Cannonball....Jumping Into Social Media and Technology

No more excuses.  I'm finally done expecting the tech experts in our building to take care of the 'tech stuff' while I sit on the sidelines.  I'm sure some of you can relate! For my first blog post...ever....I think it may be best to lay out who I am, where I have come from, and anything else that may shed some light on future posts.

#1- I write like I speak.  However I say something in my head, that is how I type it.  It doesn't necessarily impress English teachers.  I most likely wouldn't get the highest vocabulary and word usage grade, and I wouldn't pass many rubrics in grammer usage either.  But, hopefully you can follow my 'deep' thoughts:)

#2- I'm in my 3rd year as an elementary principal (Preschool-fifth) in Iowa.  I grew up a farmer's son and still have that in my blood.  How does that relate to this blog?  Well, I spent more time with pigs than computers.  Couple that with my age (29) and you can see where I fell through the technology cracks.  I remember fumbling through the internet at school for the first time in 8th or 9th grade.  I only had time for sports when high school hit so I never dove deep into technology.

#3- Starting the 2010-2011 school year, I would have considered myself adequate with technology.  My respected elders would consider me very savvy with technology because I can run a computer with great ease, manipulate the main features with technology, and use help functions with great regularity (which makes me look a little better than I really am).  But, I continually witnessed all the amazing resources out there and wanted to give it a shot.  Excuses, perceived lack of ability, and time all played a part in the constant delay of 'getting started'.  Currently, my beautiful wife of 5 years is asleep, my 2 children are quiet in bed, so why not start now?

A quick glimpse of my family that is sleeping soundly.  My boy is 2 years old and my daughter is 2 months old in this photo.

#4- I made some 'Technology Goals' at the beginning of the school year:

• Start up a twitter account and actually utilize it. Check.
• Figure out how to use a Mimio. Check. Needs Improvement Though.
• Dive into iPads.  Check.  Beginning phase still.
• Start a blog. In the process.

#5- Goals for my blog:

• Learn how to create extra pages. Check. Not going to publish until I've got it all figured out though.
• Embed pictures and videos in each page and post. Check, see picture above with lovely wife and kids.
• Create a drop down menu in some of my headings tabs.  I've tried...Not even close on this one.
• Come up with cool gadgets that meet my needs of this blog. Not there yet.

#6- Last but not least, my priorities in life are as follows: My faith, my family, and then everything else.  I'm not saying that my love and passion for education and specifically my role as a principal isn't important.  But, I am pretty upfront with saying that it doesn't hold a candle to my love and passion for Christ and my family.  Therefore, this blog not only will be a reflection of my professional love but also my personal passions as well.  Hopefully, you enjoy the mix of personal and professional stories and resources in this blog.

#7- Oh yeah, one more thing.  I am a proud member of a wonderful organization...Outreach Outdoors.  I love hunting, fishing, and pretty much anything outdoors.  Outreach outdoors connects the outdoors with spreading the word of Christ.  If you are interested, feel free to check us out at: www.outreachoutdoors.com 

I'm looking forward to this time of reflection.  I have enjoyed learning from others and gaining resources through so many wonderful bloggers and professionals.  A global learning community is possible...I'm so excited that I've stepped off the diving board.