Whenever I read a great post, usually the first thing I do is put it directly in the context of my classroom.  I do that because, frankly, I want to see how I measure up.  I can post, comment and chat about this stuff all day long, but the reason I carve out hours of my day to be a part of this conversation is because I want to be a part of the change!  I want to be that place where students can collaborate, have conversations, and prepare for the future.  Some might say that Will’s post was perhaps talking about the bigger kids, but I think that he’s not.  I think that kids come with some of these skills, and school takes it out of them.  By the time they get to me in third grade, they think that collaborating=cheating, and conversation happens at lunch.  Maybe we just need to nurture those talents from Kindergarten on…..can you imagine how that would accelerate the process, if we didn’t have to “re-teach” them some of this stuff!   So, here is me thinking out loud- seeing how I measure up.

• Networked- Hmmm, have not done as much of this as I usually do.  I interpret this as not only knowing how to connect with others in the class, but also in other classrooms, other states, etc.  Sharing information.  We have done a couple things within the school, but nothing beyond that this year.  A few years ago I did e-pals with a class that lived on a reservation in New Mexico, and what started out as a way to practice friendly letters became a full-blown cultural exchange.  I would call that crude networking….am I right?  Give me more ideas on how I can help 3rd graders network.
• More collaborative–OK, I feel good about this one.  My students share a computer with another student, and they collaborate on almost everything.  They read and interpret web information to complete assignments and projects, they write and publish stories together, they become experts in particular math concepts and then peer tutor each other, they plan class parties, run our government system, solve their own relationship issues, and discuss any problems in our classroom at our community meetings each Friday.  What do your kids do to collaborate?  Please share!
• More globally aware–This is a tough one, because my students have a pretty small world around them.  Some of my kids don’t go more than 60 miles from here…ever.  The past two years, I have started using literature as a springboard for these kinds of connections.  I try to concentrate on awareness, respect, and empathy.  It is difficult to find ways to talk about global issues on a third grade level.  Even our conversations about war while reading “The People of Sparks” is sensitive and difficult, but important.  I don’t think anyone takes the time to listen to these kids, and hear their fears and misconceptions about our world.  I love the global connections voicethread project, and hope to incorporate something like that in my classroom next year.  What are your ideas?
• Less dependent on paper- I am good here- in fact, I have to remind myself to have them write on paper occasionally just so that they are ready for the state-mandated test.  Can’t they just type, print and glue it in the test booklet:)
• More active– I interpret this as being more active participants and decision-makers.  My kids run my classroom, have jobs, get paychecks, self govern, and manage social issues on their own for the most part.  I facilitate, and step in when needed to handle social issues. 
• Fluent in creating and consuming hypertext–This is a big part of our day, but I love to read great books, and that is a big part of our day as well.  I will say that consuming hypertext is difficult as a third grader because so much of the content out there is not leveled for this age.  I spend hours and hours searching for relevant, well done, age appropriate content for my students.   Anyone have good resources to share in that area? 
• More connected– I see this happening in my school through our character education program, and a program called watchdogs.  We also live in one of those towns that is actually quite large, but still feels small.  The people in this community have strong ties to our school, and I think this changes the climate of our building drastically.  The kids feel very connected and safe.  Connections to the world….need to work on that one.
• Editors of information-This is something I need to work on, and something my peers and I have discussed.  We don’t let kids “search” in our rooms- we filter the content for them, and put it on our websites for them to access.  I have never doubted that practice, but it is now apparent to me that I am not protecting them from anything, because they go home and search!  So do we teach them how to search and edit information here at school in a controlled environment where we can help them, or continue to pretend that we are protecting them by not letting them do it here at school?  What are your thoughts on this?  Keep in mind, they are third graders….

Now, I know that alot of what I talked about had nothing to do with technology, but I think that is part of my point here.  I think that a part of my vision has to include these emotional connections.  I do want my students to fully recognize the power of technology, and know how to use that in the future…..but I also want them to know that they are loved- that always has to be a part of my plan for the future:)  OK, so I have my “to do” list for the future as it relates to my classroom.  Thanks for making me think Will!