Blogs and Wikis

I'm doing a consulting gig yesterday..(aka too much fun) about using blogs and wikis in the educational arena, and as I'm talking, I realize I have not been consistently blogging and I should. I have been able to look at other educational blogs lately and finding some really good rich material to ponder, utilize and pass on.

So, I'm throwing down-- so to speak -- I will begin my educational/instructional thought processes from here on out..with an occasional relapse to talk about family, friends, and life in general...my life is SOO much more than just my "work"...which is really fun to begin with.

This month has been full of good things and great places and folks...but I've learned alot about ME lately and that's cool too...my mantra these days?

ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING

I've had that sign posted for EVER...and really, its the ONLY thing we do have control over!

Blog, blog, crazy blog

My life has been FILLED with good moments lately and I have to apologize for my not keeping up with a thought or two down for posterity..BUT...I have a thought!

I am delighted to report that PRESENTATION ZEN has transformed my life/slide presentations and also those of my grad students. They are starting to turn in their final projects and I'm so excited about their LEARNING and now, how many students will

a. stay awake for them

b. understand the message

c. actually retain the knowledge

d. all of the above

D D D D !!! Seriously, jump over to Amazon and buy this easy read, this is NOT a commercial, this is an order...Buy Presentation Zen and transform yourself and your slides!

I made this on Cameroid and if you don't like being an etch-a -sketch, you can be a ninja or Mona Lisa...pretty fun, easy stuff. That smile on my face? That's cause spring is a l m o s t here!! The grass is finally getting green and the sun seems to be shining brighter!!

IF I RULED THE WORLD.....

My new friend and I were lamenting at lunch the other day, if we ruled the world ....

Ok, I'm here to tell you if someone wants to give me a million dollars, I'm waaay cool with that...

But, seriously, if I ruled the earth ..

1. All Teachers would make the same amount.

2. That "amount" would be in high double digits!

3. All Teachers would have the same technology, and to go along with that rule, we also need the same amount of coaching and P.D. (paid of course)

4. All Teachers would have great benefits, respect and time to create great 21st century lessons.

...Hey, its my dream!

But, in the meantime, if you want to get something for your classroom, hurry over to www.donorschoose.org, tax time is fast approaching, and people are just waiting to give you some financial support for your classroom!

Tied to Tools

So, what tools can you NOT live without? I've narrowed it down to two, really! First, and foremost is my Sprint Instinct. Before you accuse me of sounding like a commercial, I want you to hear me out. Yes, I'm a google certified teacher, but the google phone does not make my heart flutter, nor does the iphone...I'm NOT PAYIN anymore, or jumping on any app that someone else adores. My Sprint Instinct works for me, took 0 seconds to figure out and I use every piece of it. Btw, the camera is pretty darn robust!
Now, a close number two is my Flip HD camera. If you are even thinking about getting a new camcorder, this baby is smaller than my phone...and you can grab a picture from any video you take. Yeah, a couple attachments, like a tripod will help any situation...but it is really easy to use --a USB goes right into your computer and that's really all I need..and the phone charger occasionally!

METC and FETC was exhilirating, inspiring and just plain FUN! I absolutely love jumping out of my regular life and conversing with new friends, (finally got to meet Jim Lerman after a year of online conversations!)and most of all challenging me to continuing my own personal learning, sharing and collaborating.

Thank you new friends, old friends for helping me and encouraging me!

Obama IS FINALLY HERE!!

We now officially have a SMART president, I suddenly feel safer, better, and hopeful. I feel confident that Teachers will finally get the money and respect they deserve. I'm not taking these rose colored glasses off. I firmly believe President Obama will take care of our educators, well, I shall remain hopeful....and George, please stay in Texas...I never want to see your dumb mug again...