Hi,
I think most women with children identify themselves first as mothers and so that is what I'll do. Firstly, I am the mother of three sons. My oldest son, Cade, turns seven tomorrow. My middle son, Cohl, is five, and my youngest son, Coby, is now four years old.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
reading dreamweaver code
On Friday, Sue showed me how to fix some things by looking at my code and comparing it to the code of things that look the way I want them to. I'm certain that this is a no brainer for everyone else, but it was enlightening for me. Dr. Kilborn talked about reading code when she showed us Dreamweaver, but I didn't quite put 2 and 2 together. I wondered why someone would want to mess with something so engineer-like.
Today, as I sit in the Miller Center alone, I am happy to say that I fixed some things by looking at the code! I know- a no brainer for others - a milestone for me :-). Some of my code is so messed up because when something didn't work, I just did them over and over and hoped that somehow, doing the same thing would eventually work. Sounds like a seventh grade answer...
I just wanted to share my enlightenment with anyone in cyber space visiting my blog.
Today, as I sit in the Miller Center alone, I am happy to say that I fixed some things by looking at the code! I know- a no brainer for others - a milestone for me :-). Some of my code is so messed up because when something didn't work, I just did them over and over and hoped that somehow, doing the same thing would eventually work. Sounds like a seventh grade answer...
I just wanted to share my enlightenment with anyone in cyber space visiting my blog.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
working on dreamweaver
As I looked over everyone's website, I realized that less if definately more. It seems like the people who have the simplest, most basic websites have the most professional looking ones. I am seeing things now that I would change on mine, and yet it is like a paper that you've worked so hard on -- it is difficult to eliminate things when you know you've worked hard to put them there!
I also discovered that when you label an image with a mouseover, it converts your image back to its original size. At least it does if you've stretched and pulled that image to tweak it to the size you want without using photoshop. Dangit! I've tried to sneak these images over and save time. No so. So either I eliminate those images that took me hours to link and photoshop them, or I deal with them in their original size. So much for shortcuts!!
I also discovered that when you label an image with a mouseover, it converts your image back to its original size. At least it does if you've stretched and pulled that image to tweak it to the size you want without using photoshop. Dangit! I've tried to sneak these images over and save time. No so. So either I eliminate those images that took me hours to link and photoshop them, or I deal with them in their original size. So much for shortcuts!!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Wordle
Cody had a Wordle word cloud on his technology PowerPoint, and I thought this was a really neat thing. Today a coworker emailed me the website and mentioned that she thought it may be a neat way to do book reports. I experimented on the website Very Briefly, but it seems user friendly and would be something I think the students would like to do.
I was thinking about how to use Wordle in an assignment. I think it would be a neat tool to use when having students create character sketches. Also students could describe characters in a novel using these word clouds. Perhaps using Wordle would help students brainstorm ideas for topics for essays. Students could also pull important facts or words from nonfiction selections to create a wordle.
I’m thinking of creating a wordle for my webpage too. Any other ideas for a seventh grade classroom?
I was thinking about how to use Wordle in an assignment. I think it would be a neat tool to use when having students create character sketches. Also students could describe characters in a novel using these word clouds. Perhaps using Wordle would help students brainstorm ideas for topics for essays. Students could also pull important facts or words from nonfiction selections to create a wordle.
I’m thinking of creating a wordle for my webpage too. Any other ideas for a seventh grade classroom?
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Clickers
Yesterday I went to a short workshop on some ways to incorporate the clickers in my classroom. Currently I've used them for our MCA prep. What I found most difficult to get my head around is the fact that there are several pieces of software that can be used with the clickers.
Some teachers wanted to be able to just add interactive slides into their already made power points. However if you choose this option, you are constantly toggling between the two softwares. You must have a good hold, I think, on what each of the softwares are capable of.
Other teachers wanted to learn the einstruction software. This seems relatively user friendly, but again, you are working with two different softwares.
There were also some teachers who wanted to learn the software that came with the cps clickers. This seemed logical; yet it means everything must be "reinvented" into the new software (which seems a bit clumsy and putzy to me).
And (would you believe?), some teachers wanted to use the software called "flowworks" because it came with our Qomo tablet and is free to download from their website.
Aughhh!! I can barely get my head around one software, much less watching four different presentations. It's just too much.
And what really topped off my day of technology was attempting the DreamWeaver software that evening. I think what is most frustrating is that I keep telling myself that the more I learn stuff, the easier it will be to learn new stuff related to technology. But, I'm beginning to question that. Yesterday, Jan was able to trouble shoot and figure out some of my problems with Dream Weaver. I was just plain lost. I don't know if I will ever be able to that trouble shooting stuff. It's amazing how one can come so far, and yet NOT!
Some teachers wanted to be able to just add interactive slides into their already made power points. However if you choose this option, you are constantly toggling between the two softwares. You must have a good hold, I think, on what each of the softwares are capable of.
Other teachers wanted to learn the einstruction software. This seems relatively user friendly, but again, you are working with two different softwares.
There were also some teachers who wanted to learn the software that came with the cps clickers. This seemed logical; yet it means everything must be "reinvented" into the new software (which seems a bit clumsy and putzy to me).
And (would you believe?), some teachers wanted to use the software called "flowworks" because it came with our Qomo tablet and is free to download from their website.
Aughhh!! I can barely get my head around one software, much less watching four different presentations. It's just too much.
And what really topped off my day of technology was attempting the DreamWeaver software that evening. I think what is most frustrating is that I keep telling myself that the more I learn stuff, the easier it will be to learn new stuff related to technology. But, I'm beginning to question that. Yesterday, Jan was able to trouble shoot and figure out some of my problems with Dream Weaver. I was just plain lost. I don't know if I will ever be able to that trouble shooting stuff. It's amazing how one can come so far, and yet NOT!
Monday, April 13, 2009
MCA tests
High school MCA tests are beginning statewide this week. This morning on MPR there was an interesting segment regarding a new test for Minnesota juniors. This is an 85 question math test. Some of the questions are designed to see if high schools are meeting the needs of the students (teacher accountability), and some of the questions are to determine if the student is prepared for life outside of high school. The state is still debating if students who fail this test should be denied their diploma.
What I found most interesting in this segment was a program used at Edina high school. This is a math program where students who are deficient in math are "taught the test." Their areas of weakness are determined via a computer test, then teachers base their lessons on these lacking skills. Students then practice these skills on the computer. It is a differentiated math class, but the teacher still teaches a lesson designed for everyone in the class. Then students work on the computer to complete assignments designed especially for them at their level.
MPR interviewed a few of these students who actually feel confident now that they can pass the test because of this class. Just another interesting way technology is being used to benefit students and offer some confidence to students who are continuously told they are "below average" in ability.
What I found most interesting in this segment was a program used at Edina high school. This is a math program where students who are deficient in math are "taught the test." Their areas of weakness are determined via a computer test, then teachers base their lessons on these lacking skills. Students then practice these skills on the computer. It is a differentiated math class, but the teacher still teaches a lesson designed for everyone in the class. Then students work on the computer to complete assignments designed especially for them at their level.
MPR interviewed a few of these students who actually feel confident now that they can pass the test because of this class. Just another interesting way technology is being used to benefit students and offer some confidence to students who are continuously told they are "below average" in ability.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Clickers
We have a new technology here at school that I've been recently trying in my Resource class. This class is aimed at our "bubble students." "Bubble students" are those students who are within a few points of either passing or failing the MCA's. This is a class I volunteered to teach to see if any techniques would help these kids be more successfull during the MCA's. I am soon to find out.
The new technolgy is something called einstruction clickers. Each student is assigned a clicker--it looks like a small remote control. It allows for every student in the class to answer any question you post on the projector in multiple choice format. Their clicker number on the screen changes color when they have sent in their answer.
