LJ's Test Run

Notice a pattern?

2010-08-16T21:26:00.002-04:00

Well, now it's been more than 18 months this time. Apparently I have found other things to do and have not defined purpose for writing in this blog. It's almost 9:30 on a Monday and I am apparently also out of words...whatever my quota for the day is, it's been reached.

Not a Natural OR More Likely NO TIME

2009-01-25T14:54:00.003-05:00

So...despite my desire to write and the number of places that I have to write from blogs to empty journals, I am not writing. I know the reason and I am doing everything that I can to rectify it. The problem is that I keep committing to things that take up my time and take me away from my passions, teaching and writing. Thus, I am sincerely trying to learn the word "no" and to apply that word whenver an opportunity comes along that will take me away from my classroom and/or cut drastically in to my free time.

This is the first entry in this blog in over 18 months. When I recently found time to write in my personal journal, I found that it had been 9 months (or maybe it was more). This is not accpectable to me. Writing is an outlet and a way to clarify my thoughts. Perhaps this lack of wrting is part of why I am feeling scattered.

Well...I hope you learned a little about blogs. I am hoping to use them more and more as I free up time to actually organize them (and myself). There are benefits that I recognize and that is why despite my limited successes that I continue to explore blogs and encourage others to do the same.

Yeah--Edublogs is back up

2007-07-02T15:43:00.000-04:00

Hello! Edublogs is back up and appears very healthy. So, if you still want more information check it out. Also, you can review the Power Point presentation by going to my Edublog blog and clicking onthe presentation link. Thanks for attending my presentation (and or attending to it in the Summer Institute). I hope you give blogging a try.

Presentations

2007-06-23T11:53:00.000-04:00

It was ironic that we began our Technology Day with discussion of an article about the glitches we all experience when teaching with technology. It was ironic because I was experiencing one of them that very day. Edublogs, which was the blog host I intended to plug the most, was down for 12-24 hours. The very hours that I needed it. So...lesson definitely learned about glitches. I intend to post the handout and the power point to my Eudblog site once they complete the work they are doing. I just checked on that site and it is still "experienceing technical difficulties." It appears that it is worse than before---aargh!

Blogs and Wikis Presentation

2007-06-19T10:50:00.000-04:00

The presentation on June 20th about Blogs and about Wikis given at Ferris is available by clicking on the highlighted portions above. If you are interested in the article read and referenced links to those are available, also. I hope you found our Technology Day helpful and that you will keep your eyes open for more inservice by Crossroads Writing Project teacher consultants.

If you have questions, please email me. I'd love to help (if I can) and/or pass on your questions to someone who is better qualified to answer.

Error??

2007-06-04T06:43:00.000-04:00

Well, I believed the error message that said I didn't post and rewrote the previous post. So...that is why there are two blogs (well...now there are three) from today.

Not a Natural Blog(ger)

2007-06-04T06:27:00.001-04:00

Well, to prove the title correct my first attempt today to post an update failed. This is round two.

So, in the last year I have not blogged. Writing and reading for pleasure are luxuries that unfortunately I limit when I am busy. This past school year was the busiest I have yet encountered. Every year it seems that life gets more hectic both in and out of the classroom. That is my excuse and I am sticking with it.

This summer I will be presenting several workshops about blogging and the use of this tool (and other online communication tools) in the classroom. Despite my lack of use in the last year (which by the way was a backslide from the previous year) I know the power and importance of utilizing the web.

I am resolving to work this summer to make sure that I walk the talk and use the technology that is available to best serve my students. To that end I am spending a portion of my summer planning and organizing to use Blogs and Wikis in several of my classes. Wish me luck.

Not a Natural Blog(ger)

2007-06-04T06:27:00.000-04:00

Wow! I have thought that I was busy before, but this year definitely topped them all. It is impossible to describe what all went on without boring us all, but I am certainly glad to be down to just one job and some school for a few months. So, that is my excuse (and I'm sticking to it) for not blogging since last July.

