Technology...thou art mine fair and lovely enemy...

As I read through the NETS for teachers' standards, I found myself thinking that I rock these standards...
                              if every technology word were removed.

I "facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity," but do I use technology to do so?  Not really.  I use technology for word processing, research, the occasional PowerPoint.  Snore.  I doubt that these simple uses inspire my "digital natives."  I do try to give students opportunities to use technology that they have access to, even if I don't.  When assigning projects, I give students the option of using any technology they would like.  I have students who create YouTube videos, PowerPoint presentations, movies using movie making software, etc.  I let them take the project and present it in a way that works for them. 

If I have one sad, fading feather stuck in my cap :o), it is for my Honors English 9 project which does push the limit of my technological prowess.  Students use the blogging area of our school's website and also create a webpage that includes video, voice recording, and at least one hyperlink.

So what is keeping me in my technological slacker state?
I would say there are two components:

District/school level:  $$$$$$$$$Money$$$$$$$$
Personal level:  I wouldn't know what to ask for.  What do I need?  What would help my students most?
              "We let our fear stop us from trying new things or taking risks."
                                                  (from the devotional page for my online class this week...)
The fear that swirls around me regarding technology is that I have already missed the boat.  There is so much out there that I don't already know, where do I begin?
Another fear is very specific and quickly becoming an issue in my small town.  How connected should teachers and students be on social networking sites (Facebook), Twitter, or in regards to texting?  Hmmm....enquiring minds want to know but will have to wait for a later date.

Okay, so have I whined sufficiently about my lack of technological savvy?  I am thinking yes, so it is time to make a plan and give myself something new to whine about.  My personal goals in regards to this topic are as follows:
1.  to learn to better utilize what I already have available to me
2.  to develop a prioritized wish list, complete with justification
3.  learn to write grants and try to bring more technology into my school

If one is going to dream, one may as well dream big!
:o)