December 18, 2008

Well, I have a funny feeling that this will be my final post of 2008 because tomorrow the weather is supposed to be ugleeeeeeee so no school. It is better to be safe than sorry. So, I have dedicated this blog to talk about the triumphs and tragedies of 2008. The first triumph is the starting of the blog. I know that I have posted in the past that I never thought blogging would be part of my routine, but it become that. I have enjoyed writing about CFF and some of the happenings this past year, and I do plan to continue the practice. Another triumph is my teachers who have tested the waters and come out of their comfort zones to try new ideas dealing with the integration of technology. I applaud their efforts, and at the same time I do not castigate those who are moving at a slower pace. I do understand the trepidation and concern about the impact of trying to integrate technology. All of my teachers know that I will be there to further their forays. Another triumph is definitely the district's vision to make integrator positions full-time at both the primary and secondary levels. I commend them on this move. I know that my sarcasm sometimes gets into the way, but I am quite serious this time. The biggest triumph of all has to be the students who as a collective group have settled into the 21st century will little resistance, and why shouldn't they do this (rhetorical).

Now the tragedies--The first deals with the school personnel as a group (teachers and students). Everyone needs to throw away some misheld myths. First the teachers need to believe that they can accomplish PSSA preparation in a new way of conveyance. We are so caught up with testing that I worry that we are just creating students who can do well on tests but unable to think on their own. The students need to embrace technology and school from the aspect of learning and preparing for the future instead of finding the so-called easy way out. They have choices to make, and those choices are what will create a future that is proactive and not automatonish (new word created by me). I do recognize that my use of stereotypes is not indicative of all, but I do think it is above 50% for both groups. I am not that far removed from these groups because I do understand the mentality, but in the same right, I can hope for change. Finally, another tragedy is the district which continually wants to institute changes and programs but refuses to give the time to proffer the correct means to utilize those changes and programs properly. I do agree with the facilitation model of education, but I do not agree with the hodgepodge model. I do see changes there, and I will be patient because I do preach that to my teachers and students.

I know that this is the longest blog of my more than 100 entries, but in this I have not rated myself. If I had to grade myself, it would be an 88% on the Penns Valley scale. I have the wherewithal to complete my assignment, but I sometimes get bogged down in the intricacies of technology. By that last statement I mean that I know that things must work in order to embed them into the curriculum; I make sure that they do work. I also have not learned all that I need to learn about certain softwares, etc. that I need to learn. I do excel in gathering resources and being there. My goal for 2009 is to increase my grade to 90%. I am on my way there, and I will achieve it.

There you have it. I have enjoyed the ride, and I know that I will continue to enjoy it. There is much to do. I know that I will have to help change some mindsets, learn new concepts, and be able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. I will do it. I thrive on the challenge and will succeed. I will be back in 2009.....Are you ready for some more wit and wisdom from the sage? I am as long as the parsley and rosemary come with it....yeah, I know that is terrible, but at least in that respect I see no reason to change that concept. Goodbye 2008--I am looking forward to 2009. I do want to wish all my loyal readers the best of holidays no matter what aspect you celebrate...................flick

December 17, 2008

Today was a little easier, but one of the areas that disappointed me was the fact that people need to take notes on material and not rely on the memory. I know I have learned that the hard way, but I have learned it. It did turn out to be a busy day with a lot of little things. I did see some alumni. One who wants my opinion of going into IT, and the other who is a successful Los Angeles film editor and cameraman. I feel the reason why people will ask me about possibilities is that I will tell them the truth. The IT person wanted to know my feelings, and I told him that his skills are not the best, and he needs to work at those before entering school. Whether he listens or not remains clouded in time. I hope that he does because one can do well there if one is motivated. I also dealt with a myriad of issues, and most are solved. I forgot to tell you that yesterday a former student stopped by who is a Penn State football player and a starter. He is really focused and has done well for himself. I like to hear from alumni. it is great to see what they are all doing. Well, I know this did not deal too much with CFF or technology, but I sometimes have to let go, and today was that day. Lance. keep up the great work; Code, listen to my advice; Josh, kick some Trojan butt. Be back tomorrow. To all of my Farsi readers....Shab khosh.....flick

