As a Principal, I've sent a welcome back letter to faculty members every August. It's a way to reconnect and set a positive tone for the upcoming school year. Since I am often encouraging faculty members to learn new skills and share with each other... I decided to practice what I preach. This is my August welcome back message to the faculty...
Recently, I've noticed an incredible surge in the number of educational articles (along with blogs and tweets!) focused on the importance of bringing 'media literacy' into today's classrooms. As educators, we have an obligation to be ongoing 'digital learners' to best prepare our students for tomorrow. Effectively using current technologies is rapidly becoming an essential communication skill for all ages. (Even my 74 year old aunt has learned to Skype to see a newborn grandchild living three states away). This inspired me to explore how to use the camera lens on my new home computer. Using the Tutor for iMovie 'll App I taught myself to create and edit a video. The Internet is filled with so many free technology tools and how to guides. On this page, I've started a list of Educator's Blogs as a resource for any parents and educators who might like to see what technologies other schools are using... reading them you can even learn to twitter, blog, skype, and create a prezi! My favorite, The Classroom Chronicles, is written by a teacher who taught her colleagues a new tech skill each week... then she shared all of her lessons on-line! Amazing. I can't wait to share that site at our opening faculty meeting!