Two Years and a Meme
May 8, 2008 by Paul Hamilton
When I checked just now, I discovered that it was two years ago yesterday that I wrote my first post here! At that point, I had never subscribed to a blog and was blissfully unaware of the ‘edublogosphere’. I didn’t know what I was doing, and I had no mentor to answer my questions. All I knew was that I wanted to share some of the amazing free digital educational resources that I was discovering. Writing this blog has turned out to be a rewarding learning adventure, and I’ve learned far more than I could ever have anticipated!
The greatest reward for me by far, has been the online personal learning network I’ve discovered. I’ve become part of an amazing network of wonderful people, mostly educators from around the world, who have contributed in countless ways to my personal and professional growth. Professional development has never been more rapid nor more exciting for me. So in my 227th post, I want to say thank you! I’m thankful for all that’s been shared, for the ways that my thinking has been challenged, stimulated, and extended. I’m grateful, too, for the acceptance and affirmation that has been offered.
Kate Ahearn has just tagged me for a meme that is designed to help bloggers get to know each other a little better. I like that because I think our learning networks become even more meaningful and more powerful as we know each other better as people. At the heart of any network is relationship, and context makes relationship more meaningful.
When I started writing this post, I intended to “do the meme” here, but I’ll leave that for my next post. After that, I may even get back to writing about some of the amazing free resources available to educators online.
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Congratulations Paul on your second birthday.
A common workplace tradition in Australia (or at least Western Australia) is the persons whose birthday it is has to buy cakes for all their work mates to enjoy. Is that the same where you are? If so wondering where our cake is? Or is your tradition we have to buy the cake?
Here’s to many more great birthdays.
Congratulations Paul! And thank you for the wealth of resources that you have shared. I am still in awe of the willingness and openness in sharing that is evident amongst educators today. I remember days past working in institutions were some educators were reluctant to share resources and everyone had to build up their own bank. Here’s too many more sharing experiences!
I am glad you love to share your ideas and resources…your blog has been quite a find! Here’s to many more years of connecting and conversations.
Bravo, Paul!
I want you to know that your hard work in digging about for the good stuff has really influenced my teaching. What I like most about the way you showcase Web 2.0 tools is that you go beyond the “gee-whiz” to talk about how we can integrate powerful and meaning-making technology in our work with children. I am pretty sure I heard about VoiceThread from you first: I just shared it with colleagues today at the first SD71 CUEBC meeting. Thanks for all you do!
Thanks Sue, Marie, Beth, and Jan for your kind words. There’s a piece of cake on its way to each of you! Here in Canada, tradition has it that the cake comes to me. In India, where I grew up, it was the birthday boy who was responsible for providing the treats. I prefer the Indian and Australian custom. –Paul
Hi Paul
I too appreciate your willingness to share not just the resources that you find, but also your knowledgeable suggestions about their place in classrooms.
I’m not leaving this comment just to qualify for the cake
Jean
Hi Paul, Happy Birthday! I just wanted to send a note to let you know how much I appreciate your blog and all your work in posting free resources. I found you and your site from Closing the Gap last year, as I was lucky enough to get a free parent scholarship to the conference. As a parent living with and teaching a special needs child, these resources are very valuable to us!