Our Digital/Connected World

The other evening the weather report called for 3 - 6 inches of snow. Yes, I'm in NY. The weather report further called for icy rain and freezing conditions. As I relaxed with Facebook after a long day it was nice to see reports start coming in that we would have a Snow Day. How did this word reach me? News traveled quickly via our district Facebook page, our district Twitter account. At the Board of Education meeting the Interim Superintendent made the announcement. Those present continued to spread the word through their mobile devices. This was all before the official phone call announcement from the school district took place. I marveled at how quickly news spread. THIS is the power of social media. Rapid sharing of information to the masses. I think my mind focused on this, because I was disappointed that my celebration of Digital Learning Day (http://digitallearningday.org) would need to be postponed.

And yet, the inner small child celebrated the news that we would have a snow day! Yes, please. I could so use a rest. But again I'm me. Did I rest today? Only now (while blogging mind you) at 4:49 am I actually relaxing on the couch. Since today was Digital Learning Day I had to connect with my PLN and attend a few virtual events.

As people voiced their concerns about prepping for power outages and expressed gratitude that their power came back, I was grateful for my access. I realized just how connected I am.  I think I swallowed a "horse-tablet sized blue pill" eons ago.


I woke up and looked at my digital clock.
I made some Cream of Farina in the microwave.
I checked my smartphone.
I turned on my Nook.
I booted up my computer. (All in the first 10 minutes or so of being awake.)
I took a photo of the snow outside.
I logged in.
I loaded my TweetDeck.
I loaded my Facebook.
I checked in on my PLN.
I tuned in for the Library of Congress Digital Learning Day stream.
I tuned in for a bit of the Discovery Educator Network Google Hangout.
I took part in the discussion at the ChatSpace on the Library of Congress Digital Learning Day stream.
I decided I needed to encapsulate this Digital/Connected Life I lead.
Today I was "off" but I would certainly say that I was "on". Wouldn't you?

Did you spend Digital Learning Day using digital devices? Were you connected?

Success

It dawned upon me today. Success is try squared. If you don't try and try you will never succeed. Anything worth succeeding in is worth putting the effort into. I know some days there just aren't enough hours in the day. And other days are smooth sailing. But I hope you try and try and try again until you reach your goals.

Have you tried something new today? If we aren't constantly learning and trying we will never be succeeding. This afternoon, I was working on something that just wouldn't go my way. But I stuck with it and rather proud I completed my task in the end. And a teacher thanked me for the previous resources I had compiled and asked for a copy even though what I was working on was for another grade level. I admit, that felt quite good.

What have you tried lately? I'm trying to share more valuable content on Twitter and this blog. I'd love to hear what you are trying. And even better if after trying and trying you succeed. 

Sharing More Sweetness

While researching resources and activities to share for next month's Digital Learning Day, I came across this:
http://www.hersheystory.org/education/lesson-plans/. These are lesson plans provided by The Hershey Story.  There are lessons for grades K-3, 3-6, 6-8, 9-10, 9-12. Sounds like a little something for everyone. What fun! And I'm sure some could be adjusted. Hershey and Advertising maybe labeled 11-12. But couldn't this same topic be adjusted to work with younger students.