Thoughts from a Technospud

My Blog has a new home

2006-08-05T08:35:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone

I am trying something new -- and have moved my blog over to a new address --

http://onlineprojects4teachers.com/wordpress/

The content will be the same -- but the look a bit different, and I am the host now!!!

I hope to see you at my new place. Grins, we should have a housewarming party.

Jen

A Moo---dling Experience

2006-08-03T10:39:00.000-07:00

If I don't have enough to do, I decided to enter into the world of moodling. I have heard many comments at NECC about the wish to Moodle but the fact that schools might not let teachers log onto their servers --

So I decided to buy a domain and create a moodle for my participants to use within my projects. And I thought, hey, this would be easy.

And I gave myself one hour to do it. LOLOLOL

That was 2 days ago -

after hours of "hair pulling", I started asking for help and Vikki Davis pointed me towards Wesley Fryer -- who sent me on to Miguel Guhlin and Jonathan Moore -- who all helped out and gave me some ideas and assistance. And Sharon Peters, a skype pal from Canada, kept reassuring me that all would be fine!!!

I also had to write my webhost who had to tweak some things as well.

And finally -- about 10 minutes ago -- I was able to get it to work. Woo Hoo!!! And then it doesn't work.....sighs. And I am having issues now with how to control who can use it -- and I am having issues with signing in. (grins -- luckily I have time for this)

But -- now I have to wait to find out if I can even offer this option. I would think it is okay -- other people have the word moodle in their websites -- but I am waiting to hear from Martin.

The last 24 hours has both humbled me -- and exhilarated me. I can't wait to play with this software and introduce it to my teachers.

Jen

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Reading Wes Fryer's Blog

2006-08-02T08:21:00.000-07:00

I have had an enjoyable morning reading "Moving At the Speed of Creativity" this morning. Wes Fryer must have had some cup of coffee this morning (hopefully at Starbucks with his wife - grins) because he is cranking them out today.

I truly enjoyed his "My Journey of Faith" and I applaud him on his boldness to state his faith in his blog!! Way to go!! And his post on adult blogging was quite interesting. Though I am not 50 yet -- however, getting very close -- I was a bit saddened by the low amount of bloggers of our age group -- but feel certain that that number will climb as more teachers find out about blogging and jump on the blog train!!!

But what I enjoyed the most this morning was his "If I had" blog posting. What a fun and educational read that was. It really made me think -- and if I might, I would like to add mine as well here ---

If I had the money:

I would pay off all my debts.
I would take 3 of my best friends to Europe for a summer.
I would buy myself a Mac notebook.
I would a buy a home (with a porch and picket fence) and buy a Newfoundland puppy.
I would donate a lot of money to create scholarship funds for kids who struggle to pay for college and have to drop out due to lack of funds.
I would move to Savannah, GA.
I would give all the kids I nannied $100,000 to pay off college loans and create a nest egg.
I would have lasik eye surgery.

If I had the time:

I would learn another language.
I would volunteer more.
I would sit on a mountaintop to watch the sunrise and then drive down to the beach to watch the sunset.
I would ski more.
I would learn how to be a better writer.
I would host more sophisticated online projects.
I would learn how to cook.
I’d spend more time with friends.

If I had more self-discipline and/or motivation:

I’d be sure to spend more time alone with God each day.
I’d start an exercise plan.
I’d travel more.
I'd deep clean my home.
I'd save more money each month and spend less on money on frivolous items.
I would read more books of substance rather than books of entertainment.

If I didn’t have a real job: (grins -- this one was easy!)

I would stay in my pj's until 10 occassionally.
I would enjoy Regis and Kelly a couple of times a week........I enjoy hostchat!
I would visit more museums.

If I had more power:

I'd fight for equal pay for private school techers compared to public school teachers.
I'd provide teacher training opportunities for teachers to understand technology and how it can impact their classrooms.
I would rewrite computer curriculum so that it becomes woven in seamlessly rather than a stand alone.
I would take my elected officials out to lunch once a month to find out exactly WHAT they are doing and how they are representing me.
I would take away the barrier of standards and just make sure that kids are learning and using what they know.
I’d create a way to evaluate teachers in a more productive and positive way and I would do away with tenure and establish a scale that evaluates the teacher more on how they teach and how students are learning rather than how long they have taught.

