I Skyped for the first time this weekend! I made a video call to Rita, the teacher of my EdTech class. I actually was quite impressed with the quality of the call. The only problem was that my voice would drop every so often. this probably due the quality of the built in microphone on my laptop and not Skype itself.
Next week I take Skyping to a new level when I attempt to Skype with my class from Las Vegas! I guess what happens in Vegas won't stay in Vegas!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Google, Google, Google
I am not sure why but I have always had a little prejudice against Google. i feel the same way about Microsoft. It might be the conspiracy theorist in me, but I just don't trust them! That being said, I must admit that this class has opened my eyes at least a little to the value of the applications that Google offers. I think that GoogleDocs is a very effective tool for collaborating on a project. GoogleEarth is just cool (and a little creepy).
Thursday, March 4, 2010
A Vision of Students Today.
http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=dGCJ46vyR9o
I watched this clip and was struck by a few things. the interesting thing to me is that most of the items that caught my eye had more to do with the educational process and the atmosphere in the classroom than the uses of technology or social media. The first statement that shocked me was that only 18% of teachers know their students names. If this is true, it is a real shame. Another statement was that only 26% of classroom material is relevant to students lives. I believe that this is probably more a case of the students not seeing the relevancy when it is really there. It is our job as educators to help students make the connection between the material and their lives.
I watched this clip and was struck by a few things. the interesting thing to me is that most of the items that caught my eye had more to do with the educational process and the atmosphere in the classroom than the uses of technology or social media. The first statement that shocked me was that only 18% of teachers know their students names. If this is true, it is a real shame. Another statement was that only 26% of classroom material is relevant to students lives. I believe that this is probably more a case of the students not seeing the relevancy when it is really there. It is our job as educators to help students make the connection between the material and their lives.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
I'm Baaaack!
After a long time away I am returning to the Blogosphere! I am enrolled in a class with fellow educators at MATC where we will be learning about Social Media and ways to incorporate them into the classroom. Enjoy the ride with me!
Saturday, September 5, 2009
A Story From My Mom
Sorry I've been away so long, but I just got too busy. I will need to learn to budget my time to include this new technological aspect of my life.
Every Sunday, I call my 89 year old mom. We talk about everything from her day to day activities, to the Packers to her take on politics. We also spend a lot of the time reminiscing. Last week she reminded me of a story I thought I'd share with you.
When I was in Third Grade, I would get out of my wheelchair at recess and play football with my friends. At that age, I was pretty good, too! I was low to the ground and stronger than most of the other kids, so I was usually one of the first picks. One day the Principal stopped me and told me I couldn't play anymore because I might get hurt. I went home and told my Mom and Dad. A few days later, I was back making tackles like a two foot tall Ray Nitschke. Turns out that my mom went to the school and talked to the principal. When he told her he was just worried that I might get hurt, she pointed out that anyone can get hurt playing football and that if I wasn't allowed to play then no one should. I think what might have finally changed his mind was when my mom pointed out that if I did get hurt it wouldn't be that big a deal since I already used a wheelchair. He probably thought she was crazy! I completely understand her thinking. Why should I not do something I love because of what "might" happen. This is a lesson I learned early in life and continue to carry with me today.
Every Sunday, I call my 89 year old mom. We talk about everything from her day to day activities, to the Packers to her take on politics. We also spend a lot of the time reminiscing. Last week she reminded me of a story I thought I'd share with you.
When I was in Third Grade, I would get out of my wheelchair at recess and play football with my friends. At that age, I was pretty good, too! I was low to the ground and stronger than most of the other kids, so I was usually one of the first picks. One day the Principal stopped me and told me I couldn't play anymore because I might get hurt. I went home and told my Mom and Dad. A few days later, I was back making tackles like a two foot tall Ray Nitschke. Turns out that my mom went to the school and talked to the principal. When he told her he was just worried that I might get hurt, she pointed out that anyone can get hurt playing football and that if I wasn't allowed to play then no one should. I think what might have finally changed his mind was when my mom pointed out that if I did get hurt it wouldn't be that big a deal since I already used a wheelchair. He probably thought she was crazy! I completely understand her thinking. Why should I not do something I love because of what "might" happen. This is a lesson I learned early in life and continue to carry with me today.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Video
Okay, see if you can watch this video and not get teary eyed!
http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/10/mental-health-2.html
It features one of my favorite songs! I want it played at my funeral. Hopefully, many years from now.
http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/10/mental-health-2.html
It features one of my favorite songs! I want it played at my funeral. Hopefully, many years from now.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Michael Vick
I just read that Michael Vick has been conditionally reinstated to the NFL. He is eligible to sign with any team, participate in training camp and could be able to play in regular season games as early as week six. I am not surprised by this, just a bit disappointed. I was hoping that Commissioner Goodell would have the stones to ban him for the year. Go play in the UFL, CFL or Arena League for a year, prove that you've changed and we'll reinstate you next year. I keep reading people who say that he has the "right" to play in the NFL. No one has a right to play in the NFL. It is a privilege that should be earned and maintained. I just hope that the owners in the league are smart enough to realize that signing Vick will lead to a public relations nightmare. No matter how talented someone is, sometimes they just aren't worth the headaches. For those of you wondering I would treat Leonard Little, Donte Stallworth and Adam "Pacman" Jones the same way!
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