http://www.flickr.com/photos/98037056@N00/476627480/
What do you suppose this jumper is feeling? Fear maybe, some excitement, little nervousness and a sense of having no control? Having never jumped off a high cliff (and having very little intention to ever do so) I can only guess those emotions. However what I can talk about is the idea of “just jumping.”
During an online session tonight featuring FANTASTIC teachers, I was struck with a sense of “oh my gosh I do not know how to be a teacher!” All of a sudden I felt like a 1st year university student surrounding by individuals in a masters program. It was like everything I had ever learned disappeared and I was unable to make connections or retain ideas. My only explanation was that all I had to go on was theory, and that can only get you so far. Having minimum experience using technology in a classroom makes it difficult to have deep conversations, or at least difficult for myself.
I can say however that with all the supportive messages to us pre-service teachers, I still felt scared at the idea of “just jumping.” At this point, if my jumping into technology in the classroom was identical to the image above, I can only imagine jumping if loaded with water wings, a lifejacket and a safety net at the bottom to catch me.
The best way to make the jump is one step at a time. Before you know it, you’ll feel comfortable with many ways to work with your students. Remember, it’s really not about the technology, but what you want your students to learn. You’re getting a vast array of ideas in this class. When the time comes that you want to teach something, you’ll have a big toolkit to choose from. Starting to make connections with other teachers is really your safety net. They can help you as you work with the technology.
Hi there,
I had what I deemed to be a really challenging jumping experience about 8 years ago. I had designed and developed a new program for high school students who wanted to be teachers. We did a high ropes course to help begin to develop a community of learners. At age 56, having been fearful of heights all my life yet at the urgings of my students, I climbed high into a tree(40 feet) and out onto a wire, desperately clinging to one of my students; then trusting the ropes team below, jumped off and out of my comfort zone completely. It was an incredible way to build teamwork with youngsters and it certainly altered their perception of me. Once I realized I was really safely back on the ground, I was actually pretty amazed and felt a sense of accomplishment that surprised me! All this to say, that the “jumping”, despite your fears can be empowering— Don’t worry; things will often not go as you have planned no matter how much you’ve planned. But you and your students will embark on a grand and wonderful journey together and you will continue to learn as you travel.
As for the need for “water wings, a lifejacket and a safety net at the bottom to catch me”, you’ve got them: twitter, your colleagues, your students, and you!
Best,
Lani
Gill, I’m pretty sure that everyone of us last night were overwhelmed at the BIG things these teachers have done. I to had some moments where I thought I don’t think I can be like that, I’m not going to be a good teacher etc…. but I also know one thing that is true about both of us, we are interested in this, we do have a pasiion for it, and it doesn’t just happen like that! I think that one of our most powerful resources in the first years, will be eachother,We will learn from eachothers first hand experiences, and become masters together! Although we may not take a full fledged jump, I’m pretty sure we’ll get our feet wet to begin with!
I am also a little nervous about plunging into my internship and teaching in general. However, if we felt completely comfortable and ready that would mean there was nothing left to learn. I also really like what Lani said about having support through twitter, each other, and our students! I wish twitter was a requirement of our program haha! Anyways I am sure you will do great in your internship, and the worries are good because they will cause you to push yourself to grow, learn and be the best you can be!
Even though I am scared like you Gill, I agree with Anne and Jayla. Our greatest resources will be each other. Through this class we are learning that it will be much easier than it would have been 10 years ago to stay in touch and help each other out. Hopefully we can use each other and friends for support. Especially during our internship, I’m scared I’ll be awful haha.