I have definitely come down to the wire on getting the 23 things posted! Luckily, I did not wait until the last minute to actually try the things...rather have been "fiddling" with them all along the way. I have found the sheer number of resources (mostly free, by the way) to be almost overwhelming. Organizing them all has been a challenge, but I have a pretty good system worked out by now. I have tried to disseminate information to colleagues to the best of my ability, with some mixed results. The 23 Things module did give me a chance to experiment with reosources and tools in a non-threatening, self-paced way, which is very nice. I learned many many new things, and found some very easy ways to incorporate technology into my own classroom. I also found some great ways to share tools with others, which is kind of why I wanted to do the TIS thing in the first place. The ISTE standards include include the ability to: "Demonstrate creativity and innovation, Communicate and collaborate, Conduct research and use information, Think critically, solve problems, and make decisions, Use technology effectively and productively (http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-students.aspx)"
I feel that I have a much better grasp on this now, as well as a plethora of resources available to find any information and tools I may need. It is important for learning to be seen as a continuing process, rather than a "drill and kill" where students are simply expected to regurgitate information. Students (and teachers) need to see the importance of collaboration and critical thinking in every day success. The use of technology can make these things much more efficient and meaningful in and out of the classroom.
I feel that I have a much better grasp on this now, as well as a plethora of resources available to find any information and tools I may need. It is important for learning to be seen as a continuing process, rather than a "drill and kill" where students are simply expected to regurgitate information. Students (and teachers) need to see the importance of collaboration and critical thinking in every day success. The use of technology can make these things much more efficient and meaningful in and out of the classroom.