EDUC 573 (New to Blogging)

Well I can honestly say that this is my first time blogging.  I have used the screen-cast program before a couple of times, and I have created my own teacher webpage, so I am a little familiar with some of the different types of technology that Will Richardson talks about in his book.  I am not, however, into the whole blogging, wikis, twitter, facebook, post this, post that type of stuff.  I use many different technoloical resources in my classroom, from PowerPoint presentations, to on-line programs, to interactive things for the students.  I am interested in learning some of these technology-based programs and trying to incorporate where I can.  With less than half of my student population having computer access at home, it does make it difficult.  I do have a parent and student portal set up to where they can view their grades on-line and we can communicate back and forth better, and the kids like keeping up with that.  I am cautious though about communicating with students on-line outside of a classroom setting because I know how some kids and parents can be.  The ideas presented in this book are great for those settings where every student is eager to learn and responsible, but the reality is that not all are the same.  These programs do present some challenges to keep up with and enforce, but I can see the positives as well if ran correctly and in the right setting.