The One Where I Put Myself out There

Being vulnerable is hard for me. I never want to admit that there is anything I can't do by and for myself. While this is more true in my personal than in my professional life, it's prevalent. This entire summer was one giant risk for me. I am especially proud of my accomplishments in this class because I no longer feel like I am not technological. That is huge hurdle for me.

Case in point is this website listing 30 different web apps. I would have found this daunting in May. Today I just opened it, chose a couple to investigate, and picked one without even hesitating. I selected Storyline Online and looked for Spanish language books, since my new elementary school has quite a large Hispanic population. I found only two options that were available in both English and Spanish, but that is not bad considering that this resource is completely free. The one above is grades K-3, and the other choice was only grades 1-3. 

"An award-winning children’s literacy program, Storyline Online couples well-known actors with top illustrated children’s books. Each storytelling video features the actor’s dramatic narration, while skillfully animated illustrations unfold to tell the tale. The extensive teacher’s guide that accompanies each book / video includes a synopsis, standards, suggested grade levels, themes, activities, and printable worksheets. Storyline Online is endorsed by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the American Library Association (ALA)."

English video     English teacher's guide     Spanish video     Spanish teacher's guide

As for the rest of the semester:

Which ones excited you most?

Module 1 Readings Pedagogy before Technology

Module 2 Environmental Scan

Module 4 Acceptable Use Policy

Module 4 Copyright and Fair Use

Which ones were most difficult for you? 

Module 2 Diffusion of Innovation

Module 3 Social Media

Module 3 AI Assisted Newsletter

Module 7 Wakelet Gallery Walk

Which ones will most benefit students?

Module 5 Teach Someone to do Something

Module 6 Universal Design for Learning

Module 6 Universal Design Virtual Tour

Discussion Boards based on the textbook 

I will wrap it up with food for thought on church mission work, which I found appealing and relevant as a believer.-Food for Love: Fighting for Grace in a World of Impossible Standards

"What have you overcome? What are you still battling? How are you leading your people? What has worked? What has failed? What is the local vision for community development? Who else is leading well? How is the partnership with your government? What systems are broken in your community? What is your greatest need right now? What is your greatest strength to that end?" My mission is to help everyone I encounter with anything they need. The best way to achieve my own calling is to listen to the community that I wish to serve.