Then the program shows the answer and the result of the class in bar graph format. This is really quite useful for me. I can see what percentage of the kids are "getting something." They can't lie because the screen shows me if people have guessed incorrectly. When many students have answered incorrecly, I know that I need to spend more time on that particular strand. This system also allows for me to look at which clickers gave the wrong answer. That way I know which kids are doing well and which kids aren't.
These clickers are very expensive and we have only 5 sets in the entire school. As people figure out how to use them, their will probably be fights over them. The kids like them because it is very interactive and their specific results and confidential. Only the teacher gets to see which clicker belongs to which kid and whose scores are whose. While the system is still "putzy," meaning the software that goes with it isn't very user friendly, I can certainly see its usefulness. Too bad we only have a week left to prepare our kids for the MCA's.
The new technolgy is something called einstruction clickers. Each student is assigned a clicker--it looks like a small remote control. It allows for every student in the class to answer any question you post on the projector in multiple choice format. Their clicker number on the screen changes color when they have sent in their answer.
Then the program shows the answer and the result of the class in bar graph format. This is really quite useful for me. I can see what percentage of the kids are "getting something." They can't lie because the screen shows me if people have guessed incorrectly. When many students have answered incorrecly, I know that I need to spend more time on that particular strand. This system also allows for me to look at which clickers gave the wrong answer. That way I know which kids are doing well and which kids aren't.
These clickers are very expensive and we have only 5 sets in the entire school. As people figure out how to use them, their will probably be fights over them. The kids like them because it is very interactive and their specific results and confidential. Only the teacher gets to see which clicker belongs to which kid and whose scores are whose. While the system is still "putzy," meaning the software that goes with it isn't very user friendly, I can certainly see its usefulness. Too bad we only have a week left to prepare our kids for the MCA's.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Invasion of Technology
We moved into our home five years ago. Because my husband is a carpenter, and did nearly all of the work himself, we were able to build a five bedroom home affordably. It is nothing spectacular, but I never complain that it is too small. On cleaning day, I’d eagerly move back into the 1100 sq. foot house we inhabited for the first four years of our marriage. Currently, our three boys sleep on the main floor in one bedroom. This summer, we plan to move them downstairs into one of the three bedrooms.
As our needs have changed, our house must change. We no longer need a bedroom upstairs. So, we are making plans for our office.
Right now, my computer is on a small, somewhat awkward desk in the very back room in our basement. It is tucked into a corner. Originally, I could hide back there from my three kids, but now they are old enough to seek me out and harass me anyway. I also am not much of a tech buff, so I used it only to do my homework.
Lately I am finding myself more interested in spending time on the computer. Now that I know how to use a scanner and create slide shows and iMovies, I find myself wanting to do those things. I’m interested in twitters and facebook. Only I don’t want to head down into the darkest, most furthest spot from my family. I want to be able to do these things as I multi-task with bills, the kids, the laundry, the cooking. A long hallway and a set of stairs currently prohibits this--or as least, inhibits it.
It’s time to create an office upstairs and accept the computer as a permanent, prominent fixture in our home. My husband and I even have plans for a wall unit that will hold a computer for the kids to play and do homework on. After all, we don’t want them to grow up with the same inexperience and intimidation we have felt about technology. Yikes, the invasion of technolgoy! This is exactly what I wanted to avoid just a few short months ago!
As our needs have changed, our house must change. We no longer need a bedroom upstairs. So, we are making plans for our office.
Right now, my computer is on a small, somewhat awkward desk in the very back room in our basement. It is tucked into a corner. Originally, I could hide back there from my three kids, but now they are old enough to seek me out and harass me anyway. I also am not much of a tech buff, so I used it only to do my homework.
Lately I am finding myself more interested in spending time on the computer. Now that I know how to use a scanner and create slide shows and iMovies, I find myself wanting to do those things. I’m interested in twitters and facebook. Only I don’t want to head down into the darkest, most furthest spot from my family. I want to be able to do these things as I multi-task with bills, the kids, the laundry, the cooking. A long hallway and a set of stairs currently prohibits this--or as least, inhibits it.
It’s time to create an office upstairs and accept the computer as a permanent, prominent fixture in our home. My husband and I even have plans for a wall unit that will hold a computer for the kids to play and do homework on. After all, we don’t want them to grow up with the same inexperience and intimidation we have felt about technology. Yikes, the invasion of technolgoy! This is exactly what I wanted to avoid just a few short months ago!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Failing newspapers
As I drove home from class last evening, I was mostly distracted, but MPR’s “The Story” was playing in the background. I noted that the topic of last night’s edition was in regards to the failing of Denver, Colorado’s newspaper. I wasn’t actively engaged, but tuned in when a female reporter was being interviewed. She mentioned how the newspaper staff is currently working for free and recreating the newspaper online. They are hoping to make enough money charging people for an online subscription. She believes this enterprise can be successful as the newspaper won’t have the overhead of printing, delivering etc. I tuned in when she mentioned that she also taught journalism at the college.
I was particularly interested because of this class. I wondered about her students because, as newspapers seem to be failing all over the country, it seems that journalism is not a very lucrative career choice.
She mentioned that it is rare for any of her journalism students to even have a subscription to any paper. It seemed shocking to her that student s interested in journalism wouldn’t commit to reading the local paper. She talked about how she was tired of being “the dinosaur in the front of the classroom.”
So, she has recently begun paying attention to technology. She began dappering in online journalism. She talked about how students don’t want to read papers, but want local news available to them via their iPhones. She had to update her vision and accept how current students want their news delivered. The format is much different than that of just a generation ago.
Her story was bittersweet. She talked of her longing to wake up in the morning to the thud of the paper being tossed on her porch. The disappearance of her job and her newspaper has completely changed her life. But her story made me think about how I teach my class and how I still bring in newspaper and magazine articles to be read, analyzed, and discussed. Perhaps I, too, need to move on. Analyzing websites isn’t enough any longer. How much longer will any paper be around?
I was particularly interested because of this class. I wondered about her students because, as newspapers seem to be failing all over the country, it seems that journalism is not a very lucrative career choice.
She mentioned that it is rare for any of her journalism students to even have a subscription to any paper. It seemed shocking to her that student s interested in journalism wouldn’t commit to reading the local paper. She talked about how she was tired of being “the dinosaur in the front of the classroom.”
So, she has recently begun paying attention to technology. She began dappering in online journalism. She talked about how students don’t want to read papers, but want local news available to them via their iPhones. She had to update her vision and accept how current students want their news delivered. The format is much different than that of just a generation ago.
Her story was bittersweet. She talked of her longing to wake up in the morning to the thud of the paper being tossed on her porch. The disappearance of her job and her newspaper has completely changed her life. But her story made me think about how I teach my class and how I still bring in newspaper and magazine articles to be read, analyzed, and discussed. Perhaps I, too, need to move on. Analyzing websites isn’t enough any longer. How much longer will any paper be around?
Monday, March 30, 2009
Final Project
I am considering using our final project, the website, as a part of my Masters portfolio. I am hoping to design a global literature class that incorporates several of the things I have learned in my graduate classes, including technology. I want the class to directly align with the Minnesota standards and be "teachable" for the '09-'10 school year.
Ironically, three things have recently happened to me which encourages me to begin this project that I've been too overwhelmed to work on. One, I found that I have access to a grant which will purchase materials for my Honors students for next year. These are precisely the students that I had in mind. These materials may include novels as well as technologies. Two, we have recently been asked to submit a new form to our district which shows exactly what we do to teach each standard, and three, I've discovered that my position will most likely change next year. I will no longer be teaching seventh grade only, but either a combination of seventh and eigth graders or seventh and low readers. In other words, I'll be needing to revamp my curriculum either way.