December 16, 2008

I need to be able to be in more than one place at one time. I knew this day was going to be a test of being to do all that was scheduled and to get it all done. I will tell you that was tough. First the Promethean representative came and did a beautiful job of in-servicing my first year CFF teachers. It was a lot of one-on-one instructional time, and by talking with the teachers, I know they benefit ted greatly from all of the time. I wish we had more time for it. I also had several meetings from Janus to working with alumni to working with a student on html. From there I had to deal with ideas and sit in on a social studies meeting. I finally left after 5PM. It makes for a long day, but it was well worthwhile. I felt a lot got accomplished and will help with technology integration in many different areas. Even though it was stressful, the rewards will be worth it. I also obtained some information for April that will help my team to even heighten skills more. I just wish I knew the board and the software better, and I know that I will get trained this year. I must also be patient. The weather looks rough for tomorrow. Neither rain, storm, nor power outage will stay this integrator from his appointed rounds.....flick PS Thanks Wendy for all of your help. You are great!!!!!

December 15, 2008

I do apologize for not posting until now, but it has been really busy. Monday was great in that it is always a learning experience to collaborate with fellow coaches, and the representative is doing a great job to get us to do that with various tools and meetings. We went over Thinkfinity, but most importantly, we had to opportunity to look at other projects and listen to each other. I feel this networking concept is fantastic, and I came back with good ideas. Tomorrow looks like a bear, but I will get there and win....flick

December 12, 2008

It sure has been a busy day. I got to meet with the social studies chair and talk over CFF and my duties. It did go well. I also did a presentation in Media 1 with Photostory. I modified the presentation I did last week, and I thought it went better. I sometimes have to get out of the old teacher stereotype and engage the students more myself. I did that this time, and I was pleased with the outcome. I also finalized plans for the Promethean representative to come in and work with the present CFF teachers concerning problems and questions about the boards. I hope that they become prepared and utilize the time to aid them. The rest of time I had to deal with small problems to allow teachers to work with the technology. It was good getting back into the classroom teaching and modifying the lesson. I have some things to contemplate over the weekend, and on Monday, I will going to the IU to do some training and to showcase some of the student work. Have a good weekend everyone, and I will tell you about the training.

December 11, 2008

There is no school today because of the impending weather, but I am here shackled to the computer doing some housekeeping. I know the district will take some complaints about this, but with the forecast, it made the right call--enough for that. I have to reschedule two meetings and a classroom presentation, which I had scheduled today. I will check with the people involved to see if they can be done tomorrow. It is nice working here on this day with no interruptions. Well, not much so else so to all of my Swedish readers God Dag!!!

December 10, 2008

I spent most of the day working with resources and helping teachers with small problems. I do wish Promethean would have added automatic updates for their software. I am going to have to create a directive for the teachers to do this. Promethean is coming the 16th to do some presentations and answer questions for teachers. Also, I want the presentations to focus more on math and language arts. I am going to bring her back in to in-service the new teachers who are coming on board. The meeting with the Penns Valley Janus team went very well. The two students who are creating the project came well prepared and wowed the group. They are going to have their work cut out for them, but I know they will do well. The project involves three of the high schools in Centre County to create a five-minute video to aid Penn State in getting a NASA grant to build a satellite to pinpoint gamma ray bursts in hopes of finding more about the age and origins of the universe. There will be a lot of work in the coming days. Hey, I will meet up with you tomorrow.. Happy Wednesday!!!!! flick

Roman God Janus

December 9, 2008

I met with the science department chairman to discuss the role of CFF and my role within the school district; it was a good meeting. I also set up a meeting with the social studies chairman for Thursday. Then I will meet with the rest of the teachers individually to assess where they are and where they want to go. I am also doing some nuts and bolts things here since the IT person left, but it is not too much. I also helped a student develop some CSS for a web site she was creating for the wrestling team. I have a meeting with the Janus group tomorrow after school to finalize the format of the video as well as have the students present their ideas to the group--a great project. It is nice working with PSU on such an important project:more about this tomorrow. Well, as you can tell by the post date that this is a little late. I have been busy. Tomorrow, dude!!!!!!

