Yesterday was Stop Cyberbullying Day.  I encourage each student to really think about how they treat each other in cyberspace.  You may think that words written on your computer won’t hurt someone, but they really do.

Here are some hints. 

• When you are angry or hurt, don’t write an email, send an IM, post to MySpace, etc.  Step away from your computer and give yourself some time before responding to something.
• Write as if the person you are talking about, their parents, or your parents are sitting beside you reading what you are writing.  If you don’t think any of these people would like what you are writing, don’t.
• Remember, you can’t take back words that you have written. 
• Don’t write something that you might be sorry for writing in the future.
• Respect!  Always be respectful of others.  This doesn’t mean that you have to like everyone, but you should always be respectful of others.

We live in a time of great access to tools (Internet, blogs, MySpace, etc) that expand our world beyond Trussville.   There is a great deal of positive information and opportunities because of these tools, but we all must learn how to use them appropriately and for good.

I have spent a lot of time this weekend looking at blogs, articles, and videos online about how learning is changing.  As a school, we continue to look for ways to integrate technology more fully into the classroom so we can prepare students for their future in the work place.  I have gone into the discussion boards on several teacher sites to see the questions teachers posted and the responses from students.  Wow!  Our students are having great online discussions in the safety of our SharePoint sites on the meaning of art, the role math plays in basketball, andthe books they are currently reading. 

After our technology conference on Thursday, I decided I was going to try to add a blog to our school’s web site.  This will be a learning process so please be patient.  I know that the students can do it so hopefully I will be able to also.