I'm attempting to brainstorm some ideas for my website. I'm envisioning links to
You-tubes that show some current cultural celebrations.
Google Earth (need to learn what's available here)
Mn Public Radio - podcasts on current events
Music would be great (don't know how to do that)
I'd like some great visuals about a country's
landscape
Popular tourist attractions
cultural traditions
current news events
religous aspects
Just a weak start...any ideas are welcome.
Ironically, three things have recently happened to me which encourages me to begin this project that I've been too overwhelmed to work on. One, I found that I have access to a grant which will purchase materials for my Honors students for next year. These are precisely the students that I had in mind. These materials may include novels as well as technologies. Two, we have recently been asked to submit a new form to our district which shows exactly what we do to teach each standard, and three, I've discovered that my position will most likely change next year. I will no longer be teaching seventh grade only, but either a combination of seventh and eigth graders or seventh and low readers. In other words, I'll be needing to revamp my curriculum either way.
I'm attempting to brainstorm some ideas for my website. I'm envisioning links to
You-tubes that show some current cultural celebrations.
Google Earth (need to learn what's available here)
Mn Public Radio - podcasts on current events
Music would be great (don't know how to do that)
I'd like some great visuals about a country's
landscape
Popular tourist attractions
cultural traditions
current news events
religous aspects
Just a weak start...any ideas are welcome.
iMovie
I am currently teaching my storytelling unit to my Honors students. Part of the unit involves reading several short fables/myths/fairy tales from around the world that have passed down for generations. Students are placed into groups and together retell a chosen story using their voice and body to enhance it. They videotape themselves, then learn the basics of iMovie. They edit, add slides, add sound effects, and music. The true point of using the iMovie is to get them familiar and comfortable with the program for our media unit which I teach next.
Here are some of the difficulties I face when teaching this unit and any suggestions for improvement would be beneficial to me—because I’m ready to give up! The stress of it all is becoming more cumbersome than the fun of it.
* Students work in groups- but generally, one person does most of the work, so it seems only one person in the group knows the program well when the unit is finished.
* I introduce the editing software on a large screen which is projected from the computer. Students do not have access at that time. They choose not to take notes, and when it’s time for them to get their footage downloaded, they don’t have a clue what to do. Nor do they remember anything about iMovie!
* I make the groups as small as possible (2-3) so that they can work collaboratively and all get access to the computer, however that means I have 15 groups screaming for me all at the same time.
* There are only four video cameras- two for taping and two for importing/exporting. Much time is wasted while students wait for a camera to download footage.
* Inevitably, batteries on the cameras die (even if charged all night). I am constantly grabbing extension cords because outlets are filled up. The fire marshal would have a fit looking at 10 cords running vicariously about the library floor!
* I aim to warn students 5 minutes before the end of class. Sometimes I’m way too wrapped up to notice. The bell rings and I find myself writing 10-12 late passes for students or wrapping up cords, saving projects, plugging in equipment, pushing in chairs, finishing an export, etc….
AUGGHHH! Despite the goal of using technology to help, it sure can be a hindrance!
Here are some of the difficulties I face when teaching this unit and any suggestions for improvement would be beneficial to me—because I’m ready to give up! The stress of it all is becoming more cumbersome than the fun of it.
* Students work in groups- but generally, one person does most of the work, so it seems only one person in the group knows the program well when the unit is finished.
* I introduce the editing software on a large screen which is projected from the computer. Students do not have access at that time. They choose not to take notes, and when it’s time for them to get their footage downloaded, they don’t have a clue what to do. Nor do they remember anything about iMovie!
* I make the groups as small as possible (2-3) so that they can work collaboratively and all get access to the computer, however that means I have 15 groups screaming for me all at the same time.
* There are only four video cameras- two for taping and two for importing/exporting. Much time is wasted while students wait for a camera to download footage.
* Inevitably, batteries on the cameras die (even if charged all night). I am constantly grabbing extension cords because outlets are filled up. The fire marshal would have a fit looking at 10 cords running vicariously about the library floor!
* I aim to warn students 5 minutes before the end of class. Sometimes I’m way too wrapped up to notice. The bell rings and I find myself writing 10-12 late passes for students or wrapping up cords, saving projects, plugging in equipment, pushing in chairs, finishing an export, etc….
AUGGHHH! Despite the goal of using technology to help, it sure can be a hindrance!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Twittering in Time
Last night I was reading the March 16th issue of Time magazine and there was an article called "Quitting Twitter." I haven't yet checked out a twitter and they had an example in the article of a Twitter feed. Feeds, it says, are read from the bottom up so that you can read them chronologically. They seemed like short snippets of one's day--just irrelated thoughts or doings.
Twitter, the article said, launched in 2006 and has increased by more than 900%!! It now has more than 5 million users. The article pointed to some famous figures who Twitter- the Dalai Lama, Britney Spears, Snoop Dogg, to name a few.
The author also talks about how addicting Twitter is. Once you begin "following" someone's Twitter, you want to always know what they are doing and this ties into a point made in an article we read early in the semester about multi-tasking. It seems people are constantly reading "Tweets." So, if they are following someone, they check in on this person many, many times a day while at work, which distracts them. He also talks of the danger of becomming a bit infatuated with whom you are following. He takes a humorous approach to this, but it seems a bit creepy to me. Do I really want to know someone's random thoughts, or what they are doing all the time? I can see how becomming a follower of someone could become quite consuming.
I wondered though, about using a Twitter when someone is reading a novel or short story in class. It may be kind of fun to read people's Twitters as different parts of a book are read (out loud or quietly in class). It may help some poor readers better follow a plot line, or show some readers how people have random connections or predictions as they read a story. Might be kind of fun...
Twitter, the article said, launched in 2006 and has increased by more than 900%!! It now has more than 5 million users. The article pointed to some famous figures who Twitter- the Dalai Lama, Britney Spears, Snoop Dogg, to name a few.
The author also talks about how addicting Twitter is. Once you begin "following" someone's Twitter, you want to always know what they are doing and this ties into a point made in an article we read early in the semester about multi-tasking. It seems people are constantly reading "Tweets." So, if they are following someone, they check in on this person many, many times a day while at work, which distracts them. He also talks of the danger of becomming a bit infatuated with whom you are following. He takes a humorous approach to this, but it seems a bit creepy to me. Do I really want to know someone's random thoughts, or what they are doing all the time? I can see how becomming a follower of someone could become quite consuming.
I wondered though, about using a Twitter when someone is reading a novel or short story in class. It may be kind of fun to read people's Twitters as different parts of a book are read (out loud or quietly in class). It may help some poor readers better follow a plot line, or show some readers how people have random connections or predictions as they read a story. Might be kind of fun...
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
FaceBook Again!
I often mention Oprah and people probably think I'm an Oprah groupie. That's not the case; it's just that Oprah happens to be on when I'm on the treadmill after work. Now that spring has sprung, I'll be seeing much less of Oprah.
However, last week Oprah had Mark Zuckerberg on as a guest. He is a 24 year old billionaire. He is the Harvard student credited for creating Facebook. He talked about how originally Facebook was created as a way to stay in touch with his family and friends while he went away to college. It started off as a bunch of friends talking about how great it would be to a have a way to do this and viola--the origination of Facebook.
I also finally read my Feb. 23rd issue of Time. On page 94 is "Facebook Is for Old People." I'm getting hit with Facebook all over the place!
The article talks about how, now that old people have found FB, it is no longer cool. It also talks about how it isn't a social network anymore, but rather a business network. So, I polled my class. Many more of my students had MySpace accounts rather than Facebook accounts, but didn't articulate a reason why. Interesting. They also mentioned something called Tag. Two students had Tag accounts.
