Revelation

So I've finally found my technology necessity breakthrough. In my reading class we started talking about a book we're reading a true story about 3 boys that raise out of the ghetto they live in where everyone is addicted to crack and become doctors. Really inspiring, right? So I bring in some non-fiction texts about the truth about cocaine and how awful it is for us to read. We talk about what we already know and heard about cocaine. I had no idea what was going to happen. They have parents on it, cousins who use it, they know how to get it, what to do with it... awful stuff. They have all the wrong information and have no idea how harmful it really is.
I am empowered to empower them. It's time to bring in websites, videos, music, interviews, anything I can do to get my hands on the truth to give to them so they can correct the misconceptions they've been dished. It will be tricky with one computer in the room and no TV, but I will make it work, even if I have to bring in my laptop from home. If they aren't educated about this stuff at school, then they're going to hear all the wrong information.
I'm finally realizing that I cannot convince them by myself. I can use technology, something they're interested in, as a vehicle to help me give them the truth- that could ultimately change their life.

Time to Integrate Technology?

The projectors have arrived... but have yet to be installed. We are hoping for around Thanksgiving time. I wonder, with all the things I'm supposed to be integrating into my classroom(s), such as effective assessment, cooperative learning, metacognitive and study strategies, goal setting, anecdotals, differentiating instruction... where does technology fit in? I know we are supposed to be revolutionizing our teaching using technology, not just adding it on our to-do lists, but regardless, all of these thing require time. Where do I find that kind of time, energy, man-power? Is this something that can wait till next year, and be integrated slowly? Or is it now or never, right here, right now... or its lost forever? Right now I tell myself that these projectors being installed is the beginning of my revolutionization. And maybe I'm partially thankful for that day to be in the future, down the road... I have a lot more things in my vision right now. That chart Prof. Holland presented is true. It's October, I'm in survival mode... anyone with me?