October 16-31

Yes, I know that I have been remiss in updating the blog, and I have heard from the bevy of my loyal readers so i have decided to get it updated. This will be a long entry so I will also try not to bore you with all of the minute details. First of all I will update you on the wiki project. The project did go well with the classes, and they presented this week. I was impressed with how easy wikispaces has made the entire process....Kudos. I even made an interactive rubrik for the scoring of them. I was not impressed with the effort exerted by most of the groups; I am glad that some did put effort into it. It was a good and quick project. With the same teacher I assisted in the Voice of Democracy contest in that I supplied the technical and the lit coach did the teaching. I am assisting the lit coach next week when she is out of town. I am back in my original genre, English. Henrik Ibsen will not be the same.

The rest of the time dealt with meetings with teachers, examining web sites, research, and the endless drone of "This does not work." I would like report on a collaboration site called Wiggio. I have looked at this, and I do see practical application for its use. If a teacher wants to use it with a class, then he/she must be careful of the email application embedded within the program. It is touted as an extension of the social networking package big on the internet today. I like the collaborative aspect.

On the hardware front, a lot of problems have been eliminated. Oh, do not tar and feather me for not knocking on the proverbial hard drive, but I have less and less to contend with. School districts, if they want to continue to use technology, need to have good people and enough people in place to make it all work. I am also perturbed by those who feel that they can cheapen the system because they end up paying more later. Okay, I am done with the b%$#%%. Well, that is my update. I will do my best to become more diligent in the future with my blog so my readers do not migrate to someone else. Have a great Halloween...............flick

October 15, 2008

It is snowing today in central Pennsylvania--it is early even for us. I really wish that we would bite the bullet and place access points in every room. I know that I am frustrated with our lack of connectivity for certain classrooms. It is tough to infuse technology when one cannot use it, and all of the hardware is accessible. I know it will occur with time. There is a high frustration level among certain faculty, also. I know, PATIENCE. Hey, I gotta go and shovel some snow...catch up with ya.....flick

October 14, 2009

It is great reading blogs from contemporaries even though they are slanted to one particular type of system, etc. My network wizard sent me a link for a blog he found, and I am impressed with it. The author looks at various topics with respect to technology and education, and although I do not agree with everything, it does help me introspect with reference to my own beliefs. The link for all my readers to inspect http://education.zdnet.com/ I hope that you found it as informative as I have. I was really out and about today. It is good to be busy. I am also looking at something new on paiunet that will really help us with wikis and blogging. It is too early to tell whether it will benefit us or not. I will find the answers. Hey, be back tomorrow....flick

October 13, 2009

The frost definitely covered the pumpkin today; I could tell because it was cold outside then building and cold inside. That did not stop the intrepid CFF, oops, secondary technology integrator from attacking his duties. I still working on the wiki presentation, and I do think it will be a good one. Wikispaces is making it easier and user-friendly to get students and teachers involved. I think it is great. I also finished the kmz file for the teacher who took students on a field trip. I was out and about. I also had a chance to work on my wiki. I have taken a look at it, and it is huge; there are great resources there, but it is overwhelming. I have decided to break it down even more for ease of use. A good day with lots of work accomplished so I will be back tomorrow. Maybe the frost will ease....Nawwwww!!!!!!!!!!! ...............flick

October 9, 2009

I had a great time playing with the data from the GPS units and interfacing with Googlemaps. The only item that upset me was the inability to add pictures and make it a tour. I see a function that I can create a tour, but I have to do it bit by bit and recreate it with the waypoints and tracks. I will still do some research. Other than that, I am working on connecting with faculty members whom I have not had much contact. So all of you have a great weekend.....So to all of my Hungarian readers.........Sziasztok.............flick

October 8, 2009

I sent the group on its way this morning with GPS units and cameras in hand to map their trip and take pictures. Now we will see if I can do some interfacing. I met with two teachers today on some projects they have in mind, and I am sure that I can bring them to fruition. I am also helping the lit coach with a project dealing with the Voice of Democracy contest. One never knows which way the wind will take ya. I also received information about the PETE&C conference, which I hope that I may attend. There is a lot of cutting edge information there, and I like to be a part of it. I guess I better get the paperwork filed (I hate paperwork). Other than those things I mentioned, it was pretty much a normal day. Tomorrow calls for rain....at least, I know there is not a drout....LOL....be back tomorrow.............flick