However, I did want to have a few new entries to show that I do still know how to blog and that I actually want to do it. Blogging like reading is one of those luxuries that I need to find time for even when I am busy. That will have to be one of my new goals for the upcoming year. Using blogs in the classroom is a valuable tool and worth the time it takes to set up and maintain. Despite my best intentions the year passed without me writing or using blogs. That was a backslide from the previous year and I regret the slip.

So, this summer I plan to start setting the framework so that Blogging becomes part of my routine and my students. To that end I am posting today and revising all the information I have for the workshops that I will present this summer about blogging, wikis and other online tools for writing in the classroom.

Day 2 -- Blogs, NASBAS, etc.

2006-07-25T17:09:00.000-04:00

We continute to learn from each other in our ADVANCED Summer Insitute. Today we had a Writing Workshop Demonstration, lunch, NASBAS and a quick presentation on using graphics, fonts and white space to enhance our handouts. It is all so hard to describe for those who aren't here.

We, the nine people who chose to spend these three days at FSU, are working toward improving our presentation and teaching skills. We are writing, talking, and demonstrating. We are learning from each other and developing professiona and personal relationships. It is a great experiene and a good continutation of our previous summer experience. Twelve hours of thinking...wow what a way to end July.

Blogs, Blogs, Blogs

2006-07-24T14:20:00.000-04:00

Today is the first day of the first ADVANCED Summer Institute. I presented information about blogs and using blogs in education. We surfed random blogs, discussed blogs and the use of blogs in the classroom, and currently everyone is setting up a blog or posting to their existing blogs.

I am asking everyone to respond to my blog. Since my fellow participants are asked to critique my presentation; it was suggested that the critique be in comment form at my blog. So, please feel free to post your comments about the presentation in this format (or on paper if you prefer). The questions that I have are---What type of handout would you like to see? This is an abbreviated handout, but I had a bulkier one t hat I wasn't happy with either. What would you like more of and/or less of?

Thanks for your feedback

SI 2006 Ending

2006-07-20T17:09:00.000-04:00

Well, some more time went by with out me blogging or reading about blogs or even deciding how to incorporate blogs into this upcoming school year. I guess it is a really good thing that I don't have to start that school year for another month (plus a little). However, I have decided that I may try a Wiki in precalculus and that I will use blogs in Psychology and English IV.

I just finsihed a few days with the CWP SI (Crossroads Writing Project Summer Institute) group in Traverse City. Tonight is the Celebratory Dinner (not celibatory---we are celebrating not being celibate). It was (as usual) a life changing event for the participants. I wish I could have been involved earlier; they are a friendly group. It was fun to observe another group and the strong bonds they formed so quickly.

Today discussion was had about those bonds while we went to eat. SI is a great way to increase your friendship and colleague pool. We all can use a few more sympatico people in our lives and SI seems to provide a good place to find those additions. I wonder if it is the nature of the program or the people who choose to participate.

Next week I present a workshop about Blogs to the first annual Advanced Summer Institute (who will be asked to respond to this or another post). I look forward to the writing, sharing and most of all, the fun that I know that week will bring. I also look forward to some feedback on my presentation. We (the advanced institute participants) are hoping to develop "shows to go" and I am hoping mine might be nearly ready for some where.

Well, it is nearly time to head for the dinner and the capstone event.

Summer Time

2006-07-12T19:31:00.000-04:00

It seems that summer time is different than other time. The last month went in a heart beat and stretched a life time. It was a wonderful month, full of friendships found, refound, and unfortunately lost (probably). It was a time for sleeping, staying up all night, talking, listening, playing, working, reading, writing, thinking and transcending thought. It was a time to recognize the moment and live each one of them; be they pleasant, unpleasant or anywhere inbetween.

Now it is time to think about planning for the upcoming school year, for the upcoming advanced institute and for the second half of summer. It is a time to savour the time that I still have left to taste slowly...rolling each second slowly on my tongue experiencing each subtle seasoning and texture. Time to begin to again be creative and linger over each word, hoping that my first draft isn't too "shitty" to post. Since blogs (thus far for me) have been first drafts and therefore probably more dung than Jung. Ah well, such is what is...time later for revisions and polishing. Now just sipping and enjoying.