Thanks Wes --
Jennifer

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Monthly Poll -- Interesting Results

2006-07-31T23:33:00.000-07:00

In November of last year, I started hosting a month mini-poll at my Techospud Projects website.
http://www.technospudprojects.com/tsp_poll.htm

The poll usually has between 30 to 50 votes and the topics have been interesting but not of any depth.

But the last 3 polls got a bit more interesting (I tracked technology use, blog awareness, and computer use). And for some reason, last month really took off and over 280 people votes.

The question last month was about what kind of computer do most of my "readers" use and it was overwhelming a PC crowd -- 238 were PC with 49 as Mac users.

I was surprised because I thought the numbers would be more evenly divided. My projects are always generic and be used on any platform.

It doesn't matter to me what you use -- I am comfy in both worlds. But I sort of thought that in education, the world still leaned towards Macs (at least it seemed so at NECC). Hmmm, perhaps I am wrong.

Enjoy your day
Jennifer

A Blog From Israel

2006-07-30T10:57:00.000-07:00

My friend, Karen, lives in Israel and is way too close to where I wish she was not. We have skyped several times this week and she has brought a stark reality to knowledge that I had only been gaining by television. Though I wish you were not there, Karen, I am glad you are able to help others and I continue to pray for your safety.

Karen directed me to a blog written by her friend who lives where all the action is happening. His blog is quite well written and I would like to invite you to read it --

You can view his blog at http://yvesinisrael.blogspot.com/

Jennifer

Thoughts from a friend

2006-07-30T08:32:00.000-07:00

I am working on a chapter about Online Projects and Collaboration and wrote to some of my participants to query their thoughts about projects.

I received this very nice response yesterday which I would like to share with you here.........

The very first Internet Project in which I ever participated was Jennifer Wagner's Starburst Challenge 2001 (http://www.technospudprojects.com/Projects/starburst/starburst_updates.htm).
Once I saw the excitement of my students, the places they took the project, and the authentic learning involved, I was IMMEDIATELY hooked on Internet Projects!

Since then, I've participated in many of Jen's projects, along with those of others, such as Marci McGowan and Susan Silverman, but I can't thank Jen enough for introducing me to this wonderful practice on the web.

There are many reasons for joining an Internet project. Here are just a few of the benefits for you and your students:

Collaboration - for both you and your class. Internet projects bring the world to you and your students and you and your students to the world! Your kids can connect with other kids. You will meet other teachers from around the country and world. Some of my very best friends are teachers whom I've met through projects!
Professional Development - Joining an Internet project is like attending a workshop or conference. There is SO much to learn! You will be able to view work from other classrooms and discover wonderful resources! I have NEVER joined a project and not learned at least one thing that greatly enhanced my work in the classroom!
Resources - Not only will you learn about resources, you will be able to return to them again and again with just a few keystrokes (sure beats those file drawers). Most hosts leave pages from projects posted for years.
Addressing the Standards - Virtually all Internet projects are aligned to state standards. Although they may not be your state's standards, if you investigate you will find a close, if not exact, match to your own state's frameworks.
Curriculum Integration - Most Internet projects lend themselves to great cross-curricular work - a wonderful and easy way to integrate your program.
Creativity and Excitement - Internet projects stretch you and your students. They challenge you to reflect upon your practices and be the best you can be. They also challenge the children to do their best - after all, their work will be on the Internet!
Communication - Having your students' work posted on the Internet allows busy parents to peek into the window of your classroom, any time of day or night! They are also thrilled to see their children's work published!

Thanks Lanise --
you made my day.

Jen

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DOPA -- and another point of view

2006-07-28T16:28:00.000-07:00

As usual -- I find myself a bit more to the right than most of the blogs that I read. I tend to be a bit more conservative AND a bit more "optimistic" of my elected officials.

And I would like to applaud the effort to protect our kids.........I just think that they way they are trying to protect is wandering around the issue and making a BLANKET statement rather than perhaps looking at the situation in a bit smaller way.

