My EdTech Spotlight article

I recently wrote an article on the concept behind EdTech Spotlights, and figured I'd share it with you all, in case it doesn't make it off the cutting room floor.

Here goes...

"This year, we’ve begun a new initiative that highlights the varied ways in which students use technology to enrich their learning experiences. From producing daily newscasts, to coding on iPods, our students are developing a greater sense for the ways in which technology is and can be used in their daily lives. Through weekly EdTech Spotlights, teachers throughout the school are able to see how their colleagues are leveraging the use of technology for academic purposes. This type of Spotlight has led the way to several practices that can now be seen in classrooms on a regular basis.

At Excel Academy, our girls are doing more than viewing technology. They are interacting with it, expanding their learning through it, and one day, we hope to see many of our scholars build technology tools that others can use. During Computer Science Education Week, over 200 of our scholars participated in the Hour of Code. Within this hour, students were able to program a virtual robot to light up a blue tile, using a simplified programming language. By opening our scholars’ eyes up to the world of technology, understanding it from the inside out, our goal is to increase interest amongst young girls for all fields of technology and computer science. Getting girls interested in technology at an early age, will in turn get more women involved in technological developments and related fields of employment; both adding variety and diversity to a field that is traditionally dominated by men."

My Nerdlution

It's been awhile, so here goes.

After reading a few tweets over the last few days, I learned about this thing called Nerdlution. Normally, I don't subscribe to such "nerdy" undertakings, but this one struck my fancy due to its start date and the ability to encompass more than one goal. Plus, having undertaken two whole jobs for the price of one :(, the sarcastic side of me spoke to my gluttonous side and decided that there's no such thing as "too much". While most may select one or two things to focus on for the next 50 days, I find myself choosing 3 equally important things to do. Maybe it's the overachiever in me, maybe I was just bored. Who knows?

My Nerdlution

1.   Read one chapter a day

I read less now, as a 30-year-old, than I ever have in my whole life. This fact alone is really sad when you couple it with the fact that I have over 3 dozen books that I've only opened once (maybe). That being said, this Nerdlution, will force me to finish those books that I can't believe I ever put down, and pick up those books that I've forgotten all about. 

One chapter at a time, I'll likely be able to finish at least 3 or 4 books over the next 50 days. On a really nerdy note, I just finished the book Lean In, today:)

2.   Write daily

For the last 6 years, I've been trying to write two books. One is about the unbelievable events of one's life; the other is about all of the ridiculous stuff that happens in airports. Writing daily will help me get a little closer to completing both of these books. 

The thing that I love about writing is that the very act of writing can encompass so many different forms. Over the next 50 days, I'll focus on writing chapters and vignettes for my books, I'll write blog posts (for work) every Tuesday and Thursday, I'll build my online portfolio and update my resume, and lastly, I'll compose the many short and long responses for my Google Certified Trainer application.

3.   Coding

This Nerdlution couldn't possibly be complete without the inclusion of some simple coding practice. Ever since I began to code over the summer, I've found myself dreaming of creating apps. and building websites. Just imagine all of the doors that can be opened when one learns to code. There's such a movement in education right now centered on the topic of coding, that it would be a crying shame to miss out on learning this new skill.

Whelp, off to coding now. I wish you all a successful 50 days of Nerdlution!