So, if Facebook isn't cool anymore, or is making its way into the business world, I'm wondering how I could explore this as an option in classwork. I'm beginning to work on my global literature masters and this could be a real effective way to get in touch with people from other continents. Anyone have ideas??
However, last week Oprah had Mark Zuckerberg on as a guest. He is a 24 year old billionaire. He is the Harvard student credited for creating Facebook. He talked about how originally Facebook was created as a way to stay in touch with his family and friends while he went away to college. It started off as a bunch of friends talking about how great it would be to a have a way to do this and viola--the origination of Facebook.
I also finally read my Feb. 23rd issue of Time. On page 94 is "Facebook Is for Old People." I'm getting hit with Facebook all over the place!
The article talks about how, now that old people have found FB, it is no longer cool. It also talks about how it isn't a social network anymore, but rather a business network. So, I polled my class. Many more of my students had MySpace accounts rather than Facebook accounts, but didn't articulate a reason why. Interesting. They also mentioned something called Tag. Two students had Tag accounts.
So, if Facebook isn't cool anymore, or is making its way into the business world, I'm wondering how I could explore this as an option in classwork. I'm beginning to work on my global literature masters and this could be a real effective way to get in touch with people from other continents. Anyone have ideas??
Friday, March 13, 2009
Quesiton about blogging
For some reason, I am unable to post to the D2L under Questions about Class, so I am hoping someone will be able to help me out here on my blog. Other than typing in an html address in a posting, is there another way to create a list of weblinks or youtubes? I tried to put in one under the layout tab. I think it was called links list, but it won't show up on my blog, rather I have to go back into the layout tab to get it.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
80's Party
Saturday, March 7th was the surprise birthday party for my husband that I wrote about in a much earlier blog. Other than my husband complaining about not being able to get anything done that day because his friends wanted to wait until noon to go ice fishing, everything went pretty well.
And two technologies worked particularly well.
One was text messaging. Brad was able to text me all day giving me updates (such as the fish weren’ t biting). Those texts weren’t helpful; they just made me nervous that Robb would come home early. Brad was also able to text me when they left the lake, when Robb dropped him off, and then, as he followed him at a safe distance, when he turned down the gravel road towards our house. Everyone standing in the pitch dark garage was consistently updated. How were surprises pulled off before the advent of cells and texts??
The second was the DVD I burned of the slide show. It was a real hit. With one of the programs at school, I was able to make a "cover" slide, so it looked nice on the TV screen while I waited to show it to Robb and the guests. After Robb recovered from the shock (he was completely surprised), and after he dressed in his 80’s clothes (purple Zubaz, white high tops, ACDC T-shirt and Ray-bans), I played the show for everyone.
It was nice to be able to leave the DVD in the player and as new people came, they could watch the show if they wanted to. I didn’t have to worry about keeping a computer on all night or worry about someone not knowing how to work the program; it was as easy as pushing play on the DVD player.
On Sunday, Robb’s dad asked to borrow the DVD because he wanted to watch it again and also share it with some family members who didn’t come to the party.
The 80’s party theme surprised Robb, and many people laughed and reminisced over the baskets of tape cassettes and 80’s movies I put out for centerpieces. So, thanks Sue, for suggesting I google a few websites for ideas! And does anyone else remember listening to those ratty sounding tapes? And at the time, they were so much better than albums!
Now I must sign off and try to get all this Aqua Net out of my hair!!
And two technologies worked particularly well.
One was text messaging. Brad was able to text me all day giving me updates (such as the fish weren’ t biting). Those texts weren’t helpful; they just made me nervous that Robb would come home early. Brad was also able to text me when they left the lake, when Robb dropped him off, and then, as he followed him at a safe distance, when he turned down the gravel road towards our house. Everyone standing in the pitch dark garage was consistently updated. How were surprises pulled off before the advent of cells and texts??
The second was the DVD I burned of the slide show. It was a real hit. With one of the programs at school, I was able to make a "cover" slide, so it looked nice on the TV screen while I waited to show it to Robb and the guests. After Robb recovered from the shock (he was completely surprised), and after he dressed in his 80’s clothes (purple Zubaz, white high tops, ACDC T-shirt and Ray-bans), I played the show for everyone.
It was nice to be able to leave the DVD in the player and as new people came, they could watch the show if they wanted to. I didn’t have to worry about keeping a computer on all night or worry about someone not knowing how to work the program; it was as easy as pushing play on the DVD player.
On Sunday, Robb’s dad asked to borrow the DVD because he wanted to watch it again and also share it with some family members who didn’t come to the party.
The 80’s party theme surprised Robb, and many people laughed and reminisced over the baskets of tape cassettes and 80’s movies I put out for centerpieces. So, thanks Sue, for suggesting I google a few websites for ideas! And does anyone else remember listening to those ratty sounding tapes? And at the time, they were so much better than albums!
Now I must sign off and try to get all this Aqua Net out of my hair!!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
New Tablet
Because I have fallen a bit behind in my planned curriculum, I finally got to use my new tablet today in class. What fun!
While students worked on their own grammar review, I worked on the tablet while circulating the classroom. When I noticed that students were ahead, I gave the tablet to a student who could do the work on the tablet and share their process with their classmates projected on the screeen. Of course, they begged to be the one who could "write" on the tablet.
I still must keep my eyes up on the screen while I am working, and so the tablet hasn't eliminated the problem of having to relax my eye on the class. However, I can work from anywhere in the room. It seems though, that the pad loses sensitivity the farther in the back that I am.
I also can get rid of the noisy, cluttery opague projector (yippee). I won't need to use overheads anymore (costly) and I don't have colored fingers when I go home.
I do however, have one problem. My new computer screen is a wide screen, and so the scroll bar that is present on the destktop, isn't visible on the projected image. Playing with the size of the open window scrunches everything up and since I have everyting in a larger font (so that the kids in the back can see it), it really squishes up the sentences so that I can only project one at a time. Hmmmm.
While students worked on their own grammar review, I worked on the tablet while circulating the classroom. When I noticed that students were ahead, I gave the tablet to a student who could do the work on the tablet and share their process with their classmates projected on the screeen. Of course, they begged to be the one who could "write" on the tablet.
I still must keep my eyes up on the screen while I am working, and so the tablet hasn't eliminated the problem of having to relax my eye on the class. However, I can work from anywhere in the room. It seems though, that the pad loses sensitivity the farther in the back that I am.
I also can get rid of the noisy, cluttery opague projector (yippee). I won't need to use overheads anymore (costly) and I don't have colored fingers when I go home.
I do however, have one problem. My new computer screen is a wide screen, and so the scroll bar that is present on the destktop, isn't visible on the projected image. Playing with the size of the open window scrunches everything up and since I have everyting in a larger font (so that the kids in the back can see it), it really squishes up the sentences so that I can only project one at a time. Hmmmm.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Shortage of Work Ethic
I am noticing a complete demise of the student work ethic, and I have to question whether my expectations are too high. Do students expect to get homework? I know there is a debate out there in regards to assigning homework--students have committments outside of class, they should be expected to get their work done while in class.
As a kid, I didn't enjoy homework either. I procrastinated. But I never turned in assignments late--I, quite honestly, didn't know that was an option. I didn't know you were "allowed" to do such a thing. Now, it's a true rarity to have a student who doesn't have at least one late assignment in the book. Perhaps that deserves a reward.
Today, after a million reminders throughout the past week, I had a total of 12 finished grammar assignments come in. That's out of about 90 students. No lie. I nearly imploded. I think I actually may have.