I have to agree with what I read on CoolCatTeacher's Blog and what comments she made about student's use of the internet. For I, also, am not finding the misuse of internet at school or the fear of a predator.

My student's were protected at school -- not just by filters, but also by supervision and expectation of correct behavior. Only 1 time did I have a student disappoint me with internet usage (a substitute was in the class) but with a help of printouts of his internet wandering (dont' you just love "history" in firefox), the student admitted wrong use and received his consequence (due to a well written AUP) quite well and never ever misused the internet again -- IN THE LAB.

But I could tell you horror stories of what the student's tell me of their internet use at home. I could tell you scarey stories of what I have seen in homes with internet use and no supervision at all by parents.

And that is where I think DOPA is missing the mark. I think that DOPA needs to be written an an awareness issue rather than a blockage issue.....and I have written the same of my elected officials. I also think that our elected officials are trying to cover a huge issue instead of breaking it into smaller parts and dealing with each one on its own.

I 100% believe that the internet should have filters -- but I also 100% believe that one of those filters is in the brain and integrity of the each student -- wherever they use the internet!!!!

I think that many parents are naive -- or perhaps they are ignorant -- about their child's use on the internet and they need to be made more aware of what is going on. But, I also think that that is a parental issue -- not a student issue -- and too many parents are walking away from our kids during the hardest times -- and they need to get back involved.

But -- and I might get a bit of flack from this one -- I think the biggest problem with DOPA is us. We need to not only be writing our elected officials, but also calling them, and meeting with them. To be totally honest -- WE, the bloggers, the teachers of technology, the "in the trenches" educators know what we are talking about -- and we are the MAJORITY here. And our voice -- not our anger, not our disdain or disgust - but our voice of education and knowledge needs to be heard by those less educated.

And that might be our students, it might be our fellow teachers, it might be our elected officials -- but I know for sure -- our voice needs to be heard by parents.

I always appreciate your thoughts.

Jen

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Hmmm -- worth a churckle

2006-07-26T08:11:00.000-07:00

As you know, I am unemployed (well partially now) and when I heard of a way to make some money on the internet with Google Adsense -- I decided to give it a go. And I will 100% gladly admit, it is a very easy way to make some money. I have heard stories of people making thousands a month....however, I am quite content with my average of $15 per month right now.

But what tickled me -- completely -- was how the generate what ads appear on your site. I might need to work on this one, because if you visit my FAQ page on www.technospud.com, these are the ads you see ----

Hmmm -- I might need to work on my meta-tags to get some more appropriate links. Except, that potato pancake might be worth a try. (smiles)

If you would like to try google adsense, please click HERE!! And I wish you the best, it is a very easy way to generate $$.

Smiles,
Jen

ps -- I would like to say a BIG THANK YOU to Sharon Peters for introducing me to the personalized Google Homepage. What a timesaver!! If you dont' have it -- go to Google and look to the right for Peronalized Home link.

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EdTech #55 -- A chat with Nancy White

2006-07-24T19:38:00.000-07:00

I did something unique today -- I listened to a podcast (or perhaps it was a mp3 discussion that had been archived.) I had not done this before and the reason I did was because I was intrigued by the topic --
Online Collaboration.

Online Collaboration is near and dear to my heart -- so when I hear of an opportunity to learn more, I jump at the chance.

So -- with that said -- I listed to the EdTech Chat #55 with Nancy White.
You can find the broadcast at http://edtechtalk.com/ and her site at http://www.fullcirc.com/circus.htm

Now it wasn't the online collaboration (online projects) which I had thought -- but she gave some things to think about which I will share here.

She suggests 3 blogging models
(this is my listening intrepretation and quick note taking)

1. The Personal Blog -- my blog and anyone who reads it.
If I l stop blogging, the blog will die and the networking ends.
The power belongs to the blogger

2. The Community Believes Blog -- topical blogs (knitting, scrapbooking, moms, etc)
If one blogger leaves, the group can continue on
The power belongs to the passion of the topic

3. The Boundary Blog -- Families in crisis, Health Issues
Created by a need
The power belongs to the site owner & the group

But what made me think the most was the Blogging Responsibility -- though she didn't call it this. She recently was at a conference where there was a group discussion -- and at the end, the notes, the comments, and perhaps pictures were uploaded for those NOT at the conference to enjoy and learn from. However, some of the on-site participants did not want their information, their ideas, or pictures posted to a group viewable arena.

