Where to begin...

This school year has gotten off to a good start, and it seems like we are already settled into a good routine.  This semester with Globaloria seems good for me.  During the first few days, we struggled with internet speed and the speed and availability of the wiki.  Several people downloaded Firefox so that they wouldn't have to rely on Safari or Internet Explorer.  (We feel like Firefox doesn't have as many quirky issues as the other two and overall is a better quality browser.  There are also other browser options such as Opera and Google Chrome.)  We also installed Adobe Flash CS 5.5 on most of our Mac lab computers, but some of those needed an update to the Operating System before Flash could be updated.  In many ways, it seems as if Murphy's Law is trying to apply itself to us, but we just won't let it!

Summer Blues

I've had many experiences this summer, including conferences in places I've never been before like Nashville, TN, and I've gone to my first national FBLA conference in Orlando, FL.  I became a mentor in the Globaloria program, and I attended evaluations for virtual school.  (There are many high school classes available online through WV Virtual School, even career technical courses!)

Personally, I replaced my refrigerator and cleaned out my closet and kitchen cabinets.  I haven't been to one single yard sale (which is unusual), and I haven't read any books at all (also unusual).  In about 2 weeks, we will be heading back to school.  It's hard to believe that the summer has passed so quickly!  (I'm a little sad about that, and I'm sure you are, too!)  I hope your summer was great...  see you soon!

New School Year, New Priorities

This coming school year will be just as exciting for me as the previous two years.  This represents my third year teaching, and my second year in the Globaloria program.  Somehow, I still feel like all of this is new.  I have so many improvements to make, so many things still to learn.  I suppose I was like many students when I first became a teacher.  I thought that after so long, that I would know everything; there would be this magical process by which I would have all of the knowledge that I need... and I would pass that on to students.  Ta-Da... Poof!  (Magic, right?)

In reality, there is no magic unless you make it.  I have continued to learn and improve on my skills, have determined that I have much improvement to make, and I can never let myself get stale.  I want to use Web 2.0 technology to improve my teaching, and I want to have more interactive projects in my classrooms to improve student learning.

So just like every other journey, I keep going, I keep taking one step at a time.  The important thing is, I keep taking steps, I keep moving forward.  I reject letting myself get stale, I welcome challenges... I look forward to Globaloria year two!

Summer 2011

How is your summer going?  Mine has been a whirlwind!  I have been to training... on vacation... and to an FBLA Conference.  I have only been at home for about 5 days this summer!  I still have another conference in Nashville, more training, and some girl time with my "bestie" in Houston scheduled for just before school starts back.

Summer is a great time for reconnecting and refreshing skills.  I really enjoy reading, and haven't had much time to do that this summer, at least not in reading a novel.... but I have been reading online and re-reading marketing material so that I can earn an additional teaching certification.

What have you done to stretch yourself this summer?  What have you done to learn and keep growing?

Flash animation

Just a cute little Flash movie that I saw that I thought some of you might enjoy!

Wrap Up

All of our games are in the wiki Game Gallery.  Go check them out!  Be sure to look at West Virginia Extravaganza by Lindsey Losh and The Debate by David Green. Both were finalists in the Globaloria Civics Game Competition.  Congratulations Lindsey and David!

This has been a great semester, and I have learned right along with the students.  I hope everyone has a great summer!

TED Talks

I am so addicted to TED Talks! 

When people go to conferences, no matter their profession, they pay hundreds of dollars in registration fees, and additional hundreds in travel and related expenses to have information provided to them by experts in their field.  With TED Talks, the cost is reduced to $0!  These talks can be viewed online at the convenience of the viewer, repeated as necessary, viewed in an educational setting, or whatever is the wish of the viewer.

Wikipedia explains the premise of how the TED Talks work.  The TED training sessions can be on anything from science to social issues.  (There are many TED talks that address education issues in the 21st century.)  The speakers range from virtual unknowns to CEOs of major corporations to past presidents of the United States.  The talks are then shared through a creative commons license with anyone who is interested in viewing online.

I think the basic message with sharing and rebroadcasting TED Talks is that people need to be more efficient in the use of human resources.  In other words, why reinvent the wheel?  If the talk has been given and it was beneficial, then why not share the information with others that it could also help?

This being said, some people need to have training or talks in person, one-on-one, or they may just enjoy the setting of a conference.  (Especially when it is January and the conference is in Orlando!)  I don't think face-to-face conferences will never be replaced, however, when you are looking for more bang for your buck, what could be better than a free conference or "talk" from some of the best speakers in the world?

Broaden your horizons... view a TED Talk today!