Peda-tech and tech-anues

 When I first started blogging and posting and Tweeting a year ago, my goal was this:

-To combine solid pedagogy with technology avenues to allow for creativity, expression, and achievement.  

I didn't want to just show how to use tech-anues (technology avenues...just made that up).  There were so many people already doing that.  So I dove into Visible Learning, Best Practices, Asking Questions and other philosophical and pedagogical resources.  I learned a lot.  I was excited about going forth with peda-tech. (Pedagogy and technology...made that up, too.)  My hope was to take the best pedagogy and merge it with the best technology.  

I find myself reflecting on this original goal.  I am wired to learn.  I often find myself eager to change and improve my craft.  I rarely do things the same way from year to year.  If you know what I am talking about, you know it is a blessing and a curse.  I've been paying attention to the things that really get me excited.  Paying attention to when I am lost in the zone, the flow, the flow-zone.  What do I gravitate towards?  What do I WANT to do, but don't let myself do because it is too small or too simple or too this or too that?  

Here's what I am wondering and pondering...
I've been wanting to delve into some tech-anues.  Break them down, figure them out all by myself.  But in my mind that is too simple, too small.  After all, there are an ocean of tutorial fish out there, so why wouldn't I just go to those and learn?  (And I do and I will, but...)  I'm certified in FlipGrid, Nearpod, Seesaw, Book Creator, and Screencastify.  Not for the glory, though the badges are cool to be sure.  I've done it so I can learn a new platform in a systematic way.  And that works, to an extent.  But I find that I still do not come away with all the learnings I crave to have.  I want more and I want to be the driver.   

As I am typing this, I am transferring my reflection to my students.  How does this same line of thinking apply to them?  I think it ties back to inquiry.  The joy of discovering things by yourself.  But I digress.

I find that I get in a rut and use tech-anues in the same way.  Need to post a video?  Flipgrid.  Need to post a drawing?  Seesaw.  Need to create a book?  Book Creator  Need to record your screen?  Screencastify.  Need a ready lesson?  Nearpod.  As I continue learning more about strong and simple ways to teach, I am going to give myself permission to go play, discover, dig, and meander.  And ironically, as a side-product, I believe I will become better equipped "take the best pedagogy and merge it with the best technology." (Am I allowed to quote myself?)

And that makes me very happy and excited to start my summer!  (After a vacation, of course!)  

P.S.  Blogging helps me think through things.  I don't always follow through.  I don't always make sense. I don't always have ideas.  BUT I do learn to know myself better.  I do sort out my ideas.  I do nudge myself in life-giving directions.  So, just a little shout-out for blogging!