What's Going On?

When I was younger, I got myself into a bit of trouble. I did some things that I really shouldn’t have done.
Not in a “grrr, I’m a tough guy” sort of way. More “hey, look what they’re doing. I should do it too. Ooops.”
While on holiday, I’ve been reflecting on this part of my personality, an old habit that I’m not particularly proud of, and wondering if I’m back in the bad old days.
This year, I’ve made a conscious effort to jump into web2.0/blogging/twittering etc. I’ve been blown away by the number of talented educators blogging, sharing and innovating. I’ve (just today) started four 5th grade classes down the blogging path, and bored a few teachers with my plans.
But while I was in the middle of all this, something strange happened. Al Upton was threatened with legal action and had his well respected Minilegends blog shut down. Jabiz Raisdana lost his job in a mysterious blogging-related scandal. Graham Wenger postponed his blogging mentor program because of privacy concerns.
And here I am, desperately trying to immerse myself in the next big thing. What am I doing? Have I jumped in with the fringe freaks and geeks who are going to get me into some kind of trouble? Should I be keeping my head down? I mean, really – is this going to turn into a fight? Is it a fight I’m up for?
OK, maybe I’m being a bit overly dramatic. But I like my job. I like it a lot. I want to get better at it. So now I’m questioning myself. Is all this web 2.0 stuff helping?
For the most part, I think the answer is yes. We’re generally a good-hearted bunch, us teachers. Sure, we might get a bit carried away with the techie thing sometimes, but that’s just what geeks do. (I’m a geek and proud of it….If you’re reading this, you probably are too).

So, what then? Truth is, I just don’t know. Being careful is good. Sometimes I tend not to be (careful, that is, not good). I’m going to take a big breath and carry on.
Carefully.