January 14, 2009

This week could be labeled "The week of Ipanema." I know you are asking, "What is an Ipanema/" The answer is quite simple: a beach in Brazil. What does that have to do with CFF? Nothing, but it is the first thing that came to mind. I just have been busy trying to get teachers up and running with the Promethean boards. I have the software loaded on desktops, and I have emailed particulars to all about updating drivers, etc. It is a long and involved process, but it is needed to get all on the right track. The projectors need aligned and the lappys need imaged. I am in the process of learning some about ghost to aid me in that. We also got the Polycomm unit working so students can take a college credit class. Some small setting had to be changed. Weather is getting quite colder and some snow. We will see about tomorrow, Flick

January 13, 2009

I am trying to diffuse a lot of problems, and i am getting there. I know it sounds like a rehash of yesterday, but in many ways it is. One of the biggest problems is getting the driver updates for the Promethean boards. At least I have some new software to accomplish the job. I also ran into a interesting problem of converting wordpad to excel. I did it. I was not sure how it would work, but it interfaced well. It was just a day of getting to the list. I know it is not much, but I refuse to bore with other plebian details.

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

January7-8, 2009

Well, as it happens in public education we had a day off on Wednesday because of the weather, and, yes, for all you naysayers, it was needed. A tremendous amount of ice, but we all survived well. I did come in to prepare for tomorrow for the installation of the Promethean boards and the arrival of the laptops.

8-Sometimes plans do not go according to Hoyle so one must have a back-up plan. I did, and the installation went well. All of the boards are up. We now have to ghost the laps and get them ready for the populace. The Smuck did a great job of getting everything together, and we are already fielding questions. I send out and email for all to take an online tutorial to help them ease into it all. I was running around this place (you thought I was going to write 'like a chicken with its head cut off) like the Mad Hatter on fire. Now, the fun begins.

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

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