I'd be lieing if I said I had to prepare myself for a lecture. It was the opposite; I couldn't stop myself. Doesn't anyone care about grades anymore? Isn't anyone ashamed about not being done and not having a paper to correct?
Here's the shocker; they actually do care about grades. They all want extra credit to get their grade up. Not only do I have to correct a bunch late grammar papers (78 according to my math skills), but they also want me to grade extra credit?? Who are they kidding?
It's why teachers love summer break--because they don't have any kind of personal life during the nine months of correcting late and extra credit work. And to top it all off, when I complain to my husband tonight, he'll say, "You're the one who chose to be a teacher." And he's right; I did.
So whenever someone figures out the secret to my little problem, fill me in so I can go back to being a teacher and take a break from being a paper correcter.
As a kid, I didn't enjoy homework either. I procrastinated. But I never turned in assignments late--I, quite honestly, didn't know that was an option. I didn't know you were "allowed" to do such a thing. Now, it's a true rarity to have a student who doesn't have at least one late assignment in the book. Perhaps that deserves a reward.
Today, after a million reminders throughout the past week, I had a total of 12 finished grammar assignments come in. That's out of about 90 students. No lie. I nearly imploded. I think I actually may have.
I'd be lieing if I said I had to prepare myself for a lecture. It was the opposite; I couldn't stop myself. Doesn't anyone care about grades anymore? Isn't anyone ashamed about not being done and not having a paper to correct?
Here's the shocker; they actually do care about grades. They all want extra credit to get their grade up. Not only do I have to correct a bunch late grammar papers (78 according to my math skills), but they also want me to grade extra credit?? Who are they kidding?
It's why teachers love summer break--because they don't have any kind of personal life during the nine months of correcting late and extra credit work. And to top it all off, when I complain to my husband tonight, he'll say, "You're the one who chose to be a teacher." And he's right; I did.
So whenever someone figures out the secret to my little problem, fill me in so I can go back to being a teacher and take a break from being a paper correcter.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Tablet technology
My new computer has been installed in my room and my tablet has been issued. Although I’ve had no training yet, informal or formal, I’ve played just a tiny bit on the new equipment.
From this tablet, I am able to instruct my students from anywhere in the room. I can activate my computer (Internet, word documents, PowerPoints, etc), or a blank screen in which I am able to write on a blank pad with several options including highlighting or color. I can even save what I've done and upload it to my wiki page!
Next week I am planning on using it for a review on the types of sentences. Using this pad, I’ll be able to highlight dependent clauses located within sentences. I am hoping this visual will help students see that dependent clauses can be removed from independent clauses and leave a complete sentence still intact. They will also be able to refer to my wiki for the "answers" to their review.
Just from the minute of play, I’ve realized a couple of things. Writing is incredibly difficult on the pad because you write on the pad, but you can only see what you are writing by looking up at the screen. You cannot see anything on the white background on which you are writing. My writing looks like my six year old son’s!
I also noted that what I hoped would allow for better classroom management, might actually not better it that much at first. I disliked having to stand at the front of my classroom all the time in order to use my overhead projector. However, now that I am able to walk around, I find that I’ll be awfully engrossed in my equipment for awhile.
Also, I often diagnosed my student’s comprehension and attention based on their expressions while I stood in front of them, looking directly at them. Now I am facing the same direction as they are! I’ll need to be more aware of the fact that I will not be able to read expressions—guess I’ll be using lots of exit cards!
From this tablet, I am able to instruct my students from anywhere in the room. I can activate my computer (Internet, word documents, PowerPoints, etc), or a blank screen in which I am able to write on a blank pad with several options including highlighting or color. I can even save what I've done and upload it to my wiki page!
Next week I am planning on using it for a review on the types of sentences. Using this pad, I’ll be able to highlight dependent clauses located within sentences. I am hoping this visual will help students see that dependent clauses can be removed from independent clauses and leave a complete sentence still intact. They will also be able to refer to my wiki for the "answers" to their review.
Just from the minute of play, I’ve realized a couple of things. Writing is incredibly difficult on the pad because you write on the pad, but you can only see what you are writing by looking up at the screen. You cannot see anything on the white background on which you are writing. My writing looks like my six year old son’s!
I also noted that what I hoped would allow for better classroom management, might actually not better it that much at first. I disliked having to stand at the front of my classroom all the time in order to use my overhead projector. However, now that I am able to walk around, I find that I’ll be awfully engrossed in my equipment for awhile.
Also, I often diagnosed my student’s comprehension and attention based on their expressions while I stood in front of them, looking directly at them. Now I am facing the same direction as they are! I’ll need to be more aware of the fact that I will not be able to read expressions—guess I’ll be using lots of exit cards!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
You Tube
I am beginning a storytelling unit in my classes right now. In this unit, students read several legends, myths etc. that have been passed down for generations, choose one, and then retell it in their own words. They must use voice and body language to make the story more interesting to listen to. In the past, I've read the legend Brother Coyote and Brother Cricket, and then we've watched a VHS of storyteller Tim Tingle retell the story. Students get video taped telling their stories and then learn an editting program (i-movie) to edit their videos. We then move into telling their own personal stories.
In the past, I've been less pleased by their personal stories, than the stories they have read and have to retell. Lots of kids don't think they have a story to tell, or they feel like their story has to be funny. I have them sketch out stories from their life after prompting them (draw a sketch of a time when you were scared; sketch out an animal that has touched your life in some way etc...) and I sketch along with them so they have a model to look at.
This year, I thought I'd check out You-tube to enhance these personal stories. I found a funny clip from the TV sitcom Scrubs. I don't personally watch the show, but there must be a character on there who always tells stories and this particular skit is about how every time he begins a story, someone yawns and passes out. The clip is really funny. I'm going to use this for those students who say, "I had a dog once. His name was Buddy. He was the best dog I've ever had. And that's all."
Now I'm still searching You-tube for an example of what to do. I'm sure there is something on there, but it does take some time of searching to find the right kind of thing. In the meantime, I've scouted out lots of commercials I can use during my media unit. I've never used You-tube in class before, and I am seeing how with my new projector, it could come in handy.
PS- I think the Jaws clips will come in handy for teaching foreshadowing as well!!
In the past, I've been less pleased by their personal stories, than the stories they have read and have to retell. Lots of kids don't think they have a story to tell, or they feel like their story has to be funny. I have them sketch out stories from their life after prompting them (draw a sketch of a time when you were scared; sketch out an animal that has touched your life in some way etc...) and I sketch along with them so they have a model to look at.
This year, I thought I'd check out You-tube to enhance these personal stories. I found a funny clip from the TV sitcom Scrubs. I don't personally watch the show, but there must be a character on there who always tells stories and this particular skit is about how every time he begins a story, someone yawns and passes out. The clip is really funny. I'm going to use this for those students who say, "I had a dog once. His name was Buddy. He was the best dog I've ever had. And that's all."
Now I'm still searching You-tube for an example of what to do. I'm sure there is something on there, but it does take some time of searching to find the right kind of thing. In the meantime, I've scouted out lots of commercials I can use during my media unit. I've never used You-tube in class before, and I am seeing how with my new projector, it could come in handy.
PS- I think the Jaws clips will come in handy for teaching foreshadowing as well!!
Monday, February 23, 2009
More technology
I mentioned in an earlier post that I was throwing a surprise birthday party for my hsuband. I surprised myself with my use of technology.
I put together a slide show and I incorporated video clips of our three boys as well. I imported it all into imovie and therefore the video will play along with the slide show without having to click on anything. I inserted these video clips into the beginning and the end of the slide show, I put in a few title slides, and I put in three 80's songs: Footloose, Authority Song, Glory Days and our wedding song (which is by Greenday).
