Teaching Technology... and some potential roadblocks

So I realize that this is *not* an assigned blog posting, but I had to comment on the excitement I felt in helping a friend to publish her first podcast tonight. I think each of us approaches technology with a certain trepidation - either based in negative previous experiences or simply that "unfamiliar=scary" perspective. I actually like exploring as long as I have a clear map of where I'm headed and someone to whom I can turn when the going gets rough (thanks, Terry + friends).

 In my own experiences, the unknown landscape of technology has always been charted by persons far more ambitious and pioneering than myself. In high school, it wasn't until my roommate kept me up until all hours of the night chatting on AIM and swapping tunes on Napster that I finally got into the hang of ... ahem... "borrowing" music and sharing files with any ease. I've always waited for someone else to lead the way, and jumped on board when the beta versions become full releases. 

 This class, however, has really pushed me to try and see how I can integrate technology into the classroom, and I'm beginning to see myself as a bit of a trailblazer at my school. In anticipation of next year, and my strong desire to bring podcasting to my classroom as a part of our language arts and social studies curriculum, I asked our IT director about gaining access to programs like Audacity and connecting our students to the web through internet communities. At a small private school, known for open-mindedness and grass-roots vigor, I figured these types of free communication tools would be welcomed into the classroom as a way to leap into the 21st century, so long as they were used responsibly and purposefully. 

 Insert hiccup #1. To say enough without saying too much, my idea was not unanimously lauded or even accepted as an appropriate part of our elementary curriculum. The "not right for us at this time" attitude that seems to permeate the bureaucracy of the public school domain has apparently stretched its fingers to the private sector as well... But fear not, I'm going to come back better armed with more information, more solid ideas of exactly what I want to see happen, and how I intend to oversee the process. If a formal proposal is called for, a formal proposal there will be.

On a more sunny note, teaching someone how to podcast was a strong affirmation that A.) it can be done! and B.) I can be the one to do it. I'm thrilled that Jess was able to get her voice up and running on the web (literally and figuratively), and I can't wait to hear more... Now, onto the six year olds.