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.