I agree with Nancy that we do have a responsiblity to remember that just because people have a voice or a presence does not give us the freedom to post that voice or that presence. It was good food for thought and hopefully it will give me pause when I feel the need to share someone else's words. (this was my favorite part of the broadcast!)

It was an interesting podcast and I encourage you to listen to it. It is an hour in length and has some thoughts to ponder.

Jennifer

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Sighs -- It's HOT!

2006-07-22T18:18:00.000-07:00

There is nothing much to blog today --

this pretty much says it all

I know that weather is probably bad where you are --- but when it gets this hot -- I turn off all my appliances except air and hope that we don't have power outages.

Sighs --
This is where I wish I was --

Jen

Back to Reality -- Job Search

2006-07-21T07:09:00.000-07:00

When I left my job in June, I knew that I had commitments up until July 20th, so I did not really put any pressure on myself to start looking. I did send out some resumes and started thinking possibilities -- but to be totally honest, I enjoyed my first few weeks of unemployment.

But -- grins -- today is July 21st and my last paycheck is in August -- so I need to do some serious job thinking now.

The laptop conference was a good place to chat with people and I received several possibility business card contacts. I have sent out resumes and shall wait to see what comes of those. I do have a commitment with two conferences to present at from November 14 - November 23rd and hope I will still be able to do both of those.

On Monday, I also have a conference call planned to discuss some part-time work opportunites with a company I am both affliated with and respect a great deal.

I would appreciate your kind thoughts and prayers as I begin this journey in my life. I am not worried -- however, I am a bit happy-anxious to see what doors will open.

As news comes -- I promise to post it here.

Jennifer

A Visit to Google

2006-07-20T17:38:00.000-07:00

My friend, Sharon Peters, who I met at Laptop last year and NECC this year --

was able to visit Google on July 10th.

Her blog of the event is quite interesting and a fun read for all.

I felt it very interesting how Google treats employees!!

http://www.mtl-peters.net/blog/?p=56

Enjoy!
Jennifer

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Home Again -- Home Again

2006-07-20T17:14:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been an interesting week -- I love Tennessee...the rolling roads, the trees, the food, the history, the people -- but it is sooooo good to be home. So Good!!!

The Laptop Institute was interesting and as always, a very nice place to spend a summer vacation!!

I mentioned in a previous blog that I was going to speak a bit about Windows Vista -- so (grins) here goes.......

I both Love it and Hate it.
Though they hate to admit it -- it is very Mac-ish, which is quite nice. Since I live in both tech worlds, I don't mind the simalarities and it might do them both a bit of good to stop harping on differences and applauding similarities. (sighs -- I am already on the soapbox)

I hate that the minimum ram is 512. Way too much!!!
I like the new look of the desktop and the icons.
I like that windows open transparently over other windows.
I like that is has a dashboard-like program called Gadgets (or it might be Gidgets)
I like that it has a powerful search tool.

I hate that they made it think ahead for you instead of letting you have control.

I found it interesting -- and this is just my view -- that the little start icon looks a lot like the spinning timer on a Mac.

Will I go to Vista -- probably -- because it is powerful. But I won't go as willingly and eagerly as I did with Win XP.

I also had time to play with PP, Excel, Word, and Access. Though the programs performance has not changed a great deal -- (with the exception of removing the ability to STACK in Excel which I think was a bad choice) -- the software look has changed. I, myself, am a drop down list person more than icons and you will have to love icons to use this software.
When you click on a tool bar option -- the icons that go with that option suddenly appear. It took me -- no lie -- 5 minutes to figure out how to do a Chart Wizard because it wasn't on the toolbar. And when I finally found it -- instead of one icon -- it is now 4 or 5.

Here is a sample --

My opinion of both Vista and Office 2007 -- bloated.
Good -- and probably going to be popular -- but very bloated.
and -- come on guys -- admit it -- very Macish. And again, I have NO problem at all with that.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
grins --
looks like I am back in California with a ready opinion.