October 7, 2009

I introduced GPS to a group of students who were going to test them out today on a field trip. I am anxious to test it out and try to interface the units with Googlemaps. It is a good test for me and the students. I also am working on the wiki project for social studies and just talking with teachers to see their needs, etc. There are still some bugs that need help so I am also helping in that realm. The one concept about this job that I knew heading into it that comes to life everyday is what I do not know. I have learned a lot. The best thing from all of this is watching the cfl bulb finally come to full brightness in both teacher and student. I like that part a whooooole lot. I will inform all of my readers of the progress......flick

October 6, 2009

There was a guy named Arte Johnson of Laugh-In who made famous a phrase, "very interesting." Today made me think of Arte and that phrase because there were a myriad of problems, a multitude of what if's, and multiple solutions. I also contacted my TIMS to talk about where CFF is going and what we should do in relation to all of the information that we must submit to the state. I am not sure if we should maintain the status quo or move ahead. I know that we are still in survey mode, etc. I do not have a definitive answer. I also am working on different ideas for people and presentations. I do love unsolvable problems, and I had two of those today with viable solutions. It has been a good one. I will inform all of my loyals about the GPS unit. I am sure I will be talking about it over the next few day. Take care and talk with ye tomorrow...............flick

October 5, 2009

Another week, and I am ready for what awaits me. I have a half day today due to some personal business I have to handle. I set up a GPS unit with for a field trip. I will talk with them on Wednesday and get them ready. I also talked with some other teachers about future units. I will do some research and get that ready. I also talked with a teacher about creating wikis for her class. Lookedy good. I will be back tomorrow.............flick

October 2, 2009

It was a dark and gloomy night...oops, that is the first line of my new novel--innovative, isn't it. Okay, to the meat, the class went well yesterday. I like the fact that the teacher allowed students to choose between Power Point and Photo Story. I think it is quite important to give choices when a student becomes comfortable with a piece of software. I did go back today to solve some issues, which I knew would happen. Even though they are digital natives, they still do not have the expertise to solve all problems. I am working with virtual conferencing, and I am looking forward to it. I do worry about finding the time during the day to do this. I am working with FETC. I am a newbie at this, but I hope it works well. Here is the link for all of my fans, if you are interested http://virtual.fetc.org/Microsites/FETC-Virtual/Event-Home.aspx I like these new experiences, and I do hope it will be worthwhile. I am off to the weekend. Talk to you next week...............flick

October 1, 2009

Holy Kadongies!!!!!! October is here, and it is quite cool. I got that out of the way. We are still working on the wireless; there is something wrong, and with my limited knowledge, I cannot discern what it is. I worked on everything from Photoshop today to Office. Some interesting problems, and I have to admit that I also had some learning moments--just love those. Like I said before, one never knows what will happen. Well, I am off to prepare for the day......flick

September 30, 2009

The wireless problem still continues, and I see it getting worse. I am not sure of the problems, but I will inform the great powers of it. Did some tech training with a science class. I also have been in contact with the science dept chair. There are some good in roads happening there, and I will bide my time. I also have been working with the social studies dept on various projects, and I like what is happening there. Someone asked me today if I like what I do. I answered in the affirmative with the following caveat, "I never know what is going to happen when I walk through those doors." That is not always true, but it is true with respect that something new will happen each day, and I learn from it. I am busy with all sorts of tasks, but the day goes sailing by with little concept of time. I have Back to School night tonight, and I dealt with teachers on many topics to ease their evenings. I will await tomorrow............flick

September 29, 2009

I am not sure if I have been around too long or not, but I am now witnessing another Microsoft OS--Windows 7. The mini conference I attended dealt with the migration to this new OS and the ramifications dealing with technology. Of course, I attended to find out about its impact on education and the possible migration here. There will be little problems with software like there was in Vista, and it sounds like it will be smoother. I am wondering some driver issues and things like that. A good session, and I walked away feeling at ease with a migration............flick