#celebrately2104 Perhaps I was a little scared

As I reflect on this busy week, I realize that even though my sinuses are working overtime and I am exhausted from my day "off," I am also excited about the "challenge" ahead and reflective as to why we all need to "step away from the classroom" and into the role of "learner" every once in a while.

I took a bit of Dayquil before I headed to the Google Apps for Education (GAFE) conference yesterday and sure was glad that I could "override" the side effects of the little-people in my life who graciously share their colds. I wondered, for a bit, if I were too ill to go....but, perhaps, I was a little scared?

Of course, you have to "prep" to take a day off (if you are a teacher and caregiver) and then there are the logistical issues of carpooling and traveling to a "new" location by 8 AM.  Between all the work and the cold, I was thinking it was not worth all the effort......plus, perhaps, I was a little scared?

The presenters talked fast about the magic they had created with Google Apps and the potential to transform learning environments.  I took notes, on my tablet and contributed to a shared Google Doc about the day, but I also jotted a few things in a notebook. ........perhaps I was a little scared of remembering it all?

I am embracing the challenge of becoming a Google Educator even though I have a longer, steeper learning curve than many.  I am NOT a digital "native" and thus that "intuitive" part is not really there.  I have to have some explicit instruction, guidance, and feedback in order to "navigate" this digital work.

Certainly, I was disappointed I did not win the Chromebook give-away.

Certainly, I am a little scared because that is HOW we ALL feel when we are learning something new outside of our comfort zone.  

Certainly, I inadvertently sent a Google Hangout request to my "virtual friend" Linda Baie. Sorry about that. But, certainly, I would love to do that someday!

Certainly, I am reminded that my response is similar to my students, reluctant readers and writers, who do not find navigating the reading-writing world "intuitive." 

      

Certainly, it is easier to stay in our comfort zone, avoid risks, and avert failure.  It's hard to embrace "new" roles, relationships, and routines.  Even if you think you want something, it can be overwhelming when you finally have it!  

Perhaps, Certainly, Perhaps, Certainly I am a life-long-learning and I will get "there" - wherever it is I am going - with a little scaffolding, guidance, help.....