As we head into the holiday season, I wanted to take time to reflect on some things in my professional life for which I am very thankful.
My personal learning network:
Not too many years ago, I saw professional development as an event that happened on special occasions throughout the year. I realize now that was a sad misconception, but that was my reality. Becoming connected to so many others through twitter, blogs, and those aforementioned "special occasions", have turned professional development into a regular ongoing process.
My work with other educators:
Through my work at CASTLE along with the Educational Collaborators and the One-to-One Institute, I have had the opportunity to work with hundreds of educators. I have yet to leave a workshop or training session where I wasn't challenged to expand my thinking. I learn something about technology tools every time I lead one of our technology bootcamps, and most times it is one of the participants who shares something new, or questions how we do things. Our training that focuses on "big picture" thinking centered around education always leads to amazing conversations. The table talks that we frequently have help me continue to process what the future of education can look like and how we can get there.
My blog readers:
As this blog has grown to nearly 900 readers, I am motivated to continue to read and write about things important to one-to-one schools. Without an audience reading and responding, at times I'm afraid I would be much less motivated to keep writing!
My position with CASTLE at Iowa State University:
Although there are certainly times I miss being in a school every day, I really enjoy working with educators from a wide variety of schools. Many of the educators whom I work with truly believe that schools need to be reformed, and they are working hard to do just that.
My continued work with former colleagues:
I have enjoyed working with and listening to former colleagues talk about how technology has transformed their classroom. Their stories help me realize what can happen when an educator truly has a commitment to change and to use technology as a change tool.
My work with current colleagues:
My Iowa State CASTLE colleagues Scott McLeod, John Nash, Jamie Fath, and Laura Bestler have been amazing. They are always there to push me, but they also are extremely willing to provide support.
Nick Sauers
Is there a date set for the 2011 Iowa state 1:1 conference? We are planning 1:1 for next year and want to get signed up before it fills...which it will.
What PD for districts do you offer? Many have gone with Apple....at a steep price. what do you have that would be comparable in quality?
Posted by: Ed Berry | November 30, 2010 at 07:15 PM