April 23rd Quiz - Going Backward a Bit

Shape-Shifting Portfolio - I guess when I look at myself along this line I think about my age and the fact I have so many more things to put in my portfolio than someone younger because I have lived so many more years and experienced/had the opportunity to learn so many more things than someone younger than myself. Also, I can't even begin to comment on all of the new things I have added to my portfolio this semester - especially from 307. There are so many things I can do now (maybe not do well, but at least do) than I could at the beginning of the semester. All of those skills have become a part of me. More importantly, how I feel about acquiring and using those skills have also become part of my portfolio. I can put anything into my portfolio, but if I don't use it then it's of no value. I have learned to have confidence enough in myself to at least give all of the things I have learned a try when I get into my own classroom. In that respect, my portfolio has grown so much this semester.

Pokinitis - I admire someone like Will who sees a teachable moment in almost every situation. He will inspire his daughter to become a great writer because of his enthusiasm for all she does. What a wonderful thing to bring to the table not just for her as his daughter but as someone who will have so much to offer to this world.

I wish I had had someone like Will to point me in the direction he does everyone around him. The really great thing is that through his blog and now his "office" in Second Life, we can communicate with him on an everyday level and he can steer us in some directions we might not have otherwise considered possible. Maybe someday we will be blogging away to him and he will inspire us to write a book about something as simple as poking someone. I look forward to the possibilities.

Blog Quiz - Week of April 25th

Task #3 - Last things first

First let me say - where was this teacher in the Buffalo School system giving his students simple/direct directions about saving the iMovie when I was doing mine. I could have used this information last week.

I am extremely interested in this since it is a joint project with the University of Buffalo - where my 18-year old son will be going in August. I thought it was a great idea to get kids so involved in technology. From my limited experience in the classroom I know that kids "die" to use the computers in the classroom. If we can allow them time and tasks so they can use computers and media then we have their attention already. From there it's just a matter of providing a little guidance and getting them started. Congratulations to Buffalo - not exactly my neck of the woods, but it's a city that I absolutely love.

Second - the web link for the media literacy when I clicked on it brought me to a site that was in a "foreign" language - or something like a "foreign" language. Is that the correct website? I just wondered if it is what I am supposed to be looking for.

Task #1 & #2 to follow shortly - I've got to go finish putting out things for our community's "Spring Cleaning" which occurs tomorrow. You snooze/you lose! Hope you'll understand. Be back to finish this quiz in awhile.

High Stakes Testing - Helping or Hurting?

Check out this site for an on-line live chat about this subject on Monday, April 30th.

MP3's and iPods As A Vehicle For Cheaters

I heard this one on the radio this morning on my way to Cortland. A school (can't remember which state) is banning iPods in the classroom. It seems students were using this to cheat on exams. They were putting notes on them disguised as song lyrics and also loading mathematics formulas, etc. onto them. Then they would put them inside their shirts, run the chord up and put the earbud in place and hide the chord with their shirt collars.

Isn't technology wonderful - let's hope students put as much time and effort into using it for the good as they do in finding ways to use it for other purposes. I am always amazed. Think of the talent involved in hiding notes in song lyrics. What a waste of a student's time and talent. Just thought I would share this latest "use" of technology.

Second Life

Okay, here's another great big - or should I say huge - challenge. I am going to give this Second Life business a try once I get caught up on my homework/blogging/research papers/studying for finals, etc. Okay, so I probably won't get to it anytime soon --- but I promise I am going to try and give it a try the first free moment I have. I actually am excited about this - not so much for myself but more for my son who loves video games. I think he will think this is great - I could be wrong, but I hope not.

Thanks, Ray, for showing us what you have done. I admire you for being able to do what you do with all of this technology. I know that you are not technically a student in our class; but I just wanted to let you know I admire what you do and the expertise you bring to us. Thanks for sharing your time and your knowledge - and thanks for your help with our iMovie. I wish it had worked, but that's not your fault. At least now I know how to add music to my stills if ever I make another iMovie. Just kidding - actually I have some wedding photos from my son's wedding last November that I would love to turn into an iMovie. He just had a birthday on the 23rd and I didn't know what to get for him so I told him I would catch up with him later. Now I think I have a great idea.

Project #3 - iMovie

I can honestly say that working on this project has greatly increased the number of grey hairs that I have - although I try to keep them hidden. I have never been more frustrated by anything, and also never more proud of myself than when I finally had a small light bulb moment and got some of what I was supposed to be doing. Notice I said "small" light bulb moment. I am only too aware how much more I have to learn in order to make this a useful bit of technology for my Shape-Shifting Portfolio; however, just the fact that I have a small portion of it in my portfolio absolutely amazes me. And quite honestly, I think I will be the kind of teacher kids will love because they will feel so bad for me and my ignorance of technology and so incredibly excited about helping me learn and watching my face "light up" when I finally get it. It's going to be great, and I'm going to use it just so my students will feel sorry for me and then happy for me and finally inspired by me.

Why Teachers Quit

If you get Teacher Magazine, check out the article on "Why Teachers Quit". It's very interesting