April 22, 2009

My 187th post on this blog. I would have never guessed that when I began this that I would continue it this long concerning a function of my life. Oh well, I am glad that I have done it. I sent out an email to the listserv with a link to the JANUS video. I hope that others take a look at it. I came across one of the laptops today that has been severely abused. This really %&*^%$%# me off. I do not appreciate it one iota, but there is little I can do. This is one of the items that concerned me when I took this job. Okay that is off my chest. Today I spent with Embedded Learning and cleaning up a lot loose ends. It was quite productive. I also met with several teachers and brought my coach's log up-to-date. Tomorrow is the science fair so I will be busy with that. Hey, be back then...........flick

April 20, 2009

I met today with both the principal and the literacy coach in separate meetings. Again both were productive, and I feel we are all on the same page, which is good. I also worked with Inspiration and the embedded learning. I got the chance today to work on a web site, which I have not done in a long time. It took me awhile to remember where some of the things were, but I did it. I must admit that I miss that. I also am trying to make arrangements for some conferences. Conferences are like coaching clinics; if you get one thing out of them, then it was worthwhile. I also am preparing for a visit from the TIMS to discuss the implementation of CFF. I will have to work out all of the details for that. It was a good day, and I feel on top of things. Be back tomorrow...........flick

April 14, 2009

I did my first movie maker class presentation today, and it went very well. I had them create their own movie using the program; it went well, and they are using the program. They will also use it to create a school district project. I love to see real life experiences for projects. I need to get everything ready for the school board presentation tomorrow night for the JANUS project. The girls will do the presentation. I am also working on a you tube upload. I am finding the embedded learning to be tough to manage working with two courses. It is going well, but not a well as I would like. Not much today but busy.......flick

April 13, 2009

The golden touch definitely came into play today, but, of course, I wonder if I will jinx myself for the rest of the week. Nah, just will not happen. It was also a day of frustration with some matters, but I will not go into that because of names. I was able to help A's class with photo story, and I was also able to finish the movie maker and prepare for that tomorrow. The rest of the day dealt with handling problems. I still have been working with eyeplorer and becoming more accustomed to its odd search patterns. I still feel that there is some good relevance there, and I do look forward to working with it. I need to finalize plans for the van for the weekend of the 25th and 26th for the Promethean conference in Hershey. I will finish that tomorrow. Then the following week I have the one-to-one computing conference at PSU. I also worked with the embedded learning, and forging into areas unknown to mortal man (just in my own mind). Ya gotta love it. Well, I must also prepare for the school board meeting on Wednesday. I will be back tomorrow. Oh, this is my 180th posting for all of you keeping count. Yay!!!!!!

April 1, 2009

I am going to digress a little here and talk about me personally. I shaved my beard last night because of a charity event here. The skin has not seen the light of day since 1988; the mustache stayed. It was also my bday; I know quite appropriate. Okay, I got all of the personal stuff out of the way. I am getting the embedded learning out of the way. It is not easy facilitating two courses, but that is the law of the west. I am doing a lot of paper work these days just trying to get caught up on all of the things involved with CFF and integration. I got word today that some of the stim money will be used on technology, and I am quite pleased with that. For all of my Cameroon friends......E liya gbamu

March 23, 2009

Now it is catch up time. I had to catch up on a lot of things because of being away. Embedded Learning is calling my name as well as a group of teachers. I also have a lot of other paperwork to do. I know that I have Promethean training on Wednesday and a CFF meeting on Friday. I plan to take the girls and have them present the video. I am awaiting the go ahead to be able to post it across the net. I am quite proud of them and their work. I know this blog is a throw back so it will be a short entry.........flick

March 10, 2009

The girls finished the Janus video, and it is shipped to Texas via overnight mail. All of the workings are now in place. I got some more commitments today for money. I spent the rest of the day preparing for several class presentations tomorrow. The photostory is really picking up as teachers and students are using it in lieu of powerpoint. It gives them a fresh approach to projects. Also delivered the last of the CFF carts and hoping (crossing my fingers) that all will work well. Tomorrow will be the test. I also got a lot of odds and ends done with the embedded learning. I have two teachers done. That is so good. Some have not even started, and others are doing quite well. I know it is a lot of extra work, but I have seen it galvanize some to action. I am also trying to meet with the literacy coach. We need to talk about things and work together. I heard that other coaches may be in future. I like the concept. Tomorrow.......flick

March 2, 2009

Hello once again to all of my voracious reader(s). I have met with teachers to discuss some implementations of various software. I like it now that they are coming to me instead of me going to them. I still am trying to get see all of them at least three times a week to discuss and check any problems. It is working well with all of that. I am trying caution some of them to work slowly and integrate a single concept until they become comfortable. From there they can branch out and begin other implementations. I am also learning a lot from the Embedded Learning courses. As I read through their discussions and logs, I am discovering more and more about them. I do see the value of the courses because it allows them to discourse without fear. Well, I am off to Valhalla to visit with others. I will be back tomorrow........................flick

February 4, 2009

The phone is ringing incessantly today and the emails are flowing in and out of the mailbox. The topics range from board problems to needing ink. I also met with the principal today, and we had a long discussion concerning CFF and technology integration--a very productive meeting and some great direction. The embedded learning talks about reflection, and I have done a lot of that. I am glad to really be blazing a new Cumberland Trail. There is always something new with the position--some revelation or concept. I love that freshness and anxious to find ways to incorporate. I have to prepare more for the Photostory presentation tomorrow. There are some modifications due to subject matter, and I am going to have visitors from the powers. I looked at my schedule for February, and it is filled trainings and conferences. Wow, the GPS unit will be working full-time. Friday thru Wednesday, I will be attending back to back conferences (same town, thank goodness). My philosophy concerning conferences, etc is "I will keep an open mind, and if I learn one thing, it was worth it." It has sustained me so far. Hey, to work I go...........flick

