Standard One~Introduction~

My name is Lisa Anderson Martin and I am a compulsive teacher. I find it practically impossible to be around any potential student without trying to instill some information into their heads. I spent years as a Children’s pastor and Head of Children’s Education, and in that role I have written and implemented endless curriculums, countless dramatic pieces, and numerous Vacation Bible Schools. I also have experience in Adult and Teen Education, and have been keynote speaker at Women’s and Youth Seminars. I love to teach because I LOVE TO LEARN, and I am continually searching for ways to make education more reachable and relevant for my students.

 As an English Major, and a substitute teacher in both public and private schools for the past eleven years, I have some experience with secular education. I have tutored adults at a local community college, which was my most enjoyable job to date. I love educating adults, but one of my most frustrating experiences was trying to help a few students who had learning disabilities. I am interested in technologies to aid such learners.

As someone who is reasonably tech savvy, I am eager to use all available means to enrich curriculum for all students. However, to be successful, I must engage students in technology that is more familiar to them than it is to me, which is intimidating.

 This blog is not going to be about me (as an expert) telling had you (as a novice) all that I know.

This is instead going to be a place for me, a novice, to share ideas and possibilities with an audience which very likely has more knowledge and experience than I do!!

 This blog is for my friends, digital immigrants with little experience but big desires to discover available technologies! We can be vulnerable together as we explore new methods to make information relevant to our students.

Have you ever shaken a snow globe and watched in fascination as the shimmering flakes twist and swirl within the confines of the orb?

 That's how I feel when I encounter things like VoiceThread, Webquest, Prezi and countless other avenues of educational enquiry. Cranium Blizzard is the storm in my head~ a whirling bombardment of new ideas and possibilities that are swirling around in my noggin, as I become acquainted with exhilarating and innovative technologies and applications.

 So grab a cup of hot chocolate and a lap blanket, because anyone who has ever enjoyed a snowstorm knows that they are best when they are shared with a friend!


Standard One~Reflection

 As a writer, I see blogging as a method of transforming my students into writers. While not everyone has the inherent talent to be a wordsmith, everyone can learn to communicate authentically and productively. The view that only a few chosen people can be considered writers is now obsolete, as technology provides an environment where anyone can become an author with an audience. As individuals are allowed to use words as building blocks of legitimate expression through technology, their voices are validated and their ideas become more complex.

 Standard One Skills:

A.      1.1k the appropriate use of hardware components, software programs, and their connections;
B.      1.2k data input skills appropriate to the task. 
C.      1.4s delineate and make necessary adjustments regarding compatibility issues, including, but not limited to, digital file formats and cross-platform connectivity         
1.       Created an ePorfolio using a Blogger
2.       Downloaded Google Chrome to enable Blogger to operate properly
3.       Keyboarding skills
4.       Designed elements of blog to make it more attractive
5.       Modified blog repeatedly with curriculum changes