Sunday, October 30, 2005
Remember Rosa in your classes
Illustrator Paints Her Past by Brian Collier for more on teaching about the late Civil Rights leader Rosa Parks.
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Map It At Frapprs
Friday, October 28, 2005
What's a Mollusc You Ask?
I'm not sure if this is a good thing or not but I just checked The Truth Laid Bear site and found that the KF LibraTech blog is a Slimy Mollusc and Ranks at #23388.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
When Administrators Agree
Our school is very fortunate to have a Head of School who fully supports and pushes technology integration. His vision and insight was recently noted in a weekly column he's been writing for the school. In it he writes, "We have successfully combined library and technology programs within a framework that allows students to use laptops, desktops, and an automated card catalog hosting print materials, listening resources and equipment. The world’s information has traditionally been stored in print. It is moving rapidly to a digital base through the use of a variety of mediums: text, graphics, streaming video, blogging and software programs. As a result, we are readily able to have access to an alternative medium for completing certain tasks and to assist students in becoming adept over time at accessing the world’s information."
Blogging he mentions... hmmmmmm
Blogging he mentions... hmmmmmm
Sunday, October 23, 2005
The Myspace Debate
I had some students the other day really try to plead their case on why Myspace.com is a positive outlet for teens. While I see it as an out growth of the cell phone plague, she sees it as a community. Blogs: A personal teen hobby that can become cyber bullying
Friday, October 21, 2005
More K-F Bloggers In The 'Sphere'
More and more of my colleagues are using blogs as a way to post what's happening in their classes...here, here and here.
Even our 7-12 Division Head is using the blogosphere to put a Spotlight on our Seniors. I've never seen so many students pounding down the door with inquiries since we've been using blogs. It's almost like they know something we don't or shouldn't. They also gave me some great info., as to why I should start a myspace.com page and enter their community. To that...I will have my student reporters conduct random interviews on The Myspace Community for a more in-depth look into their world.
Even our 7-12 Division Head is using the blogosphere to put a Spotlight on our Seniors. I've never seen so many students pounding down the door with inquiries since we've been using blogs. It's almost like they know something we don't or shouldn't. They also gave me some great info., as to why I should start a myspace.com page and enter their community. To that...I will have my student reporters conduct random interviews on The Myspace Community for a more in-depth look into their world.
Monday, October 17, 2005
See SLJ Blog
for more comments on successful workshops. One of note is a link from Doug Johnson which is OVER THE TOP GREAT! He basically outlines the Top Ten Secrets for a Successful Workshop. But not only is it up-to-date, it is a fantastic read with key suggestions. If you haven't read Doug's work, you should. He writes The Blue Skunk Blog and here's a recent post with a very provocative question. See for yourself.
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Let's Keep It Real
Can anyone provide some insight as to what makes an effective conference presenter? Some are certainly better than others. But as a workshop presenter, are there any DON'T DOs you'd like to share?
I ask because I'm preparing for my 4 hour NYSAIS workshop in Mohonk, NY and I have so much material I want to cover/share/expound on...you know how it goes. But at the same time I want attendees to come away with that feeling of "gosh...I really learned something." I also want to be effective.
Anyway...I'm open to feedback.
I ask because I'm preparing for my 4 hour NYSAIS workshop in Mohonk, NY and I have so much material I want to cover/share/expound on...you know how it goes. But at the same time I want attendees to come away with that feeling of "gosh...I really learned something." I also want to be effective.
Anyway...I'm open to feedback.
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
The Way To Grow
It just makes sense that schools adopt the 21st century methods of communication via email, or Teacher Web pages keep parents in loop by Ray Parker (via Edwonk)"Now Gilbert parents won't have to struggle for scraps of educational information as more teachers post updates on the district Web site."
Our I.T. guy setup (5 years ago) an email, homework online and faculty conference system through FirstClass . Our teachers were each trained individually to learn how it could benefit them and their classes. By year 2 it was a schoolwide effort (and expectation on the part of the teacher) to use this system as a means of communication and posting assignments. Now, we have 100% participation...give or take a couple of resisters. And in all honesty, our lower school (K-6) teachers are more avid users. Whereas the upperschool uses the system to JUST post homework.
One of my goals is to get some buy-in to have students have their own school email account. It seems crazy that they don't. But way back when, some student abused the system and now there's somewhat of a consensus to not have it. All in all, it's a huge success and cuts down on the everyday complaints that are not necessary. For example, I left my homework sheet at school. Or...do you have additional curricular enhancements for my child? Most of our classes are virtually 24 hours because the information is always accessible and updated.
Now we have teachers who are branching off into the blogosphere...very cool.
Our I.T. guy setup (5 years ago) an email, homework online and faculty conference system through FirstClass . Our teachers were each trained individually to learn how it could benefit them and their classes. By year 2 it was a schoolwide effort (and expectation on the part of the teacher) to use this system as a means of communication and posting assignments. Now, we have 100% participation...give or take a couple of resisters. And in all honesty, our lower school (K-6) teachers are more avid users. Whereas the upperschool uses the system to JUST post homework.
One of my goals is to get some buy-in to have students have their own school email account. It seems crazy that they don't. But way back when, some student abused the system and now there's somewhat of a consensus to not have it. All in all, it's a huge success and cuts down on the everyday complaints that are not necessary. For example, I left my homework sheet at school. Or...do you have additional curricular enhancements for my child? Most of our classes are virtually 24 hours because the information is always accessible and updated.
