I took the kids to get Halloween costumes yesterday and while waiting online at the mall food court, I could not help but over hear a conversation. The topic debated is not important but one of the statements has caused me to get on my soap box. “Anyone who thinks that way is an a——!” Why do we attack people with whom we do not agree? What happened to discussing ideas and trying to see the other point or points…
September has almost run its course and I have had little time to read blogs let alone write a post. It has been one hectic start to a school year. We have undergone a major restructuring, lost about 70 staff, closed 3 buildings and moved whole grade levels to new buildings. There is a lot to adjust too, for many all the changes have been tough. I my little world we are down one team member. I am supporting 2…
I have been getting ready for the start of school. We had many physical moves of teachers in our district and this requires a virtual move as well. So I have been moving teacher accounts around. I am also planning professional development opportunities for the fall. My mind is focused on the details and I currently do not have the luxury to explore some lines of thought. So I am jotting a few down here so I do not forget….
I enjoy helping educators discover Second Life. This summer I again have this wonderful opportunity. I will be assisting some staff at Westfield State College explore this environment for collaboration, instruction and learning. I also look forward to the educators who take inspiration from NECC and time off in the summer to explore Second Life. I highly recommend educators join the DEN in SL to find the support they need to really give Second Life a try. I love learning…
I have 5 more working days of school left this year. I keep thinking that June 23 will be my first day to relax. In my dreams!!!! I accepted the opportunity to share second life with some college educators. We are developing curriculum for 3 new Information and technology literacy class and I will support that effort. I need to develop materials for next falls professional development sessions. I plan to continue my research and writing on the history of…
I am writing down some of the random thoughts swirling around in my head. I hope to get back to them and take a closer look. Thought 1: We keep seeking change in education and complain that it stays the same, but I do not think learning changes. Learning still takes place within the learner, the learner must interact with content to build meaning and understanding for themselves. Schools were designed to provide the greatest number of people an opportunity…
Continuing From Part 1 Franklin continues in his proposal for the education of youth that they should study; Arithmetick, Accounts, and some of the first Principles of Geometry and Astronomy. In this test driven society we are certainly emphasis Math, since it is easy to test. In my neck of the woods we are leaving out ‘accounts’. We no longer teach business math, it is not viewed as college prep. Honestly I would love a good class on basic accounting…