21st Century Learning

At first when I visited the website Framework for 21st Century Learning I was at first overwhelmed.   There is a lot of information and links to articles and websites that I didn't know where to begin. 
As I began to peel away the layers I discovered there was a method to the madness.  The three R's are standard fare, but the four C's (Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Collaboration, Communication, and Creativity and Innovation) are something that I could really get my head wrapped around.  What is the purpose of school if not to prepare students for the next step of their lives?  I understand the need for national accountability in the way of testing standards, but I have found that they are not preparing students for actual life, just for the ability to take and pass a test.  (One that in Virginia is based upon at 50% pass rate, but do not get me started on that one.)
There were a large number of links to various businesses that have interest in technology and the ability to aid students in learning technology.  These could prove very useful indeed.  I was interested to find that some states are taking initiative in creating 21st Century standards to promote learning using technology based skills.  My home state of Virginia is not one of those, but I would hope would one day.
Overall I was more overwhelmed with the site than I was able to pull information from it.  I found myself developing a personal Attention Deficit Disorder as I was reading over items - I would click on a link and then hit the back button after a short perusal.  Some of the information looked very worthwhile and worth more in-depth study.

Using a blog for learning

My immediate thoughts for using a blog to enhance learning is that would be more of a resource for students to use at home... to be a virtual textbook as it were.  (Not that my students use a textbook very often, but the metaphor is sound.)  I guess I am thinking of it as a place where a student can get a copy of the notes if they left them at school or find a few links to websites that will their play off their curiosity.  It could simply serve as a reminder message board about due dates and such.
A distinctly different use would be for me as a professional to use it to reflect upon the goings on in my classroom and to encourage feedback from other professionals.  As I teach 8th grade Civics (with the occasional language class for good measure) I could use it to connect with others of the same vein.  (That sounds more like work than fun, however, which dampens my excitement as it enhances my instruction.  Why can't everything be sugar that is dipped in chocolate like a candy bar?)

My First Post!

I like Butterfinger Bars and I'm not afraid to admit it!

Okay, actually I haven't bought a Butterfinger in years, but I have eaten dozens in that time.  How is this possible you ask?  Well, I am a teacher of 8th grader Civics and Economics and I make a big deal out of Butterfingers.  They work with just about any lesson - need a crime to commit for a lesson about the courts?  Rob the 7-11 of a few Butterfingers.  Discussing companies and their advertisements?  "Nobody better lay a finger on my Butterfinger!"  Its simply a trick I've come up with to get my students to buy into the learning environment of my classroom.  It works for me, I'm not saying it would work for everyone. 
On the first day of school I tell students I don't do extra credit, but you can get on my good side by bringing in a Butterfinger bar... that is normally good for one or two per class.