The more we define the behaviors around social networking the more likely it will be that students use the networking appropriately. As Richard spoke today I was again reminded just how dynamic the field of education is in the world. An example of this is the language used in the presentation. The implication of how technology could be used in the classroom to facilitate high level dialogue through blogging is another example. The last two classes have given me food for thought.

I actually did something I don't like to do. Surf the net. I found some interesting things on my search which I plan to share with people.

Equity is an interesting and important issue across every structure of a school district's system. From my experience, you have to have a a total mind shift before we can truly obtain equity. I think it will have to become a top priority and confront racism at every level to bring equity to a school district.

Again, the article from business week made me ask the question, "when will the educational system really change and begin to create true life long learners?" I plan to share this article.

I am so glad to see that other people are as late as I am in completing their homework. I found something that the speaker said at last weeks class continually came up throughout the week- technology is a tool. For me it means that it should help me accomplish a goal, not hinder my ability to reaching the goal. I learned how to scan and create a PDF in color on my new copier today and how to lock a print job. I feel like I work for the CIA now and can't trust anyone.

A friend of mine, who works at designing and maintaining website for a company, and I were talking about my class and technology. I was very interested in how she was using Facebook to reach out to new people and encouraging them to find their web page.

Another thought I had during the week was that design in a lot of ways is like art. What one person might think is a piece of art is to another person is trash. It is in the eye of the beholder.

I had a few moments during a break at a meeting today, had the copy of the ASCD monthly mailer, and read a couple of the articles. This particular one was on technology and the use of technology in the classrooms. It made me think of the TED man who advocated that computers could take the place of teachers. The article reiterated a point that Mr. Navarre stated tonight, that technology was a tool, not the end means. The article illustated that student achievement was linked to the use of technology and direct teaching. Hence human intervention. It has been great to have connections from outside sources.

It is interesting that equity came up in class before seeing the video presentation on TED because as educators we are charged with how to eliminate the achievement gap and educate all students and the topic of how to and the importance pops up all the time. I do believe that if we put the money and technology in low achieving schools with proper support it will increase student achievement. But it won't happen because of the equity issues. People who can raise money and create additional resources for schools will not raise money for another school because it is another school and it "won't benefit my kid." I struggle with the idea that a person can be eliminated and a computer can do the job of teaching primary students. Technology can motivate and inspire and there is a place in education for motivation and inspiration, but there are life skills that technology cannot teach.

Technology has helped me keep in touch with people from around the world. With just a few short strokes I am able to connect with family and friends. When I force myself to sit in front of the computer I have learned how to do things I never thought I could accomplish.

I believe that technology can isolate people. Also it is soooooo frustrating when you lose that 20 page report because you accidentally hit don't save.