Smiles
Jennifer
"glad to be home"

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Google Artist

2006-07-19T08:34:00.000-07:00

Check out this link to read about the artist at Google who creates and oversees the Google intro image that changes often due to seasons and events:
http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/internet/07/19/google.logo/index.html?section=cnn_tech

And then check out this link to see the images they talked about --
http://www.google.com/intl/en/holidaylogos.html

His name is Dennis Hwang.... and I just wanted to say a personal "Thank You" for so much fun and entertainment and education you have offered with a simple logo.

Jen

Laptop Institute -- Winding Down

2006-07-19T07:57:00.001-07:00

Well, in about 2 hours, the Laptop Institute 2006 will be over -- and what a week it has been.

I truly enjoy chatting at this conference -- it isn't a HIGH techie as NECC and there are a lot of independent (meaning private Christian or college prep) schools so politics is NOT a big issue. State funding is not an issue so no one is really mad at the government. And that is nice.

Yesterday, I presented Inspiration in the BIG keynote room to about 100 people -- WHAT FUN!! I think it went well. This morning I presented InspireData to about 40 people and it was a blast. We had some good conversation -- we totally took apart the software -- and with just a couple of concerns (it is a version 1.0) there was a group consensus that it was a pretty good software. The people in this class were SUPERB!! (grins)

Yesterday, we drove to Mississippi for dinner and I had catfish, green beans, hushpuppies, and SWEET TEA. Today we are going to Lulu's and then I think I might have a bit of down time. Gail has been great taking me around Memphis -- but I think I just might want to crash for a bit. And then tomorrow -- early in the A.M., I fly home.

I shall miss Tennessee -- I love the trees, the winding roads, the clean air, but most of all -- I love the traditions and the roots that the people seem to have here. I have met some remarkable people -- I have memories -- my life has been touched.

All in all -- its been a good conference.

Jen

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David Warlick Presents at Laptop Institute

2006-07-17T12:21:00.000-07:00

I have heard David Warlick present his Web 2.0 session at least 3 times now and I ALWAYS walk away with something new to try, (well, perhaps to attempt) and always with some new tool that will make me even more informed about Tech -- and not just tech, but life in general.

He spent time today discussing WikiPedia -- which is always a fun topic when you have librarians in the audience -- but David seems to have a talent of juggling all types of questions regardless of the content.

He spent time with Blogging -- which suprising enough, is still a new topic to some but then he went into RSS and the energy of the room changed dramatically. You could hear fingers typing as fast as they can. (I don't know how David does it -- but he can zoom into his screen so you can see the url so clearly -- I am going to have to find out HOW he does that.) And you could also hear a great deal of undertones discussing HOW to use this tool -- both personally and professionally.

I use Bloglines but not to the extent that I really TRULY need to be using it. It was good to sit through this class again to be reminded of the power of RSS. To be fed topical, current information is such an opportunity and I need to take more advantage of it.

David's Keynote this morning was well-received as well. The audience was pretty crowded which is pretty good for an early morning keynote. It was a new session I had NOT heard and the notes can be found HERE. Check the names that are BLUE -- those are the posters of information.

Today has been a good day at the Lausanne Laptop. I have only attended a couple sessions - one on collaborative learning and the new Windows Vista -- which will have an ENTIRE blog enty on its own. Tonight will be a fun night of group sharing and fun. Lunch was Corky's BBQ. Ahhh -- life is good in Tennessee.

Jen

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In Memphis

2006-07-17T06:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a fun day in Memphis from START to FINISH. I have uploaded pictures to Flickr from Graceland and the Mississippi.

And to make the day end just great -- I enjoyed an evening talking with Tech Friends -- including Gail Braddock and David Warlick.

I listened a great deal and learned even more.

The Lausanne laptop convention kicks off today -- however, I don't present until tomorrow -- so today I shall be a sponge.

David kicks off his keynote in a few moments -- so more later.

Jen

Heading to Memphis

2006-07-15T07:28:00.000-07:00

It is almost 7:30 am and I have about 2 hours before I have to head to LAX and then on to Memphis. In about 12 hours, I shall be having dry ribs and sweet tea on the Mississippi -- wow, can't wait.

