Project 2014

Welcome to Project 2014! As the new year starts, I have decided to start a blog.  I have had blogs in the past and even have one other current one, but my problem is typically my posts are few and far between.  To combat this problem, I have defined my blog goals to make me more accountable and more likely to succeed.

Who Am I
    This is my 13th year teaching and my first year to teach computers to 3rd through 5th graders.  In the past, I have taught PreKindergarten, Kindergarten, 2nd grade, and Computer to PreK through 2nd grade.  Technology has always fascinated me.  The first computer I used was a Vic 20 attached to our television.  I can vividly remember how good that blinking cursor looked to me and how it amazed me to be able to change the color of the screen.  To this day, new technology brings joy to me.  While I don't have a pair of Google Glasses or a 3D printer, they are on my wish list.

To Blog or Not to Blog
    Why another blog by another teacher?  There are many good blogs and resources out there, but I feel I have something to offer too. I don't claim to be a great writer. In fact, I find writing to be challenging. In discussions with my colleagues, I find that I used technology a little differently and/or have used a certain piece of technology, thus a blog gives me a vehicle to share my knowledge (and opinions).  

My plans
    To help facilitate my blog writing, I have constructed a framework. 

• One post a week
• One book review a month (counts for my weekly post)
• One post discussing how I use a online resource or tool a month (again, counts for my weekly post)
• Reviews on any new devices I purchase
• Anything else that strikes my fancy
  

    I will write one post a week, thus for Project 2014 there will be at least 52 posts. Once a month, one post will be a book review. I started this school year, with the goal of reading one educational book a month. To date, I have done pretty well. I have read 4 educational books in the last 5 months. Although I typically have more time to read during the summer, I feel it is important for my learning from books to continue year round.  This ties in well with a blog and a book review will count for one of my weekly blogs. Also, I plan to post about the online tools and resources I use and how I use them as well as any new devices I purchase.

Please join me on this journey.