Finding the time

Dear J,

"Finding the time":  a phrase redolent of complaint, wishes, bewilderment, passionate interest, and action.

I've heard myself uttering all of the above lately---trying to learn how to integrate web-based tools into an already-full curriculum.  And into an already-full life.   Realizing that working  for competency and understanding here is a vital, if sometimes frustrating, component of being an educator--especially for elementary-age students.

Found some ideas recently that were helpful in this area of experimenting with web-based tools and media:

"Media that's targeted at you, but doesn't include you, may not be worth sitting still for."
"You hope that everyone who fails, fails informatively."
"People like to consume, produce and share...media is a triathalon"
All, from Clay Shirky, on an interesting youtube video. (He also is featured in the TED talks: www.TED.com)

 Shirky's website is www.shirky.com, but I found the link for the video on yet another interesting site, by Wesley Fryer: www.speedofcreativity.org/2009/10/04/where-do-you-find-the-time-shirkys-answer.

Perhaps, J--as with everything else--it's less about 'finding' the time and more about 'making' the time. So that we can help our students, our kids, be ready to jump in when it's their time.

more, later.