December 8, 2008

The oracle is at work again. I am thinking of moving to Adelphi and buying a crystal ball. This was the day to answer a plethora of questions and trying to make sure the answers were cogent and viable. There are two I am contemplating, and I am not sure which way to go, cut I will research them and get the necessary information to arrive at a good decision. I also set up meetings with teachers for this week, signed up for the PETE&C conference, which I have never attended but heard it is great, developed some tutorial material, and updated the wiki. I need to do some rearranging there. Hey, not too bad for an AARP member. Seriously, the amount of work is increasing, and I do love the myriad of projects. Time is a definite factor for all concerned, but one has to learn to budget and prioritize. It will all get there. Be back tomorrow, and AH that is going to happen next Thursday; I will send you more details...flick

Decemberr 5, 2008

I find it quite interesting that people think a wysiwyg will solve all of their problems without learning basics. This is one problem I encounter when dealing with teachers and students who think that a program will solve all of their problems. I liken it to cooking a meal without the ingredients. Also, when something does not work, it is the fault of the technology and not the user. Instead of finding the answer, it is easier to just capitulate. I guess I am different. I know that some answer exists, and I will try to find it. I many times use the very technology vilified by others to gain enlightenment. Unfortunately, the defeatist attitude is not something that has just manifested itself; it is a carry over from before. I really thought that with the ease of access for information that this would abate, but, alas, it does not. Okay, okay, I am off of my lectern. I met with the district IT wizard, and I we were able to talk over a lot of matters. I know that he has budget constraints, and I am willing to work with him concerning them. It was good. I also set up my agenda for next week, and it will be meeting with teachers, honing the wiki, and dealing with matters. I feel matters are progressing well. Oh, I know that I have to get my log up-to-date. Have a nice weekend.....flick

December 4, 2008

Yep, it was quite busy. The supposed oracle had to deal with a lot of issues. I am glad the elementary IT person was here to help. I know that technical is not my emphasis; it still has to be done. I was able to meet with three teachers today to discuss matters, and I have a tentative time set up for the Promethean specialist to come in and do some in-servicing in December and February. I also have some Janus meetings ready to go. I am glad that things are going well, and I have a tremendous amount to do. It will all come together. I have a departmental meeting to attend in five minutes. Tomorrow, baby, al a Kojak (dating myself).

December 3, 2008

I just realized that it is already December. It was a very busy day. Since the IT man left, people are coming out of the woodwork. I am mostly working with the CFF equipment. The day went really fast because all I had to do. Oh, I also thought the lesson worked well. I used an online tutorial for it www.jakesonline.org It really worked great and was quite appropriate for the novice. I prefaced the assignment and checked constantly for understanding. I did not use the pairs or anything like that because it did not lend itself to it. I also had a handout for those who like the hands on approach and dealt with all concepts of the program. I also told them I wanted the fruits of their labor for presentations, but I also told them that they created it, and I wanted to have their consent to use it. I think that surprised them a whole lot. I expect them to follow copyright so why shouldn't I follow the same concept. Well, tomorrow is another day, and I will be ready for it. So all of you loyal readers who are glad that I am back blogging be ready for another post. It will happen.......For all of you readers who speak Swahili "Kwaheri!"

December 2, 2008

In-service: the very name can strike fear and loathing into many a teacher's psyche. Today was an in-service day, and although I do see a need for having them, I do feel that my enthusiasm in this category was waned somewhat over the eons of time, but if I am to model, I need to see the model in action. I did that and feel comfortable with what is happening and how to approach the philosophical concept. I got what I needed and will put it to good use tomorrow when I will model and teach Photo Story 3 to a group of juniors. I am well prepared, but as a teacher, I know that anything can happen. Back in the saddle again. I will let you know.

November 26, 2008

Ahhhhh (I just thought I would add a few "h's" for emphasis), the day before vacation, and it was nice to catch up on some things and say goodbye to others. I said goodbye to the IT person and was able to prepare for next week. I know that my services for various activities will increase, and I am quite happy about that. I am preparing for the PhotoStory presentation next Wednesday. I also sent along some links for resources to all teachers, and I talked with someone interested in the elementary technology position. Also, at this time, some of the former alums stop by to see how things are going. It is always great to check up on what they are doing. There is not too much to write, but I will be regaling all of you in the coming weeks with the Tales of the CFF Coach. Eat your heart out Stan Lee! Sorry, I cannot illustrate worth a crap... Happy Thanksgiving to all.