#studentlife

Today my classes participated in a social media project highlighting the life of a student-all across the globe. While we delighted in following the twitter feed in class, and checking out the nifty items in other schools; we spent the greater amount of time reflecting on what we wanted to showcase about our home school. Orland Junior High is a pretty amazing place. While my students and I are still longing for items like a classroom couch or a cozier reading corner, we are truly blessed with so many amazing resources in District 135.

This is our first year of a 1:1 pilot of Mac Air books. Instead of being limited by a lack of technology or various firewalls and roadblocks, this year we are encouraged to experiment and dive in headfirst to a world-wide classroom. D135 students practice their writing skills in online blogs, they make science reports in i-movie, when they read a novel, they can chat with the author via skype. As an educator and a parent in the district I am positively blown away by the possibilities for 21st century learning that are coming to life in my very own school. My daughter practices her math skills by watching a video of her own teacher re-explaining the problems online. Gone are the days of solitary learning in Orland Schools-we are becoming truly connected learners.

Watching my students navigate a wider classroom and broader social community presents many challenges and celebrations as well. As teachers we have daily conversations about our online responsibilities and how we should treat each other both in person as well as online. I am so impressed by the care and concern my students show for each other as they learn how to communicate and operate safely online. They help each other out in the classroom as we all try to learn some new technologies and skills for life.

I am most impressed by the kindness and generosity of spirit shown daily by our very own OJH students and staff. When I wake up in the morning, I look forward to seeing both my colleagues and students at school. My students always have a friendly or perky greeting waiting for me when we open up the classroom. Working with such terrific learners makes for an amazing day, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to share my days with my Orland Junior High family.