January 14, 2010

I had an interesting time today trying to get a piece of database software working. I could not figure it out so I called the dreaded tech support and actually got someone who spoke English without a foreign accent (I know, stereotyping again). The first person tried well but could not solve the problem so I had to call again. The second person kicked proverbial donkey and solved the problem and taught me something about databases as well. I thank her profusely. I also worked on several teacher web sites, and I would say that over half the staff is up and running. I know as they progress my job will be tougher. That is okay with me. I look back at those teachers who got their Promethean boards two years ago and where they are now. I am amazed at how much they have increased their comfort zones. I just had a comment today from a faculty member who was proud of herself and what she was able to accomplish. I chided in on that and praised the effort. tomorrow............flick

January 13, 2010

TTWF was another bust, but no one can say that I am not trying to reach the populace. I did get to teach eportfolios today to a group of seniors. I know there are various aspects to eportfolios, but this one dealt with the job concept. The questions were great, and I tailored it well to their situation as best as possible. One of the easiest ways to create a good eportfolio is to utilize a wiki. This gives an on line functionality to the portfolio. I also discussed with them some on line dangers such as Facebook, etc. Many students as well adults feel that the items they post are so secure--they are NOT, and it is difficult to convince them of that. I am still forging ahead on the web sites, and when they see the ease of it, their comfort zones are now expanded to include WYSIWYGs. I also had an interesting conversation with a power who wants me to work with the entrepreneurship challenge. I will attend a meeting next week to find out the particulars.................flick

January 12, 2010

Today, I taught a class to embed sound into a powerpoint. Again, I am suppose to marvel at how technologically savvy our students are today, yet I still find it unfathomable that they are unable to do something basic as this. I believe, my theory only, that this generation is savvy when it comes to the communication, gaming, and socializing aspects, but when it deals with having to go outside their zones, they rely on good old teaching to learn how to do something instead of delving into itself. I know that this is a stereotype, but I did not create the stereotype that this generation has technical moxie, either. The web page introduction is continuing as more and more teachers are complying with the edict (?). This has some negativism with me because teachers have been bombarded with many new initiatives, and this is just something else coming down the proverbial highway. I am making it painless as possible. TTWF tomorrow...........flick

January 11, 2010

Expletive, I had to go back in and edit a couple of posts because I forgot what year it was. Ya gotta love old age. I am still exploring RCampus, and I am liking it more and more. I think the rubric section is sound and has a lot to offer. I am beginning to work with teachers here to publish their own web sites which are linked to school's web site. The site uses a WYSIWYG and is quite simple to create and maintain. I will not put pressure on them to pursue the various aspects because the comfort levels vary so much. I know that I will be busy in the next couple of weeks teaching them the basics of this. I still feel that it is still not teaching our students anything about web site development--another conversation for another day. I still love seeing people try the different concepts that I am espousing. Well, tomorrow............flick

January 8, 2010

I have been looking at RCampus for a possible collaboration site, and from my preliminary experience with them, it does offer an easy way to collaborate and offers some unique features. I have noticed a lot of these sites being offered to educators, and I feel that the net is meeting the needs of 21st century teachers and learners. I feel the abundance is a boon to us. With that boon also comes problems in that it is so difficult to choose, and my advice is to choose one that meets your needs; those needs will vary with the teacher. Some love the variety and are comfortable with that while others fear that variety and would rather deal with something more staid. I am finding that most of these sites offer both. Well, it is off to the weekend.............flick

January 7, 20010

I wore three inches of my shoes today. I must admit that the inundation was quite overwhelming, but I did conquer almost all. I also had an interesting meeting with the powers; I am not at liberty to discuss the meeting, but I am sure that there will be more to expose in the weeks ahead. I did attend the PSEA meeting on the retirement fund, and I know that it does not deal with technology, but in a round about way it does. The PA government in its infinite wisdom decided to delay payments to the pension fund, and now the payment is coming due. I love how government looks out for the people. The reason why this deals with technology is because now that the payment is due school districts are scrambling to pay it and technology will be cut to fulfill the monetary demand. I will refrain from lambasting those involved. tomorrow................flick

January 6, 2010

After coming back from the Challenger Center meeting, I still like the idea, but I think the vision might be too much for the community, and I also question the concept of hiring only two full-time people to staff the facility. Something of this magnitude, I believe, would require more than two full-time staffers. I will go and visit one of the facilities and get the skinny on the operation. I also did some Photoshop today in two classes, and I enjoyed dealing with it a whole lot. I have finished the tutorial for the teacher web pages and have worked with a couple of teachers on this task. My philosophy of personalizing their sites will remain the same with all. I know there is a comfort level when working with these, and that comfort level will increase with the correct tutelage. I am hold TTWF after school, but there is a PSEA meeting after school today so I doubt if I will have anyone. Be back tomorrow............flick

January 5, 2010

I am much intrigued about the new Challenger facility. I do feel it will be a boon to the area and be great for school children to visit to have the hands on approach to learning and problem solving. I did think it was more out of the planning and fund raising stages than it is. I also feel that it should include some technical areas for those students who like to delve into more hands on approach to their education. I expressed that at the meeting. I thought the meeting was quite good, and I am looking forward to visiting a center to see how they work, and the interaction of the students in the educational process. I so have a worry that this will not come to fruition for another five years. I still think it will be quite viable, though. Tomorrow.............flick

January 4, 2010

The first posting for the new year, and i am sooooo glad to be back...oops sorry for the sarcasm. It seems like y2k struck 10 years after the fact, but everything is back to normal. I am ready to unveil a program to talk with teachers about their respective web sites. Again, my job is to get them ready and show them some of the features and let them take off to make it as thorough as they want. I know that there are time constraints on it. Tomorrow I will attend a meeting at the IU to investigate the new Challenger facility. I have done my homework about it, and I am looking forward to finding our more information. Be back tomorrow.........flick

December 21-23, 2009

I have decided to combine these days. The days before a holiday break are somewhat mindless, but it gives me a chance to work on paperwork, tutorials, etc. I also talked with some teachers and worked in four classrooms during the three days. I know these last few postings have not been earth-shattering, but I am sure 2010 will bring is some interesting things. Have a great holiday(s)..............flick