ODYSSEYWARE

Though it’s only December, the time has come to reflect on the past year, and think about the future. While it seems strange to refer to Ghandi when making a list of resolutions for the New Year, I think he had the right idea when he said,

“Be the change you want to see in the world.”

Whether or not we want to see big change in the world of education, it’s inevitable. It’s coming as fast and furious as waves crashing against the shore. As educators, it’s important to dip your toes into the water, step out into the surf, and learn a few new strokes to prevent being engulfed by the waves.

Perhaps this means not only adopting this change but actually helping to shape it, resolving to learn more about the latest techno tools, wikis, and web 2.0 applications that are available for learning professionals and then integrating them into your instructional practices.

This year, resolve to shape the 21st century classroom. The following are a few suggestions:

• Choose one student that could substantially benefit from the increased use of technology in his or her individual learning plan. Do your part to see it happen.
• Choose to attend one challenging technology workshop or webinar in the coming year. The key word is challenging. The International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL) offers a number of professional development webinars that encourage use of technology in learning.
• Choose one new technology-driven tool for learning. Become proficient with it and implement it in your classroom. I like the list at Center for Learning and Performance Technologies.
• Choose one colleague who is less-than enthusiastic about technology in the classroom. Make it your mission to change that person’s mind.
• Find at least one new way to use ODYSSEYWARE’s built-in tools to enrich learning in your classroom.

As educators that regularly use technology-driven applications like ODYSSEYWARE’s online learning environment in your classrooms, you are shaping the way instruction is delivered to 21st century students. Watching your students learn with innovative tools is often all the inspiration you’ll need to stick to your resolutions.

We would love to hear your high-resolution New Year’s resolutions that might inspire other educators to integrate innovative technology-based tools into their classroom.