- teaching our own hybrid/online courses
- interacting with our students through social media
- using Google Apps for Education as a means of collaborating
...and that is just to name a few. If we did not have staff who were willing to step outside of their comfortable limits to try these new ideas out, we would not be where we are today as a bulldog community. We are very fortunate!
Last week, during my tech training with the BHS staff, I showed the video of a girl who was learning how to ski jump for the first time. Over the course of a minute and a half, you could gain a sense of uncertainty, and nervousness. However, this girl wanted to push herself. In the end, she had a blast, and was glad that she challenged herself.
I showed this video because I wanted the BHS staff to do the same, regarding using some sort of new technological tool in their classroom this year. I wanted them to commit to something. So, I encouraged the staff to use a website called 'futureme.org'. Basically, this website allows you to write yourself a letter in the future. You compose the letter and then choose the date you want to receive it. I thought that this would be a great way for a staff member to have a letter sent to them after the first quarter to see if they have met their goal, and if not, it would be a friendly reminder to challenge themselves.
I encourage all of you to challenge yourself to implement a new technological tool in your classroom. No idea is too small.
** As a side note, I can see Advisors asking their advisory students to use futureme.org. Students could write themselves a letter their freshmen year and request to receive it a week before they graduate from high school. Great idea for students to see if they have accomplished what they hoped to, without burring a time capsule.