Where do i begin?

I thought I knew a lot about a lot of stuff but this site has humbled me. There is a lot of information that at times I feel overwhelmed. Is there a rule as to how often one uses this site, either posting or participating in other forms. I'm comfortable right now with just exploring and reading material to familiarize myself with vocabulary and everything that's new. My intent with becoming a member is to keep myself informed and updated, as well as to network with other educators.

Monica

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Candace Townsley on August 5, 2009 at 9:05am

Hey Monica - We are all dipping our feet in the Web 2.0 water here on this site. Isn't it exciting that we have access to all of these wonderful things?? Everything that I've signed up for this summer has wonderful HELP sections to guide you through the entire process! It really is information overload - but just bookmark it and read it as you have some down time (ha- like we will have that once school starts in a week or two).
I tried to jump in with both feet and felt like I was drowning - so I've stepped back a bit and now I'm biting off more manageable pieces!
Enjoy the ride as a digital immigrant!!
Candace

Permalink Reply by Pam Roadifer on August 7, 2009 at 1:06pm

This is a great sight to accomplish your goals. It is at least a starting point. Many teachers are experiencing the same difficulties.

Permalink Reply by Cheska Robinson on September 21, 2009 at 2:21pm

Hi Monica! I know I am several weeks late, but I saw your post and wanted to comment. I am new to this site and web 2.0 technologies too and I'm glad that I'm not the only one who feels overwhelmed! I came across this network after seeing it mentioned on Twitter. I've been following some great educators on Twitter for a few months, and I wanted to become more involved instead of just reading and RT'ing! The idea of being able to use new technologies in countless of creative ways in the classroom is very exciting and I am quite anxious to go ahead and just start DOING something... but there is so much to learn and familiarize yourself with that I feel like I'm running around in a circle!

What is the first step to becoming more active, how do I get more involved in this and other social networks? It seems so daunting! *eek!*

Permalink Reply by Mike Flory on October 2, 2009 at 5:54pm

Monica: I am very new to this site - and it can certainly seem overwhelming, what with all the technology and information. I'm going to try to pick one thing and go with it, and perhaps pick up others along the way. I'm a math teacher who is looking for ways to help my kids out, using technology. Wow!

Mike, High School math teacher, WI

Permalink Reply by Cassandra Surles on October 12, 2009 at 12:30pm

Hello Monica,

Unlike you, I know very little about integrating technology in the classroom. I am a undergraduate student majoring in Elem Education. My technology use was limited to checking my emails and using Microsoft Word, and some powerpoint.
So needless to say, I am very overwhelmed by terms like wikis, smartboard, webinars, etc. Recently, I was introduced to the document camera, called Elmo. I do not even own a digital camera or laptop. However, I realize the importance of learning how to use technology to support a student centered classroom. My technology class in school encourages us to get our feet wet and learn about different networking tools.

So here I am!!! Eyes opened wide and a willingness to learn. Since joining, I have been perusing the different comments. I have yet to introduce myself or post a discussion. I would like to know more about webinars that someone suggested to you in one of the many replies to your post.

Best to you,

Cassandra

Permalink Reply by E.J. Hansen-Clay on October 17, 2009 at 6:10pm

Hi,
I am new to this too. I am anxious to learn from all of you as I go.
Elizabeth

Permalink Reply by Kathleen Sand on October 18, 2009 at 3:57pm

I'm with you on the overwhelmed aspect of today's tech tools, Monica. I appreciate a basic online tutorial about new tech tools, and then the opportunity to try out what I've learned at MY OWN inimitably slow speed. I have to do something several times to start learning from any miscalculations. I like tools that can be picked up and used without hundreds of hours of preparation and online reading.

Good luck on your tech journey.

Kathleen

Permalink Reply by Michele Falabella on October 19, 2009 at 6:32pm

I too am looking to familiarize myself with information. I am trying to become comfortable with the site. I know how you feel Monica, it can be overwhelming! I am wondering how to find specific information. For example, I stumbled across a question about using a smart board effectively. The reply was that on this forum, there is a detailed thread that discusses the smart board. I'm wondering if there is a quick way to search specific information? Michele

Permalink Reply by Susanne Fuller on November 9, 2009 at 8:21am

I'm new as well, with similar feelings. After reading your post and the other comments, however, I feel in good company. I'm currently taking a course that is immersing us in Web 2.0, so am feeling very scattered out on the web piecing this all together. My hope is to become a more active participant as I become more familiar with what's available and how to best participate. I did have a chance to explore a little more this weekend and watched one of the archived webinars on blogging with Sue Waters. That was neat.

Permalink Reply by Anna Kingston on December 1, 2009 at 3:07pm

Help, how do I watch webinars that have already played? You said "Event recordings are posted and available after the events if you aren't able to attend them live" - help I am blind I think, where can I find them?

THANKS
Anna

Permalink Reply by Monica Avalos on December 10, 2009 at 10:42pm

I've been reading everyone's comments and I haven't had time to contribute or reply or anything else for that matter. Hopefully with the coming holidays I'll be able to contribute more here. I have attempted to do webinars but my computer likes to act up at the most inopportune time. I still consider this site as a a great form of professional development.

Permalink Reply by Jenny Ankenbauer on December 14, 2009 at 10:52am

Monica,
I agree technology can be overwhelming; intimidating almost. The rate at which new applications are being made available far exceeds anyone's ability to master them before the next version appears. But I assure you, like a small, small snowball rolling down the hill, you'll gain speed and confidence best by experimenting with them. Once you have a basic understanding of the software, then I suggest you listen to a few podcasts or watch a Youtube. I learned a great deal about wikis that way, but of course, once I created one to use for practice, I really connected the knowledge to the skill set. Now I am quite comfortable using them in the class. So my advice to you when trying to master a technology is approach it like you are attending a great, big, fabulous banquet. Select one or two items and feast before moving on.