Blogging--In the Classroom and Out

2006-06-12T17:54:00.000-04:00

Blogging is intriguing to me, but is also new and something I have to work at to include in my teaching and life. I have used it successfully, but wish to incorporate it even more next school year. I know I will continute to use it in psychology and already am formulating plans to increase the amount that I use it. I also am planning to have my students (in the English IV class I will be teaching for next fall. Got to love those new preps!! LOL) do their journal writing on blogs...I haven't decided what format, hosting site, etc. yet.

I hope that you learned a little and enjoyed the opportunity to practice blogging. What are you reactions to blogs (before today and/or today)? What do you think you will be using them for? What did you think of the presentation and the opportunity to give this a try?

School's Out

2006-06-08T09:34:00.000-04:00

It has once again been a LONG time since I made an entry in this blog. The school year is now ended and I am preparing to teach others what I know about blogs. I have learned a few things not to do. I also know that they are one way to hook teens.

Also, I intend to keep a journal of events from the year. However, my personal journals are not for the general viewing public...so, I will keep them on paper in my dresser drawer. Teens don't seem to worry about "secrets" when blogging, but my online journal will not contain private information.

One More Month

2006-03-15T05:41:00.000-05:00

Well, time passes in warp speed. It's just ten days till spring break and Florida. The end of the 3rd marking period also looms. It is amazing how fast time passes now. I just got back from doing my first inservice with a HS staff (math department). It was a good experience...I prefer teaching teens, but it is obvious that somethings are the same everywhere and for everyone.

I have decided to abandon Blogs in my math classes. I definitely see the benefit in Psychology and I will use them in English (if I ever teach it). However, in math there are easier ways to get students writing and to interact (even on the computer). It is a good discussion starter and a way to have comments even when everyone isn't in the same room at the same time.

So...advice to others and for myself...trying to add too much to too manny places may cause faltering (errors, missteps, etc.) Also, it's okay to change something if it doesn't work (or you aren't using it).

February already!

2006-02-03T07:03:00.000-05:00

When I started this project I thought I would have lots of time to blog and that using all classes would be a sinch (spelling). However, I have only consistently used bloggng in Psychology. For the rest of the classes I have not found a way that isn't too "cotrived," since I have class server, etc. which are better tools and more easily managed.

I see the benefit of blogging for journals (in an English class), as a forum for discussion (when discussion boards aren't available) and as a research log (like this). I also see the benefit with "free" blog sites when the other tools are not available.

Well, I have to go to school now. Tomorrow is the planning session for the inservice and I haven't really given it much thought yet. Well, my sessions are not until April (after I get back from Florida). So...there is still time.

Time Out or Off OR lack of Time (management)

2006-01-08T20:09:00.000-05:00

Well, it's been over a month since I wrote in this blog. It is equally as long (or longer) since I used blogs in the classroom. Obviously, it is something that I need to schedule or just make a "habit." So...

Life has been hectic. Travel and family business (funerals and greeting babies). Holidays, school, life, etc. It all piled up and this being the newest thing was pushed out of my consciouness and therefore out of my schedule.

I will be teaching about blogs in a cople months. Trying not to take on too many at first is one thing that I will suggest. I tried to do one in each class and have therefore not done any of them well. Here' looking for improvement. AND...anything is better than nothing...right?

Snow Days

2005-12-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

I love snow days. They are a gift from God, a day to catch up--on sleep, work, housework, reading, etc. They are a gift of time. Today is a SNOW DAY.

So, since I am catching up, I decided to blog about the blogging. I still have not made a lot of progress, but it has started and this is a test run. So, anything I do will be more than was done before. I need to do enough to be able to teach others. I also want to do enough to benefit my students and increase their writing abilities.

This extra day will give me time to plan and create blog ideas to take me through the next two and a half weeks till Christmas. Wow...only two and a half weeks till break. Time has flown...I am glad November is over though.

