February 26, 2008

This day has been one for the books. The district was on a two-hour delay so I decided to go in early and do some work. I was going through my email when the internet burped (this is my term for an anomaly), and the internet froze. I decided to do a restart, and when I did, my Vista was invalid. I tried everything and called some techies but to no avail. So I did something I did not want to do--CALL Microsoft. I have dealt with them before so I knew it would be an interesting time. One hour later--which included three calls, six different people, one automated system, and a partridge in a pear tree--the issue was resolved. I was thankful for their help, and the person I talked with was quite good. One other computer in the district experienced the same problem, and I was able to get the problem resolved quickly. Thank you Microsoft.

I then visited LA class and gave them a short presentation on Photo Story and Movie Maker. The teacher thought I was going to go through a detailed explanation of the software, but I gave them the information they needed to know to delve into the program and learn. I told them since I would not be there tomorrow, the teacher could Skype me, or I would be back Thursday. I thought it went well. The goal is discovery. The students will learn by doing. I feel this is important.

I also had a CFF meeting after school and went over my role as a coach, laptop procedures, the embedded learning class, and technical problems. I had the techie come in and talk about technical difficulties we are experiencing. I told them to exercise patience. I know getting the technology working, etc. can be frustrating because I dealt with that frustration in the morning with Vista. This is a new learning curve for all. I still must say I am impressed with the group. They are stepping outside their comfort zone and trying new concepts. i feel it is great. Oh, I gave the group the address for my blog because one of the math teachers could not understand how Photo Story, etc. could be used in math. We must all begin thinking outside the box

I know I have written a good amount today. Oh, lest I forget, I had another comment to my blog today from one of the students whom I presented to (notice the correct form of "whom"--sorry the grammarian will always be in me even though I would hate to grade my writing in this blog--I excuse that because this is my reflection). I will be attending the computer fair with some PV students tomorrow. I am hoping that the teacher will Skype me so her students can ask any questions. I know they are testing, though.