January 29, 2009

Yep, snow day yesterday. I was going to come in and live up to the CFF motto, but I did not invent one yet so I did not have to live up to it. I am preparing for the presentation for Friday's class, and I talked with another teacher who wants a similar presentation next week. I am going to be observed; I guess after over 30 years it does not bother me anymore. I also arranged Atomic Learning accounts for students in a fellow teacher's classroom. It will help teach the in's and out's of Indesign. I am also working on the Embedded Learning material. Sometimes this can be frustrating to get everyone on board. I will save that for another time. In the next few weeks, I will be oot (for all of my Canadian readers; love your country) in the next few weeks for many days attending conferences. There is a lot to do and little time to accomplish. Uh oh, I see the making of a motto. Next, there will be official pocket protector and uniform. I will have to get the designers ready for that one. As I recline on the Chesterfield awaiting my puck, I will bid you adieu.

January 26, 2009

In-service days are one of those things that a teacher has to do; some are great; others remind you a visiting the dentist and no novocaine. I believe that this one ranks up there by being quite good. Does not rank as great so I guess that means the previous polarization is a misnomer. I attended a seminar on learning focused and brought my plans for the 13th to meet the format. I also worked on Embedded Learning to bring that up-to-date, and I worked on the presentation for the 13th. I also scheduled a Photostory presentation to a media class for Friday. I will get that done. Tomorrow is an Atomic Learning lesson for business. The continuation of ghosting is ongoing. Tomorrow is also the start of the new semester, which will free me to do more in the classroom. With my last blog, I alluded to a problem, and I have now solved that problem. I am happy with the resolution, and I am sure that somewhere down the road there will be a conflict with it; I will be ready. I guess it is my rebellious nature from the 60's and 70's. Well, I am off to work with embedded learning and found out some answers.................flick

January 23, 2009

Finished the week, and I did make it. Started the ghosting process of the laptops. They should be done sometime next week, and I can finally get them out and be used. I have been tagged to do an in-service on Feb 13 on the functions of the whiteboard. I also have to model it using the learning focused concept. I will begin the preparation for that on Monday. I also have the embedded learning class ready to go and have released them for Monday. Not all of the teachers have signed up, and I will have to go and talk with them individually. I will also have to get the books out to them and create another class for the math group. I have no facilitator for that group and may have to fill in there. I also have to address an issue which I have thought very diligently upon and am ready to act on it. No details, this is just for my recollection. That sentence will keep ya guessing. Well, it is time to wrap up another week. Have a great weekend...........flick

January 21, 2009

Someone once said that it is the little things that cause the most problems, and I must say that this is what has been happening more and more. The little things are consuming my time along with getting the Embedded Learning running. I also found out that we are getting a literacy coach, and I will be working with her on implementation concepts. I still find reluctance to among some to work with the infusion, but I also know that this is due to many reasons. I have the time to deal with it eventually conquer it. It is the end of the first semester, and business will be picking up again soon. I look forward to it. Need the classroom stimulus. I will be back tomorrow.

January 12, 2009

As a friend says, "Another day in Paradise." Really, not a bad day. Right now I am working open getting the new technology up and running so it can be used by a new group of teachers. I know I know that is no my job, but when IT is short and teachers want to use it, then someone has to move; that someone is I. I am also working on getting the embedded learning ready to go, and I have worked on the log. I definitely trying to work on the list. I need to get it shortened. I also worked to try and get the polycom unit running for a distance learning concept. It will occur; I know that Smuck will get it. Tomorrow,

January 9, 2009

I had an appointment this morning and arrived a little late. The projectors need aligned for the boards, and there are questions about software, etc. I do hope that we get a new IT person soon; it will help alleviate a lot of the hardware problems. I am dealing a lot with helping teachers work in the software and give them ideas on what to do. I know one teacher in the science department already completed the board tutorial. Speaking of boards, my hat gets doffed to Promethean and especially WZ. She is fantastic with her help and advice. I am impressed with the support the company gives. Inspiration is becoming a daily word here as more and more teachers and students are using the software. One teacher has reported a glitch, and I may have to do a fresh install. The Janus project is on task and ready to launch next week with actual filming. I am anxious to view the final for that. I need to complete getting all teachers registered for embedded learning. I guess one of the big things is to get the coach's log up-to-date. February is becoming an interesting month. For all of you Icelandic readers sjáumst. Till next week.................flick

January 6, 2008

I am back after the hiatus of the holiday and dr appointment, and what to my eyes do appear, (nope not eight tiny reindeer) but a voluminous amount of work to get caught up. We have the installation of Promethean boards this week as well as the handing out of laptops. If that is not enough, I also have to get the teachers ready for Embedded Learning and bring them up to speed about the how to use the boards. Also, without the IT person on board, I have been saddled with working on some problems, but it with mainly CFF problems. That is taking enough of my time. I sent out over 50 emails today dealing primarily with CFF. I also know that I am going to have to get my log up-to-date, etc. This is my first blog of the new year, and it does feel good to get back in the proverbial saddle. I am anxious to bring the new teachers on board. Sure, it will be trying, and I will face the same recalcitrance by some. In the end it is worth it. I just had a talk today with a tech ed teacher and told him how progressive his department has been for years when working with students. I think it is neat, and we all could learn. Well, I need to finish this and hit the trail. I will be back again tomorrow, if we have school. the weather does suck out there right now.....toots