Blogging

2005-11-22T05:23:00.000-05:00

No news on the blogging front. Sonja and I will be presenting a workshop on blogging and NiceNet in the spring. We'll make a good team (I think). So....no real news or progress, just wanted to write a little here. I can't talk (no voice) so writing seems more appealing.

NWP national meeting in Pittsburgh

2005-11-19T06:58:00.000-05:00

The sessions are over, now comes the synthesizing and putting into practice. I have lots to process and lots to read and way more than lots to do/learn. It is exciting.

The trip here was horrendous, but then I arrived and it has been great. The first session I attended was the wrap up general session on Thursday afternoon. They did such a good job that I nearly felt as if I had been there. We discussed blogging, podcasts, TLs (I have added another jargon acronym...(T)ech (L)iaison to my vocabularyO needs and intentions, digital storytellling, the need for tech "teams," the creation of a social bookmarking site, and the exciting future of technology. I came away with enough knowledge and hope for contacts that I knew I would be able to be a decent TL and hopefully be able to do this for sometime to come. Many TLs are third, fourth etc. year TLs. I could easily see that being part of my summer for quite sometime. There is still a lot of other time to travel, etc.

Back to what I learned....Day two...The morning session was quite inspiring. The first story and the last were ones about teachers who change people's lives. I always get teary about those and fervently hope that I am that kind of teacher. The idea of Video Games as learning tools was presented by another speaker (and fervently concurred by a blogger at RCWPs blog site). The nearly two hours went much faster than I had anticipated (good sign). Then there was a little time to absorb that before I attended the first afternoon session.

Session 1--Tech Lit Pair by Leah Keuscher and Denylle McDowell. (This was a great session. They have such high energy and are so excited by what they are doing. That is part of the what I find so envigorating about NWP. Almost everyone that I have encountered here or at either of the SIs (another new acronym--Summer Institute) have been so full of energy and enthusiasm that I get infused with energy and enthusiasm, too...but I digress.) Together they have created a cross school partnership. Leah teaches AP English to seniors and Denylle teaches 7/8th grade (moves with class) depending upon the year. The AP students have a blog buddy (or 2 or 3) to whom they coach/teach literature concepts via their weekly blog contacts. They read what the younger kids are reading (additional assignment for AP) and reinforce what the middle school teacher has been working on during that week or the recent past or maybe even hasn't gotten to yet. They use NiceNet and the Manilla site from NWP. They prefer NiceNet for its ability to thread.

Session 2--Digital Portfolios by Troy Hicks and assosciates from RCWP. I have a copy of the collaborated ELJ article that encompasses the project that they demonstrated. Their concept was Portfolios as evolving WebSites. They used blogging to support the process and to facillitate each person's research, development and overall progress. It was funded with an Inquiry Grant and was an independent study that followed the SI. An excellent example of Visual Literacy and a way for the teacher leader/learner to pave the way for colleagues and students.

Session 3--Blogging in the Classroom by a variety of people from several states. (TLs??) They all have used/are using blogs in the classroom, from elementary to graduate school. The uses were varied, but reinforced that the blog is the tool driven by the content, not vice versa. It is obvious that they all enjoy the apparent success of their blogging projects. Again the need for monitoring, the potential desire of closed blogs, the variety of applications and the student enthusiasm was emphasized. Danelle (FGCWP) said that he requires 10 posts; his research shows that by the time a student has responded/posted ten times they are hooked and do a lot more than required. Lesser requirements (say five) don't necissarily acheive the same level of engagement.

My research, by finding more information, and by applying what I have learned to my classroom blogs will continue. I am excited to have stumbled upon something so "cutting edge" and so interesting for me. I love new interests.

Today it's the NCTE vendor exhibits and more reflecting.

Status Thus Far

2005-11-13T19:40:00.000-05:00

Well, I know it is helpful in psychology. I don't know if it has really been any better than class server (and maybe not as useful) for the math classes. I need to make it a discussion forum for them, but that will take a little more time and research.

The management of the blogs and the time in class need a little work. Organization, organization, organization.

Baby steps...goosefraba.

