Web 2.0 Educator

          I picked Lisa Nielsen's blog to read and discuss for our Webquest.  Overall, I really enjoyed everything that Lisa had to say regarding technology within the classroom and as well as ways in which to use technology to connect all educators together.  One of her blog postings that I read that I really enjoyed was "Being a connected educator means being in conversations that matter" (x).  Like Lisa, I believe that educators should not only teach their students how to self-advocate but to also teach themselves to do the same.  Technology can connect classrooms, students, teachers, and all sorts of people to powerful outlets for their opinions and concerns.
          Lisa also puts heavy focus (as all teachers should) on the advancement of students, not the advancement of technology, within the classroom (like this article, or this one).  Teachers should not strive for the newest or most exciting technology available, but rather, the technology that provides the improvement and transformation that we need in the classroom.  Our students are there to help, as well.  As Dr. Theresa has mentioned in class, it will take a student approximately 2 seconds before they know something about a piece of technology that we had not previously known.  Lisa knows this, and knows that it is something we should employ to expand our knowledge and provide our students with confidence and support.
          Overall, I believe that Lisa and I share a common opinion on the use of technology: when given the proper research, dedication, time, and energy, technology can be a powerful learning tool within the classroom.  However, technology is not something to be forced upon others, or something that we are expected to be masters at.  We should seek others for help: colleagues, students, and other educators the world over.  We are not in it alone with technology.

To visit Lisa Nielsen's blog, click here.