Lesson Planning

As I was working on my technology infused lesson plan, I realized the problem. As adults, we get so excited about the topic and we know there's a lot to cover in any given subject. This happens even moreso when we get excited about the things that we teach our students. The problem then happens - what do we leave out? I think lesson planning can be such an easy task since we know what we have to include and that we need to assess at the end. But, what do we include? I think, as teachers, we want our students to get something out of the lessons and we want specific things to be included, it's difficult to simplify. That has always been my problem. I have a hard time simplifying things and thus, make the task more difficult than it should be.

So, when lesson planning, I would like for us to remember a phrase that someone [i dont know who] said, "Keep it simple!" We make our lives difficult at times, and make it difficult for our students. And, I'm not saying that we "dumb down" our material, but don't over complicate your job. :) I must say, that's what I had to do when writing up a lesson plan for something I had already done! :) Hope it helps! :)

CLRN

I think it's refreshing to know that there is a central website that provide assistance. So many of us are used to opening the internet and typing, "GOOGLE", "Yahoo.com" or whatever other search engine. When using these other websites, it gets difficult because you can't really filter what is academic, factual, or trust worthy. You spend more time looking and looking then really necessary. It is definitely a useful website for lesson planning to help generate ideas, or refining some ideas you may already have. There's a wide spectrum of subjects and areas it will keep you on the website as you get distracted on each area. This website will get you spending more time looking but getting excited at the possibilities that are out there and you hadn't thought about it yet! :) Enjoy! :)

myFace!

This morning, during our "Team Period", one of the teachers [my former 8th grade science teacher =)] was sharing a story with regards to one of the sites, and blurted, "Yes, myFace!" Not realizing what he said, I chuckled because I knew what he meant and several moments later he realized his mistake.

Once upon a time, there were "wine and cheese" events or other such things that professionals used as a means of networking. These things do still exist. However, social networking has taken on a new meaning. Well, not so new. Most recently associated with Twitter, MySpace, Facebook, among others, social networking has been argued on many levels. There are issues, both positive and negative, that are latched on with the idea of "networking" on these sites. Like everything else in life, it serves a purpose with its pros and cons. The purpose for which you use it is entirely up to you. It is important to be educated in your decision as to whether or not you would like to use these sites as your means for social networking.

Yes, there lies the fear that this will take away from people's "social skills." Yes, this opens the doors for cyberbullying and pedophiles to virtually harm children, or even adults. Yes, employees (programs applied to, or other positions) may check out your profiles for a reference. Yes, everything you post will F-O-R-E-V-E-R be available, whether or not you like it.

But, you may just be able to reconnect with long, lost friends [family]. You may be able to remain connected with people that have moved far away or vice versa. You may promote your skills or talent with others. Or, you may just be able to share pieces [the pieces that you want to share] with people. Yes, you can maintain privacy. You have to make adjustments that are suitable to your liking.

In either direction, these are things that one must be self-conscious about. And, as I was looking and reading other peoples' posts on the subject, I must agree with Ron [thanks, Ron!]. You should have your own set of guidelines on the subject, should you decide to socially network on any one of these sites.

BE CAUTIOUS! Be sure to be aware of the pros and cons of these sites. Once you're aware, you can decide for yourself how you would like to make use of these sites. Be sure not to post pictures that you wouldn't want a possible employer having access to [likewise, do not take part in pictures that may be posted, if that is the case.] Decide how much information you'd like to have out for the world to see. Be mindful and cautious, of course, of how much your children are looking at [or could one day have access to].

And of course, if possible, do not negate others of face-to-face time with you! Do not let these sites become "myFace!"

"Introducing the Book"

It's so funny how far we've come. I thought this video was pretty funny. It is very true to think that this is quite possibly how people may have felt when the book was first introduced. Or, let's think about when pens were developed. Something's that are part of our every day lives. Wasn't always that way. That "Help Desk" wasn't always available. The extraordinary has become the ordinary.

Yes, teaching an old dog new tricks isn't easy. Let's just think of what things would be like if we weren't able to deal with the changing of the times. We're teaching our students to work and live in times with things that we don't even know about. Just think about what we'll be calling the "Help Desk" for then. :)

Gossip Girls and Boys Get Lessons in Empathy

This was an interesting read on the NY Times (published on April 4, 2009). There's a greater emphasis these days on character education as it has been infused in to the standards. There are so many things going on this world. It does make sense to do this. It is good to start early. Yes, you can't tell kids who to be friends with, but you can teach them how to be nicer and more understanding of each others differences. Just the other day, there were two fights at school - one right after the other. (I'm not sure for what.) It was rumored that the young man had prepared by holding a lock in his hands (later clarified to be a watch.) Earlier that same day, a girl in my class was called out for Mediation Group - she was having issues with another young lady in the school. A few days before that, there were two girls in the cafeteria that began yelling at each other. It's nothing new. Yet, it seems that it wont completely go away. This is a good start. Kids can be so cruel. (Well, some.) Hopefully, this will help produce productive participants of society.

Again, just thought I'd share. :) Enjoy. :)

Web Page Building

I think the concept of using web pages for classes may seem intimidating for some teachers. There's a lot that goes into building traditional web pages and it is, at times, complicated. However, websites like scholastic.com have made this process that much less intimidating. This website has laid out, step-by-step, how to make this website happen even at the most basic level. There's free software available, These websites have made it that much more easier to "teach old dog new tricks." :) Once you meet it "head on", web page building doesnt seem as daunting as it is to learn HTML and all that other programmatic lingo to build the website for your classes! Enjoy!

School Web Pages

School web pages are so practical these days. The communication with the school district are now on a much more regular basis. Parents and students are now able to access the school's/class information much easier. Both parents and students can now refer to the school's websites for updates with district wide events, policies, and any other pertinent district information. Districts may post teacher's district emails for more rapid and effective communication among teachers, parents, and administration.

Although, the websites are convenient for teachers and parents, it can be difficult to maintain and manage on a regular basis for the districts. Depending on the size of the school districts, there may be too many updates to maintain on a regular basis. Sometimes school districts may lag on updating the websites. Smaller districts, however, can use the district size to its advantage and maintain the websites up-to-date.