One Week (mostly)

2005-11-06T17:16:00.000-05:00

Well, they all have responded at least once. It will be interesting to see whether it helps in the mathematics classes. I believe it already has in Psychology. They had a great discussion after the blog about girls vs boys in the "tough life" department.

Getting everyone "invited" was a little annoying. I need to investigate whether there is an easier method. Actually, once they all have student emails activated, I could imput them myself. Week two starts tomorrow.

Day One

2005-11-02T09:37:00.000-05:00

It didn't go too badly. As always a few people don't listen to instruction and I should have had something in writing. So, my first suggestion is that you have written instructions for your students.

The second suggestion is that you make sure your question requires some thought and writing to answer. Otherwise the blog will become meaningless, both for you and your students. At first the object is to learn how to post and how to respond, but it needs to be meaningful quickly in to the process.

Day two today. Hope it goes smoothly.

Classroom Blogs Begin

2005-11-01T08:41:00.000-05:00

Well, the psychology class used the blogs as a jumping off point for our first discussion. It went well. If it continues to be such a good springboard it will be just what I was looking for. They all commented read each other's comments and then I gave them one day to digest that before we discussed in class. They all had imput and were definitely engaged in the discussion. So, one success.

Yesterday I invited the Geomentry class to their blog. Today I intend to invited Algebra II and Precalculus to their respective blogs. I hope that they also will be beneficial and aid in the students ability to both understand and communicate that understanding.

I am still concerned about management and whether blogs are the way to go since there is Safe Net and we have Class Server (but, the ability to read each other's comments is what I was looking for and I don't believe that Class Server supports that). So, anyhow...my field research is beginning.

One Week Down

2005-09-10T16:36:00.000-04:00

The first week of school flew by. I have 37 in geometry which threw me at first, but there are no viable options for reducing that; so, I will plunge ahead. It is fabulous for our little school to have the influx of students that we have this fall. I certainly hope it is a trend.

The weaher is summer like and next week may be just as hot. Being inside is difficult when the weather is so beautiful. Tempers come easily to the surface when it is hot inside. We'll muddle through I am sure.

Babysitting

2005-08-16T12:39:00.000-04:00

Wow! I had forgotten how much energy little ones have and take. Four is full of wonder and questions. Eight is so grown up, but still needing lots of attention. They are adorable and obviously well raised, that helps. It has been fun so far...twenty-four hours. I think I'll make the next thirty or so, too.

Soon I will be watching lots of kids, but the youngest will be 14 or so and it isn't all day and night (thank God). They come in spurts and leave at 2:40 (mostly). Some I have more than others and some I miss a lot when they leave (especially when they graduate). Here's hoping the ones I miss come to visit occassionally.

Sunday in August

2005-08-14T09:50:00.000-04:00

Well, just two more weeks of freedom. There is work to be done before then, but it is at least on my schedule. Despite this freedom I am up on a Sunday starting to work on ideas for school, like this blog and other blogs and blogging. Sometimes I wonder why I love my job so much. Or is it that the reason that I am starting is because I do love it so much. It is a blessing to have found my passion---teaching, communicating and making a difference.

Dog Days of Summer

2005-08-03T14:52:00.000-04:00

I wonder why that phrase came to mind. I wonder where it came from. I wonder if these are the dog days.

For me procrastination is the modus operendi. Work awaits and I choose to write drivel on my blog. Send email. Forward pictures. Call my mother. Drink more coffee. Whatever it takes to avoid doing an "assignment" that is not my choice. Hmmmm! Maybe that 1st grade evaluation of lacking respect for authority was correct.

Enough!

August is Here

2005-08-02T08:40:00.000-04:00

The summer is still flying by. It is still hard to believe that time can go so quickly. I still am not being very literate, (on this site anyway).

The weather is beautiful for beach bums and sun worshippers. It is horrible for farmers and all things green. I am torn between being a beach bum and worrying about my garden. Bum usually wins.

Less than four weeks till work starts for real. I have kind of started already. I am glad I like my work.