The conference I am heading to is one of the nicest -- yet most interesting -- conferences I have presented at. It is only in its 3rd year -- and I have presented at each (well, grins, one time I presented virtually because I had jury duty!)

This is what they have posted on their conference website --
The 4th annual Laptop Institute is days away and preparations are well underway! Over 450 teachers, techies, and administrators from 36 states and 6 countries are joining us July 16-19 for the 4th annual Laptop Institute. With 80+ sessions, including hands-on labs from Gateway, Apple, Microsoft, and DyKnow, as well as exhibits from 30+ vendors, this promises to be the most successful and exciting conference yet!

What is truly interesting to me is -- and forgive me Lorrie, I am not meaning to be rude -- is how do people find out about this conference and what makes them want to travel to Memphis when two weeks ago, they could have been in San Diego at NECC?

So -- grins -- I will tell you some important perks of this conference -- which makes it even better than NECC.

#1 -- It is all inclusive. They provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day. Which creates great communication opportunities.
#2 -- The classes are small yet good. There is plenty of one on one instead of one of thousands.
#3 -- It is in a beautiful setting on one campus. No need to bus to another campus or walk a 1/4 mile exhibit hall.
#4 -- They keynotes are pretty impressive for such a small conference -- David Warlick and Pamela Livingston.
#5 --They care, they truly care. Both Lorrie and Stuart really want your thoughts, your ideas, and your suggestions. And you don't have to fill out a card to let them know -- you can sit down with them at lunch and chat.
#6 -- It is wireless.
#7 -- The doorprizes are pretty impressive.
#8 -- The Tennessee accents are fantastic. (grins)

The Lausanne Laptop conference is just the winddown you need after the huge NECC. Yes, I did learn a great deal at NECC. In fact, I am still sifting through it all. But the NECC is immense and I am looking forward to spending the next 4 days in a more intimate setting.

If it is anything like the last two years -- it will be the best week I have all summer.

Jen

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Women in Technology

2006-07-14T03:29:00.000-07:00

I have had a great deal of interest in my blogging on July 10th, of NECC -- Male Vs Female -- mostly all supportive and understanding. I hestitated to write the blog because I wondered if I was going to become a target -- but instead, it was quite the opposite.

So, its 3 in the morning, and I can't sleep -- so I decided to blog about some women in technology that have both encouraged me and taught me -- and ARE movers and shakers -- and I encourage you to add to this listing.

Alice Christie -- educator in AZ, opened the world of online projects to me (THANK YOU)
Jerrie Cheek -- educator in GA, always a support
Vicki Davis -- educator and blogging extraordinaire
Leslie Fisher -- seminar leader and makes you believe technology is fun and not scarey
Gail Lovely -- seminar leader and advocate for use of technology with younger grades
Natalie Pollard -- webmaster, friend, fellow Christian and comrade in the push for technology in the Christian private school setting
Kathy Schrock -- the safety rock on the net we all can run to
Susan Silverman -- seminar leader and technology go-getter
Tammy Worcester -- awesome webhost, seminar leader, and teaches the ease in the use of technology

right now -- that is my small list -- but I am sure I will add to it.

Thank you to all the above who have touched my life in so many ways and encouraged me to believe, accept, and thrive in the use of technology and how much fun it is. Each of you have planted a seed in me that has been nourished and has grown -- and I thank you.

Jennifer

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New Toy To Play With

2006-07-13T19:07:00.000-07:00

I have just set up a new site at www.onlineprojects4teachers.com which will serve as a place for teachers to both promote and find projects. It won't be as sophisticated as some other project sites -- but I think it will work for my participants.

I went with a new webhost -- www.runwithus.com -- and ended up having lunch with the webhost provider himself -- who gave me a tour of all the add-ons I have -- and WOW -- am I excited.

There is an add-on called PHP Surveyor that has just turned my online projects management into a DREAM!! It is an online database -- which perhaps is not new to some of you -- but it is new to me and it is unbelievably wonderful.

As of today -- 135 people have registered for projects from 35 states -- and I didn't have to copy/paste any of it -- I just exported it into excel and TADA -- it is done. And it is managable and WONDERFUL.

It is a free program -- and so far -- a KEEPER as far as I can see.