The most impressive thing? I did it almost in its entirity by myself !! (I bow) I had a few questions about importing music and getting it to fade in and out, but for the most part, it was done by me. What a lot of work!!
I came to three realizations after doing this.
1. Working with technology builds on itself; some things I did I figured out because I've imported video before. This helped me figure out how to import photos and music. Some of it is confidence too (And the edit undo key!)
2. This could really be putzy. My show isn't perfect; I can see how I should have made some photos last longer so the music would change with a new slide- rather than in the middle of a slide etc.... It would be easy to spend hours perfecting a show. Sometimes you have to settle for less than perfect.
And 3. It's addicting and it makes me want a whole bunch of new equipment. I found out that I don't have a digital video camera (I thought it was, but it's just the zoom part that is digital) -- so my footage isn't as nice as it could have been. I want a scanner at home too, so that I can make slide shows of my kids as Christmas presents for grandparents. They would just love that. It would be fun to have the kids talk about memories of the year in clips between still shots.
Better start saving my money...
I put together a slide show and I incorporated video clips of our three boys as well. I imported it all into imovie and therefore the video will play along with the slide show without having to click on anything. I inserted these video clips into the beginning and the end of the slide show, I put in a few title slides, and I put in three 80's songs: Footloose, Authority Song, Glory Days and our wedding song (which is by Greenday).
The most impressive thing? I did it almost in its entirity by myself !! (I bow) I had a few questions about importing music and getting it to fade in and out, but for the most part, it was done by me. What a lot of work!!
I came to three realizations after doing this.
1. Working with technology builds on itself; some things I did I figured out because I've imported video before. This helped me figure out how to import photos and music. Some of it is confidence too (And the edit undo key!)
2. This could really be putzy. My show isn't perfect; I can see how I should have made some photos last longer so the music would change with a new slide- rather than in the middle of a slide etc.... It would be easy to spend hours perfecting a show. Sometimes you have to settle for less than perfect.
And 3. It's addicting and it makes me want a whole bunch of new equipment. I found out that I don't have a digital video camera (I thought it was, but it's just the zoom part that is digital) -- so my footage isn't as nice as it could have been. I want a scanner at home too, so that I can make slide shows of my kids as Christmas presents for grandparents. They would just love that. It would be fun to have the kids talk about memories of the year in clips between still shots.
Better start saving my money...
Working on the Moo
On Thursday after work I headed over to SCSU to work on my slides. Luckily for me, I had a word document with what I wanted on my slides. After settling in at the library and finally locating mudwalker (not on my desktop), I pulled out the notes I had taken in our session. I couldn't believe how much I had forgotten!
I was very happy that Dr. Kilborn had emailed me our log; it was a lifsaver. I had taken pretty good notes, but had forgotten to write down how to actually create the slide- the most important detail of all! But, I was able to look it up on our log and began making my slides.
I was glad I had time because I sure had trouble at first. I kept unintentially using the wrong backslash and so the program would just say "that is an invalid command" and the whole thing would be gone. Once I figured out my problem there, then the information kept posting on the slide I had created for practice- not the one I had just created! Luckily, I knew the peek command! Finally, I just recycled that slide and didn't have trouble again. Strange!
So, I hope all goes well on Monday. I know the slides are there and loaded, and I remembered to take "the mikell" with me when I left. When we had our fun day share, I had difficulty reading what other people wrote because I was so concerned about what I was going to type. I am hoping for nimble fingers!
I was very happy that Dr. Kilborn had emailed me our log; it was a lifsaver. I had taken pretty good notes, but had forgotten to write down how to actually create the slide- the most important detail of all! But, I was able to look it up on our log and began making my slides.
I was glad I had time because I sure had trouble at first. I kept unintentially using the wrong backslash and so the program would just say "that is an invalid command" and the whole thing would be gone. Once I figured out my problem there, then the information kept posting on the slide I had created for practice- not the one I had just created! Luckily, I knew the peek command! Finally, I just recycled that slide and didn't have trouble again. Strange!
So, I hope all goes well on Monday. I know the slides are there and loaded, and I remembered to take "the mikell" with me when I left. When we had our fun day share, I had difficulty reading what other people wrote because I was so concerned about what I was going to type. I am hoping for nimble fingers!
Monday, February 16, 2009
The Pull of Facebook
Ironically, this past weekend I received four invitations to join facebook. I find this amazing because it's only since I've joined this class that I've been inundated with this technology.
During my undergrad study at NDSU I lived with three girls. We've kept in touch, albeit loosely. We send Christmas cards and we dabbled in email for a span. Now, all three have sent me an invite just this past weekend. I haven't erased them, but I haven't decided if I want to embrace this opportunity just yet. I want to, but I'm afraid of the time commitment. I can not be the person who spends daily time on Facebook.
Through discussions in class I've learned that I can set a privacy code and I know I could limit my involvement to just these three girls. That sounds promising to me. But, now I have no excuse to not spend the time staying in touch, right?
I feel like my life right now is so scheduled. Everything has it's time slot. As anal as that sounds, it works well for me. I like knowing what days I will have time to go for a run. I like knowing which day of the week I will have 40 minutes for the grocery store. I like knowing that when my kids are in bed, it's time for me to destress with a novel.
Adding something new to my life means that I have to take something else away. And Oprah tells me that as a woman that generally means that I will take something away that I do for myself. And I believe Oprah! And I don't know that I want to add more time in front of a computur screen rather than basking in my quiet read time! Hmmmm.
During my undergrad study at NDSU I lived with three girls. We've kept in touch, albeit loosely. We send Christmas cards and we dabbled in email for a span. Now, all three have sent me an invite just this past weekend. I haven't erased them, but I haven't decided if I want to embrace this opportunity just yet. I want to, but I'm afraid of the time commitment. I can not be the person who spends daily time on Facebook.
Through discussions in class I've learned that I can set a privacy code and I know I could limit my involvement to just these three girls. That sounds promising to me. But, now I have no excuse to not spend the time staying in touch, right?
I feel like my life right now is so scheduled. Everything has it's time slot. As anal as that sounds, it works well for me. I like knowing what days I will have time to go for a run. I like knowing which day of the week I will have 40 minutes for the grocery store. I like knowing that when my kids are in bed, it's time for me to destress with a novel.
Adding something new to my life means that I have to take something else away. And Oprah tells me that as a woman that generally means that I will take something away that I do for myself. And I believe Oprah! And I don't know that I want to add more time in front of a computur screen rather than basking in my quiet read time! Hmmmm.
Friday, February 13, 2009
New technology
This morning I received an email from our school media specialist. It seems that I am on the list to get a new computer this year! This new computer has the 2007 version of powerpoint, which I've heard is quite a bit updated from the version I have. Hmmmm.... just when I could whip up a powerpoint in less than a minute.
The exciting thing is that this computer is also set up to have a wireless device called a tablet. And the best news of all is that our media specialist is also willing to train people on this device. No pay for the training, of course, but I'm excited to recieve any training at all. And yes, it will mean that I will have to be willing to get up early on a Saturday, drive the 35 miles to work, and sit in a computer lab for an entire morning.
I am soooo glad to have this class because it has taught me to be less fearful of technology. And I'm willing to embrace this opportunity and put it to good use. Now, what can I do with a tablet????
The exciting thing is that this computer is also set up to have a wireless device called a tablet. And the best news of all is that our media specialist is also willing to train people on this device. No pay for the training, of course, but I'm excited to recieve any training at all. And yes, it will mean that I will have to be willing to get up early on a Saturday, drive the 35 miles to work, and sit in a computer lab for an entire morning.
I am soooo glad to have this class because it has taught me to be less fearful of technology. And I'm willing to embrace this opportunity and put it to good use. Now, what can I do with a tablet????