Wow...how boring am I?

Summer Continutes---Yeah!!

2005-07-21T08:54:00.000-04:00

The vacation feeling is here. No worries, no schedule, no plans. Of course there are things to do and they are being neglected, but wow this is fun. Company, sunshine, lakes, and beauty. How can you regret enjoying the weather and good company?

Just updating...no big literary penchant today (or ever in this BA literary blog). Hmmmm? I wonder if that means anything?

Summer continues!

Summer

2005-07-16T17:10:00.000-04:00

It is official. Summer has started for me. I woke up with no plan and no schedule.

This is supposed to be literary....

Teaching

Sun beating down

Days last past my bed time

Tourists in town

Gin with tonic and Lime

Playing, talking, dancing

No plans, but fun and relaxation

Sunning, dreaming, napping

Lazy summer fun, vacation

Rough drafts posted on the net. I don't often try to have rhyme and meter...oh well, it's for fun and so far no one has found my blog and responded anyway. I may be writing for me and am lost in cyber space.

Week Four Flew

2005-07-15T12:57:00.000-04:00

The summer writing institute is over. The week went so fast. I was on the publishing committee. We collected everyone's submissions for the anthology (electronically), then compiled it, added art where necessary (or pleasing to us), designed the cover and then printed twenty three copies. We decided to do the binding in a method similar to the one we were shown the first week by a visiting artist.

It was a life changing month. I am so glad that I took part in the Writing Project this summer. I have reconnected with writing, found some new friends, and reaffirmed my teaching abilities. What a gift!

BL Days --- Village Celebration

2005-07-09T09:02:00.000-04:00

Today is the day when the little village I live and teach in celebrates its identity. There is a craft show, an antique car show, music, and a parade. There will be no fireworks this year as new safety regulations make it nearly impossible to do on our lake. I am looking forward to seeing students, former students, colleagues, parents and others I have come to know in the five years I have been here. I am very fortunate to have found a place to work where I feel so at home. It's a good weekend event before I complete the summer institute.

Living in a small town is very pleasurable. I talked to lots of people and got several hugs. Not the same as a bigger place (or maybe I am what is different). Either way, I am glad I moved here five years ago. It was a great move for me.

Tapped Out

2005-07-07T13:56:00.000-04:00

Today is the end of week three of this summer camp for adults, mostly teachers and primarily women. It has been exciting and fun. We have shared and become friends. It is hard to believe that just a short time ago we were strangers. Next week we must cement the bond and then go our seperate ways. We are planning a couple more gatherings--a writing marathon and our research symposium (kind of), but it will be work to keep in touch. Will we?

Week Three

2005-07-06T13:19:00.000-04:00

The third week of the institute is half gone. We have just five days left after today. I haven't completed my research, but am hoping that I am getting close. I have read a lot about blogs and blogging and the pedegogy of using blogs. I am surprised to learn how widely used they are, how many people have blogs and the multitude of uses. I like the idea that they are the means to creating knowledge from information...isn't that what writing is all about, or meaniful communication of any sort? I am intrigued.

Frustration

2005-06-27T17:52:00.000-04:00

In four days I managed to forget my password, my user name and how to post. Wow!! I guess I will have a little more patience with my students when they have to be reminded about those things.

We are back on campus and working. We had two demonstrations today. Lots of good ideas to apply and synthesize. I now have to continue my research (which this log is part of).

Wish me luck.

Weekends

2005-06-24T09:10:00.000-04:00

It's great to be home from the summer institute. I am so energized from all the positive vibes in our group that I couldn't sleep in. Here's to a good weekend break for all.

Got to Start Somewhere

2005-06-22T16:28:00.000-04:00

I am researching the idea of using blogs to facilitate learning and writing in the content areas, specifically psychology. One source that I have read suggests that the best way to understand blogs and blogging communties is just to start a blog and see what happens. So....here it is. My first posting.

Nothing earth shattering to share. Nothing astounding to report. Just BA ideas and BA plans.

I will start by using the KISS priniple...keep it simple stupid.

More later. I am sure.