Now we have teachers who are branching off into the blogosphere...very cool.
Monday, October 10, 2005
Let's Get Going...Come on!
I really hope we, as a PEOPLE, are not becoming immune or jaded by catastrophic, natural disasters like the recent earthquake in South Asia. (links are via Rebecca MacKinnon)
Where the heck is the NON STOP COVERAGE of the earthquake and the aftermath as they unfold? I can't find ONE, NOT ONE,NONE LIVE reporting of the aftermath and rescue efforts. Are there VOs and anchor packages? YES. But this kind of catastrophe is certainly worthy and worth the same efforts from the msm that were in place during the Tsunami disaster and New Orleans. HELLO??? Anyone there? News directors of the world...Please hear this, "Live coverage is still needed to get the word out of the enormity of this natural disaster." I know we've been inundated with catastrophic news lately but DON'T DROP THE BALL ON THIS ONE. People are dying and thousands more are dead. Let's work past the VoSOTVos
for this story please. Whew...I had to get that off my chest.
For online news the BBC online and other outfits are helpful.
Where the heck is the NON STOP COVERAGE of the earthquake and the aftermath as they unfold? I can't find ONE, NOT ONE,NONE LIVE reporting of the aftermath and rescue efforts. Are there VOs and anchor packages? YES. But this kind of catastrophe is certainly worthy and worth the same efforts from the msm that were in place during the Tsunami disaster and New Orleans. HELLO??? Anyone there? News directors of the world...Please hear this, "Live coverage is still needed to get the word out of the enormity of this natural disaster." I know we've been inundated with catastrophic news lately but DON'T DROP THE BALL ON THIS ONE. People are dying and thousands more are dead. Let's work past the VoSOTVos
for this story please. Whew...I had to get that off my chest.
For online news the BBC online and other outfits are helpful.
As I Prepare For Mohonk
In honor of Christopher Columbus my goal for today is to finish reading Friedman's, The World is Flat. I started reading it back in the summer and of course, put it down to one day pick it up again. Well...you know how that goes.
Anyway, it's required reading from for an upcoming Managers of Technology conference in Mohonk, NY (see description below). I'm actually conducting a 4 hour workshop called, An Online Toolkit for Technologists, Teachers and Librarians. I will be blogging from Mohonk; just in case you can't make the conference.
9:00 AM Session 6 – Preparing Students for a Global Work Ethic: Fearless Learners and Courageous Teachers
Assigned reading in preparation for the workshop: The World is Flat by Thomas Friedman
Speaker: Alan November
Anyway, it's required reading from for an upcoming Managers of Technology conference in Mohonk, NY (see description below). I'm actually conducting a 4 hour workshop called, An Online Toolkit for Technologists, Teachers and Librarians. I will be blogging from Mohonk; just in case you can't make the conference.
9:00 AM Session 6 – Preparing Students for a Global Work Ethic: Fearless Learners and Courageous Teachers
Assigned reading in preparation for the workshop: The World is Flat by Thomas Friedman
Speaker: Alan November
Saturday, October 08, 2005
Friday, October 07, 2005
Before November
November marks exactly one year since I started blogging and I'm having trouble recalling what life was like before blogs.
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Times Select Reax
The New York Times now has figured out a way to make MORE money for their online access with their...Times Select feature. Good luck NYT.
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
How's This For Being Just Plain DUMB
Okay, I'm not sure if I'm just naive or, you fill in the blank. But my comment sections have been spammed beyond belief. I've gotten these VERY positive "I like your blog" comments. The worst part of it is, initially, I didn't know it was spam...duuhh. And how's this...I actually responded to a few. Shame on me!
But thanks to Susan at Adventures in Educational Blogging I've been given great instructions on how to limit the "fraud readers." She writes...
Blogger has added protection in the form of word verification. Hopefully that will greatly reduce this problem. Word verification is very easy to activate. In the settings pane of the Blogger Dashboard, go to the Comments section. Scroll down to the option that reads
Show word verification for comments?
Thanks Susan for helping me open up my egocentric eyes.
But thanks to Susan at Adventures in Educational Blogging I've been given great instructions on how to limit the "fraud readers." She writes...
Blogger has added protection in the form of word verification. Hopefully that will greatly reduce this problem. Word verification is very easy to activate. In the settings pane of the Blogger Dashboard, go to the Comments section. Scroll down to the option that reads
Show word verification for comments?
Thanks Susan for helping me open up my egocentric eyes.
Monday, October 03, 2005
The Next Best Thing From Being There
This great link via Bernie Dodge blog.
National Geographic has a very cool...Wild Cam Africa. Any world geography (among others)class can certainly bring this link to the outside world inside the classroom to show real images of wildlife animals. There's also a blog with times for viewing. Go Nat Geo!
Here's how they do it.
National Geographic has a very cool...Wild Cam Africa. Any world geography (among others)class can certainly bring this link to the outside world inside the classroom to show real images of wildlife animals. There's also a blog with times for viewing. Go Nat Geo!
Here's how they do it.
A Sketch Speaks Volumes
Political cartoons are a great teaching tool to use when a concept or a news event is too darn hard to explain.