Monday, February 9, 2009
Attempting to Catch up with the Rest of the World
Yes, technology. I discovered something great yesterday.
Both my husband and I have been wanting a refrigerator in our basement since we built the house five years ago. I wanted the extra freezer; he wanted a place to chill his beverages. Now with the surprise party coming up, I thought it would be a perfect time to start putting some pressure on him to purchase. I began complaining about getting meat out of the overstuffed freezer; I intentionally placed the ice cream behind as many items as I could so that he would have to dig it out.
Finally yesterday he tossed the paper at me and told me to look through the ads and find one. While checking my email, I decided to venture over to Craigslist. I've heard of it, but have never perused the site. In a word--Wow. In two words--Thank-you Craig.
2.5 hours later, I had a slightly used fridge, an air hockey table for my sons for Christmas (difficult to hide, but promising many hours of entertainment), and a foos ball table for my dad. A mere $190.00 later, I'm happy, the drinks are cold, the freezer space is doubled, and two Christmas presents are purchased months in advance. Yummmm, I'm liking technology more and more! But, I think Craigslist may be addicting....
Both my husband and I have been wanting a refrigerator in our basement since we built the house five years ago. I wanted the extra freezer; he wanted a place to chill his beverages. Now with the surprise party coming up, I thought it would be a perfect time to start putting some pressure on him to purchase. I began complaining about getting meat out of the overstuffed freezer; I intentionally placed the ice cream behind as many items as I could so that he would have to dig it out.
Finally yesterday he tossed the paper at me and told me to look through the ads and find one. While checking my email, I decided to venture over to Craigslist. I've heard of it, but have never perused the site. In a word--Wow. In two words--Thank-you Craig.
2.5 hours later, I had a slightly used fridge, an air hockey table for my sons for Christmas (difficult to hide, but promising many hours of entertainment), and a foos ball table for my dad. A mere $190.00 later, I'm happy, the drinks are cold, the freezer space is doubled, and two Christmas presents are purchased months in advance. Yummmm, I'm liking technology more and more! But, I think Craigslist may be addicting....
Thursday, February 5, 2009
80's Party - Help me Out!
So I thought I'd do a little musing here. I'm currently planning an 80's party for my husband's surprise 40th birthday party and I'm looking for a little help. I can post the party here, on a blog, since his hope this year is to figure out how to use e-mail. He'd never seek out my blog.
The reason I chose to make the theme an 80's one is because he has always talked about how sexy girls were in the 80"s. No joke- seriously! He loves big hair, lots of make-up, tight all the way down jeans... Some how he ended up with flat haired, no make-up me.
In addition, this year on New Year's Eve I overheard him say to a friend that nothing is as fun as it used to be. It hurt my feelings-- but I knew what he meant. Three kids, full time job, full time and masters-seeking wife, house payments; what do you expect?
So, I thought I'd bring him back in time. Invites are out, requesting everyone to dig out their old hair band T-shirts, ratt their hair, yadda yadda yadda (Party is a surprise March 7th).
Now, I'm putting together a slide show from birth to now. What I want to prove is that life was fun, yes; but, it's still fun--just a different kind of fun. So here's what I need... I need ideas for some great nostalgic 80's music background for the slide show. I want something that will talk about how fun life was, is etc... I'm thinking of John Couger Melloncamp's "The Authority Song" but that's not quite right. Possibly "Forever Young" -Rod Stewart.... I need 3 songs! Maybe I could put your ideas on a poll for best 80's music later...???
In addition--Anyone have decorating ideas (This is definately NOT my expertise!)? Like 80's paraphenelia???? (Besides a ton of cheap hairspray and banana clips in the bathrooms)!!
Post your ideas!!
The reason I chose to make the theme an 80's one is because he has always talked about how sexy girls were in the 80"s. No joke- seriously! He loves big hair, lots of make-up, tight all the way down jeans... Some how he ended up with flat haired, no make-up me.
In addition, this year on New Year's Eve I overheard him say to a friend that nothing is as fun as it used to be. It hurt my feelings-- but I knew what he meant. Three kids, full time job, full time and masters-seeking wife, house payments; what do you expect?
So, I thought I'd bring him back in time. Invites are out, requesting everyone to dig out their old hair band T-shirts, ratt their hair, yadda yadda yadda (Party is a surprise March 7th).
Now, I'm putting together a slide show from birth to now. What I want to prove is that life was fun, yes; but, it's still fun--just a different kind of fun. So here's what I need... I need ideas for some great nostalgic 80's music background for the slide show. I want something that will talk about how fun life was, is etc... I'm thinking of John Couger Melloncamp's "The Authority Song" but that's not quite right. Possibly "Forever Young" -Rod Stewart.... I need 3 songs! Maybe I could put your ideas on a poll for best 80's music later...???
In addition--Anyone have decorating ideas (This is definately NOT my expertise!)? Like 80's paraphenelia???? (Besides a ton of cheap hairspray and banana clips in the bathrooms)!!
Post your ideas!!
Monday, February 2, 2009
The Mundaness of Technology
I have spent more time on the Internet in the last two weeks checking D2L and Blogs and posting and searching than I have in the past year put together! At least it feels that way. And while I'm happy to be getting excited about technology and wanting to learn more, and talking to my coworkers about technology, I'm sick of sitting and staring at a computer screen!
I read an article in Time about two monthes ago where a woman tested out a new treadmill desk. While she computed and emailed, she set her treadmill on a low speed and walked during her work day. The article was a bit of a sattire, and was completely hilarious. She did not recommend the treadmill desk, but I told my husband I wanted him to build me one. Seriously, if I have to keep sitting at my desk (in which I've already replaced my chair with an exercise ball), I think I may just implode. I truly don't know how kids sit for hours in front of a TV or playstation. My butt and legs are throbbing with non-usage pains!
I read an article in Time about two monthes ago where a woman tested out a new treadmill desk. While she computed and emailed, she set her treadmill on a low speed and walked during her work day. The article was a bit of a sattire, and was completely hilarious. She did not recommend the treadmill desk, but I told my husband I wanted him to build me one. Seriously, if I have to keep sitting at my desk (in which I've already replaced my chair with an exercise ball), I think I may just implode. I truly don't know how kids sit for hours in front of a TV or playstation. My butt and legs are throbbing with non-usage pains!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
A Means of Beginning with Technology
In the back of my mind this past week, I've been churning through my teachnology. Hmmmm...I know I must have one, but putting it into words is difficult!
I have a strong desire to use and implement technology in my classroom, but while I am certainly not the most unknowledgable person on staff, I'm far behind where I wish I was. I have however, developed a trick to help ease my fear of using technology in the classroom. It's getting the media specialist involved in my class. I track him down weeks in advance, let him know what I'm planning on doing, and he puts it on his books. He always teaches a mini-lesson to my first group of students, if not to each of the classes. I learn along with the students by watching him and taking notes. He's also there to help with the barage of questions. And I always have a back-up plan in case something goes wrong!
I have a strong desire to use and implement technology in my classroom, but while I am certainly not the most unknowledgable person on staff, I'm far behind where I wish I was. I have however, developed a trick to help ease my fear of using technology in the classroom. It's getting the media specialist involved in my class. I track him down weeks in advance, let him know what I'm planning on doing, and he puts it on his books. He always teaches a mini-lesson to my first group of students, if not to each of the classes. I learn along with the students by watching him and taking notes. He's also there to help with the barage of questions. And I always have a back-up plan in case something goes wrong!
texting
Texting Trashing the English Language?
