My name is Russ Ewell, and I am embracing a daunting challenge, which is to blog with effectiveness. I have seen many a website, blog, or twitter account begin with great energy only to fade over time. I hope to avoid this fate – one written about with clarity by Mark Suster in a TechCrunch article on Why Startups Need to Blog (and what to talk about …).
He writes…
The number one thing that kills 95% of blogs is that they do 5 or 6 posts in rapid succession and then peter out. It’s lame to go to a blog where this happens. And then 8 months later they do the obligatory post saying, “OK, I’m going to be more committed to blogging now!” and then another 4 months go by. If you’re really not going to write that often at least don’t put dates on your posts.
But if you write good stuff, put in an effort and keep going – it’s a marathon – you will see results over time.
Digital Scribbler is an effort to write about ideas, insights, and the practical application of technology in the field and area of education. As parents of children with special needs my wife and I have had to loosen the limiting grip of convention to develop innovative ways for our children to experience success.
Along with a collection of friends I began E-Soccer as an innovative way to give my children the experience of sports and community. You can read more about this program here.
When faced with the challenge of my son’s autism I have turned to technology again and again. Each time it has provided our family with unexpected and stirring breakthroughs. You can read about that here.
There are a number of other experiences that have taught me the importance of effectively integrating technology into our lives. I don’t believe technology is the miracle. I do believe it is a useful tool, and that in the hands of motivated parents, innovative therapist, and creative teachers amazing things can happen.
Although it is early in the process I want to provide you with an understanding of the aims or goals that will guide my efforts. They are as follows…
Digital Scribbler has 5 simple aims or goals:
- Overcome human limits like learning and intellectual disabilities
- Inspire parents like myself to use technology to help their children overcome human limits
- Inspire teachers to integrate technology into their classrooms to overcome human limits
- Provide ideas, insights, and examples for practical application to accomplish 1-3
- Help the most innovative companies in the world get involved in this effort
I believe technology can help us overcome human limits, and my hope is that Digital Scribbler will make a significant contribution toward making this vision become a reality.
If you are reading this blog, then be certain that I need your help and ideas. Let’s make this dream come true for every family, school, and community in the world.
Russ, this is a great vision and I would love to see more writings from you about this.
I was directed to your site and Quick Talk AAC via the Special Education Advisor site. I have so very much enjoyed reading your blog entries and the amazing ideas you bring to light. Thank you so very much. As an advocate and parent coach I will certainly be directing many of my clients to this page in the hope that they can be inspired and encouraged to continue to learn and grow for their children.
Really appreciate all you do. Wish I had more geek in me, I see techs potential in helping my son to thrive in spite of the challenges of autism. Your site is helping educate me to possibilities.