Google Forms

This is an example of using the embed function within Google Forms to not only enhance your blog, but turn it into an evaluation tool as well.  Explanation to follow!

Richardson Phase One: Blogs

Devoting nearly half of his book to the idea and implementation of blogs, Will Richardson does a great job highlighting the features of blogging, and ultimately what makes blogging so appealing to the education field.  However, before blogging can be discussed in-depth Richardson first identifies the current trend in education that carries on well past the classroom, Social Learning.  Education is at a crossroads, "that pits a student body that has shown up immersed in technology against a teaching faculty that is less facile with the tools of the trade" (Richardson, 2009).  Although this is the very thing we are looking to counteract with our studies, this is a common theme that has shown up every time we talk about teachers and their technophopia.  Social Learning is a theme that has emerged as a result of this technology boom.  Students and colleagues alike are able to reach out across the world and collaborate in ways that our predecessors could only have dreamed.  This is the very essence of blogging, working with others and learning even more from their feedback.

With this new ability at the disposal of students and teachers alike, what is the best way to implement this into a classroom setting?  This perhaps is the easiest answer of all...with such a versatile tool, you can use it anyway you can possibly think of.  From something as simple to a nightly homework updates to full-blown student interaction including examples of their work, guest blog spots, ideas on your curriculum and so much more.  Richardson gives an impressive list of the uses of blogs that people have found in their classrooms, but it must be stressed that creativity is key.  A unique idea will capture students imagination and creativity and keep them invested in the blogging.  The distinction for who the blog is for must be thought out before the classroom blog is established.  If the blog is for the teacher, the content might be more homework related, quizzes, projects criteria, strictly classroom business.  If the blog is for the students then they need to be given a voice and a reason to use it.  Debate forums, discussion groups, reactions to ideas and events and a chance to view their work is just some of the many reasons that students are already eager and willing to participate in blogs.  

As blogs give the students the voice they are looking for, ground rules must also be established for posting.  As this is uncharted territory for many educators, those interested should first familiarize themselves with the proper etiquette and manner in which blogging occurs.  Gone are the five paragraph essays as blogging captures moments and ideas, not polished final drafts.  Those who participate must be applauded they are also opening their ideas up to comment and feedback from others.  Furthermore the authors should be encouraged to blog pictures and video along with their words, making their post as immersive as possible.  Students are ready to make these jumps, as Will Richardson makes clear we just have to open the channel for them.

Brilliant Weekend

Wow...not even at the top yet

There is something about a Snow Day that transforms an ordinary mundane day into something incredible.  Turns a boring grey day into a beautiful pure white memory.  Albeit this was not a Snow Day, but this weekend was the result of one, with Mount Monadnock covered in a blanket of fresh powder that slowed down the ascent greatly but allowed for some amazing pictures.  As grueling as the ascent was, it was well worth it for not only the views but for the climb down!  We made incredible time down as gravity was our copilot and we slid nearly the whole way.  Well played nature...you've done it again.

Well deserved view

At least we can see the top...

Nuclear Timeline Video

When I uncovered this video a months years ago, I was blown away.  The video itself is so simple, but has so much to say.  Certainly a little discouraging and dark, however the message is universal and should be heard by all nations, not just those responsible for over half of the detonated bombs *cough* USA *cough*.  The dream is that countries will stop worrying about "Assured Mutual Destruction" and starts focusing on dealing with the cornucopia of other issues that threaten our global community.  Irregardless I will begin to stockpile various canned goods, I want to believe...I do.

Well done nature...well done

Thanks to YoTuT for this great action shot

Thanks to Gin Fizz for the amazing picture

 The Grand Canyon is absolutely amazing, and one of the greatest natural wonders in the world.  For the classroom in particular it is an excellent example of weathering, erosion and sedimentary rock.  Nothing can truly show weathering like the rushing power of class 5 rapids.  The generations and generations of the rushing water is an excellent example of how water can cut through rock given enough time.  I have found this to be a difficult theme to express to students.  The ridges on the sandstone clearly show the distinct layers that define a sedimentary rock.  After going white water rafting in Maine, I desperately want to get out to Arizona and try the rapids that attack the canyon walls day after day.  I cringe to think that the canyon is always changing and one day may not exist as it does today, giving me all the more reason to see it soon!

What would I like to learn?

A simple question, yet a question that requires quite a bit of thought.  After viewing Sir Ken Robinson's discussion on schools killing creativity, I really want to learn how to give students enough freedom to express themselves, while still keeping the programs leashed to the curriculum.  My other thought that came from the series of videos was how students are so fluent in technology, yet have no idea the seeds they are planting.  Their digital self needs to be given with the same amount of respect they give their physical self.  Stressing the concept of a digital footprint is key, but getting them to think a month in advance is hard enough without even introducing the consequences of their digital shenanigans years from now.  It truly is a brave new world.

My Wordle

This is the graphical representation of me...if I was a mess of jumbled colorful words.  Wordle is an interesting tool, and I was excited by the idea of Tagxedo, I have some promising ideas of the opportunities that this program could offer.