighting the fight, feeling defeated at times, having people not understand, is all part of the job I call teaching with technology. I am not going to lie to you. It is heartbreaking, sad at times, and down right discouraging to hear the words "no" over and over again without reason. But, what is it all about? It is about the kids. It is about those students who are disadvantaged, do not have the means to own computers, the one's who do not have the best role models, the ones who need us the most. That is why I do what I do. I teach children. I may teach technology, but I teach life lessons. I teach "real" life lessons that matter to them.

But then there are the moments of perspective. The moments when hope glimmers, and we once again remember why it is we fight for the change we believe in. This past week, I was reminded once again why I believe we should continue pursuing student-centered, relevant, technology-rich experiences for our students. I was reminded by Abel Real, a student at East Carolina University, as he spoke before the Committee on Education and Labor. Take the short five minutes and twenty five seconds to watch his story. It's worth every second. ~ Ben Grey - Making a Difference

If this does not make you believe in 21st century skills, I do not know what would! Please take a few minutes to watch this inspirational story.

Yikes.. It has been a while!

Where has the time gone. I say I am going to be better about posting to my blog and here I am .. 3 months have passed, and I am finally getting here! Well, since that time, a lot has happened, and I have some neat stuff to share. One of my students, Dylan, was featured on the edutopia.org website as part of the Digital Generation Project. What a great honor for Dylan. What a great kid!

I first knew of Dylan three years ago when he was only a 6th grader at my school, Gilbert H. Hood Middle School, in Derry, NH. One of my colleague's taught Dylan in his computer class and showed me the amazing website projects he was working on called the lil MDG's. I was blown away by the sophistication and creativity they displayed at such a young age. The global collaboration he displayed at such a young age is so inspiring to me. What also amazed me was the social conscience Dylan displayed. Truly inspiring! You have got to check out his website!

So, fast forward to January of this year. I was approached by a film producer and an employee of edutopia (Which is funded by the George Lucas Foundation), to be part of the filming with Dylan. I teach HTML website design and Dylan was in my class this trimester. Sure, this would be fun, I thought. What a neat experience! It was a real live movie scene, with lights, screens, and even a sound man holding a "boom"!

Take a look at the video. I think it came out pretty cool if I do say so my self. I can not be happier to be part of such an amazing student's display of humanitarianism and global concern. Dylan is truly a very special boy who is a wonderful role model for young and old alike!

Take a look at the video.