I stumbled upon this website while preusing today. It reminded me of Monday night when, while Moo'ing, texting was brought up. You may be interested in checking it out.
http://www.good.is/?p=14999
I stumbled upon this website while preusing today. It reminded me of Monday night when, while Moo'ing, texting was brought up. You may be interested in checking it out.
http://www.good.is/?p=14999
Monday, January 26, 2009
Best Moment Using Technology
As a way of culminating our media unit, in which we study the techniques the media uses to sell their products, my seventh grade Honors class breaks into groups, are given a generic product (such as breakfast cereal), and then compete against other groups to create the best name, flavor, and commercial to sell their product to a specific target audience. The group designs the set, the product, etc. and videotapes their commercial, edits it with software, adds sound effects, music, credits etc. and then we watch the commercials and vote. I was so impressed with the students the first year I did this, and it is always the students’ most favorite unit of the year. Watching these videos with these kids and laughing with them makes me appreciate the time and work that goes into the unit.
I always have to ensure that the media specialist is available everyday that we use the equipment because inevitably something goes wrong. The first two years I did this project, I also requested help from a student at St. Johns/St Bens who is willing to donate time in exchange for a letter of recommendation or volunteer hours. It’s a crazy time because everyone demands help and the hour is exhausting. But the final result is fun. I only do this project with my Honors kids and all the other classes are hurt by this, and that bothers me. However the time is so demanding on us (and the equipment), I can’t imagine doing it with more than one class at a time.
I always have to ensure that the media specialist is available everyday that we use the equipment because inevitably something goes wrong. The first two years I did this project, I also requested help from a student at St. Johns/St Bens who is willing to donate time in exchange for a letter of recommendation or volunteer hours. It’s a crazy time because everyone demands help and the hour is exhausting. But the final result is fun. I only do this project with my Honors kids and all the other classes are hurt by this, and that bothers me. However the time is so demanding on us (and the equipment), I can’t imagine doing it with more than one class at a time.
Reflection to the Kolb test
I discovered that I was an Assimilator.
While reading through the Learning Styles packet, I feel as if this is an accurate description of me. I do often seek the facts, and this point was made even more clear to me throughout this past election. I felt a strong desire to really explore the candidates of this past election; not only the presidential, but the senate race as well. I found myself not just listening to what the media had to say, MPR and more conservative stations, but also seeking out information myself in order to receive a less biased opinion. Because I work in the school district, I heard many democratic opinions. However, most of my outside friends are strong republicans. So, I couldn’t just take the opinion of those around me: I had to find the facts for myself, analyze them, and make my own choices. It forced me to vote a mixed ticket…something I hadn’t done before.
An assimilator also "enjoys the traditional classroom." Yes, that’s very true of me. While I dreaded beginning my masters because of the time it would take from my family life, I have found myself looking forward to classes. I love sitting in a classroom engaging in the academic discourse that I don’t get in my personal life. My husband is not in the field of education, and as far as work goes, we don’t discuss much beyond our daily turmoil and tribulations.
I also get a lot of self-satisfaction from my classes and even finishing my assignments (a goal of an Assimilator). A lot of teachers encouraged me not to get my masters in English, but instead to get my masters in education from the St. Mary’ s program. This, they said, would be easier and quicker. I’m so glad I chose the route I did. I do believe I chose the more difficult and longer path, but that I enjoyed and benefited from the process so much more.
I was a little surprised to read "are less interested in people than ideas and concepts." I was even kind of personally offended. Someone once told me that a teacher who wants to work with kids should seek to work in the elementary, a teacher who wants to work in their academic field should work in the high school, and a teacher who wants both should work in the junior high. That never seemed quite right (and this person probably did not work in a high school!). I do feel like I enjoy both aspects of the job—the kids just as much as the academic part, so I don’t know that this piece fits me. However, there are plenty of times outside my job when I hate the "touchy-feely /getting to know each other" stuff and want to get down to business! So maybe this piece nailed me better than I originally thought!
While reading through the Learning Styles packet, I feel as if this is an accurate description of me. I do often seek the facts, and this point was made even more clear to me throughout this past election. I felt a strong desire to really explore the candidates of this past election; not only the presidential, but the senate race as well. I found myself not just listening to what the media had to say, MPR and more conservative stations, but also seeking out information myself in order to receive a less biased opinion. Because I work in the school district, I heard many democratic opinions. However, most of my outside friends are strong republicans. So, I couldn’t just take the opinion of those around me: I had to find the facts for myself, analyze them, and make my own choices. It forced me to vote a mixed ticket…something I hadn’t done before.
An assimilator also "enjoys the traditional classroom." Yes, that’s very true of me. While I dreaded beginning my masters because of the time it would take from my family life, I have found myself looking forward to classes. I love sitting in a classroom engaging in the academic discourse that I don’t get in my personal life. My husband is not in the field of education, and as far as work goes, we don’t discuss much beyond our daily turmoil and tribulations.
I also get a lot of self-satisfaction from my classes and even finishing my assignments (a goal of an Assimilator). A lot of teachers encouraged me not to get my masters in English, but instead to get my masters in education from the St. Mary’ s program. This, they said, would be easier and quicker. I’m so glad I chose the route I did. I do believe I chose the more difficult and longer path, but that I enjoyed and benefited from the process so much more.
I was a little surprised to read "are less interested in people than ideas and concepts." I was even kind of personally offended. Someone once told me that a teacher who wants to work with kids should seek to work in the elementary, a teacher who wants to work in their academic field should work in the high school, and a teacher who wants both should work in the junior high. That never seemed quite right (and this person probably did not work in a high school!). I do feel like I enjoy both aspects of the job—the kids just as much as the academic part, so I don’t know that this piece fits me. However, there are plenty of times outside my job when I hate the "touchy-feely /getting to know each other" stuff and want to get down to business! So maybe this piece nailed me better than I originally thought!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Reflection on using technology in the Classroom
Students love being able to use any type of technology in the classroom. I teach at a school where the poverty rate is greater than 50%, and so some of these kids never get to use computers unless they are at school. This makes it more exciting for them; however, they are often doing the things on the computer that they don't otherwise get a chance to do- facebook, IM, gaming, etc... and this drives me nuts!
There are also many other frustrating aspects though, for me, when using technology. For one, because I tend to be an "Assimilator," I like to be taught first how to use the technology, given time to practice so that I feel comfortable, then share it with my students. Because there is very little time in the workday to practice, and I have dial-up at home so practicing turns into hours and hours of frustration (without anyone to help me), I often don't get the practice that I'd prefer. Inevitably, it seems, something goes wrong and I don't know how to fix it, so I find myself searching for the media specialist to help me out. When I show the kids how to use it, unlike myself who prefers to watch it done first, they prefer to just "dive in." It doesn't take long before there are 30+ hands demanding help for things I've felt I've covered adequately. It's exhausting and frustrating!
Sometimes it's just plain easier to do things the old fashioned way!
There are also many other frustrating aspects though, for me, when using technology. For one, because I tend to be an "Assimilator," I like to be taught first how to use the technology, given time to practice so that I feel comfortable, then share it with my students. Because there is very little time in the workday to practice, and I have dial-up at home so practicing turns into hours and hours of frustration (without anyone to help me), I often don't get the practice that I'd prefer. Inevitably, it seems, something goes wrong and I don't know how to fix it, so I find myself searching for the media specialist to help me out. When I show the kids how to use it, unlike myself who prefers to watch it done first, they prefer to just "dive in." It doesn't take long before there are 30+ hands demanding help for things I've felt I've covered adequately. It's exhausting and frustrating!
Sometimes it's just plain easier to do things the old fashioned way!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Clear's Postings
In Regards to Blogging: I wasn't expecting to have to write something today. I have actually never even read a blog before, so I think I'll do that next!
Responses to Articles:
Responses to Readings:
Responses to Articles:
Responses to Readings:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
