Verizon Thinkfinity

Verizon Thinkfinity is such a wonderful web portal to rich educational web resources. I have recently applied to be a Verizon Thinkfinity National Cadre Trainer. I feel I have much to offer and believe wholeheartedly that the resources available are high quality and contain tools that will help "children reach their highest potential" (Pasco County).

I am an Educator

I feel I was "called" to this profession, one I am proud to have been a part of for 35 years. After 25 years in the classroom (N-8), I decided to become an Instructional Technology Specialist. Although my focus has changed to coaching teachers in the use of technology, I feel that I have a good insight into the demands on today's teacher.

Many teachers are leaving the profession during their first five years. The demands on today's teacher are phenomenal. School districts who adopt new programs, textbooks, professional development expectations and so forth are forgetting the need for the time needed to adequately prepare for lessons. Too many meetings, paperwork, assessments are interfering with the teaching and learning process. Our school day is the same length as it was back in the 1920's, but look at all the things to learn that have developed.

To do the best job for students we need to have initiatives and policies fully backed with the necessary funds to make it happen. Perfect example is the use of online testing when schools are not equipped with enough computers to basically 'shut down' any other use for 3-5 weeks of the school year. We need educators with vision...where are we heading and what is the ultimate goal?

January FETC 2010

Time is drawing near for this year's Florida Educational Technology Conference (FETC) held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. FETC is a division of 1105 Media Inc. and this year's conference will have more than 200 Concurrent Sessions, more than 70 Professional Development Workshops, and an exhibit hall with 500+ companies. Participants will have an opportunity to network with folks about the latest in technology and educational resources. I look forward to attending and meeting folks I've communicated with during the year on Skype, Twitter, and FaceBook. Educators discovering ways to incorporate the latest Web 2.0 tools in the classroom are an exciting group!