I hope you enjoy it.
Jennifer

ps -- count down to Lausanne Laptop Institute -- 2 days until I fly out. By Sunday at 2pm, I hopefully will be touring Graceland and hopefully have lots of dinners with Dry Ribs and OH OH OH -- Sweet Tea!!! Grins -- and then I will also attend the conference. If you will be at the conference, make sure you stop by and say "Hello"

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NECC Pictures

2006-07-12T07:39:00.000-07:00

GlobalSchoolHouse gives out an award each year to both a US teacher and an international teacher for their work with online projects.

Marsha Goren was the International winner and she (and her hubby) flew in from Israel to accept the award. I wish we had podcasted her acceptance speech -- it was magnificient.

She has put together some pictures from her experience which you can view at
http://www.globaldreamers.org/tdreamer/
and be sure to check out her projects page at http://www.globaldreamers.org/

She really made the round with getting her picture taken. WOW, Marsha, I am impressed.

Enjoy
Jen

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OHMIGOSH -- What a Skypecast!!!!

2006-07-11T20:42:00.000-07:00

Tonight -- was a magnificent night!!

Wesley Fryer at http://www.speedofcreativity.org/2006/07/09/
pros-and-cons-of-educational-blogging-options/ hosted a two hour skypecast attended by over 24 people (people were bouncing in and out during the night) from ALL over the world.

It was truly amazing -- and I know I am gushing -- but it was SOOOO great!!!

There were small minor technical difficulties at the beginning but it was worked out and the evening was smooth for the rest of the chat.

We discussed blogs -- all kinds of blogs -- and I am sure David Warlick's ears must have been burning because there was HIGH praise for blogmeister. There were also good comments made about wordpress and edublogs and blogger as well.

Comments were made about internet safety, comment posting, blog etiquette, ease of blogging, trials of blogging, what worked in the past and what works now -- it was filled with information.

Wesley did a great job at moderating the chat and I hope we can do this more often. It truly was a fantastic night. Truly a night to write down in the books!!! Here is the link to the podcast and wiki -- http://www.speedofcreativity.org/2006
/07/12/podcast72-pros-and-cons-of-educational-blogging-options/

thanks wes!! ya done good!!

Smiles
Jen

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Wes Fryer

Invite to a Blog Skypecast Tonight

2006-07-11T08:31:00.000-07:00

I am just finally bouncing back from the NECC conference and beginning to think coherently again. Usually conferences don't exhaust me that much -- so I am either getting older (NO!) or it was just jammed packed with goodies.

SO -- it was great to find an email today telling me about a great opportunity to learn and share even more at a Skyecast tonight on blogging hosted by Wesley Fryer at http://www.speedofcreativity.org/2006/07/09/
pros-and-cons-of-educational-blogging-options/
and the link to the cast is https://skypecasts.skype.com/skypecasts/
skypecast/detailed.html?id_talk=17467

The list of topics include --

It looks to be a great chat and begins at 8 pm Central time - which is 6pm PST time!

Hope to see you there.
And thank you, Wesley -- it looks to be great fun!

Jennifer

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NECC -- Male Vs Female

2006-07-10T08:41:00.000-07:00

Grins -- now I am not a feminist in ANYWAY -- please open the door for me, pull out my chair, treat me as special.........but I do notice the differences in the male versus female role in technology and here are a few observations I saw at NECC. (and please realize these are generalities and not absolutes, I don't wish to offend....its just things I noticed.)

The men show and the women share.
It was interesting to visit seminars and poster sessions and view how presenters interacted with their crowd. Most men were anxious to show off what they were doing. There was an attitude of "look what I am doing". At times there was arrogance but most times just a proud pride. However, when asked "How" they did it. Sometimes an aloofness appeared or an attitude of "it would take too long to describe."
On the other hand -- I noticed that when women presented they had TONS of links and a "let me show you how" and a willingness to let the whole world in on their little secrets. There is usually no feeling of "I know it and you don't".

The men were the go-getters and the women were the saunterers.
With the exception of a few women, most of the men are the movers and shakers out there. The ones creating tools for the rest of us to use. The ones writing the books, the ones who you could mention a first name and everyone would know who you were talking about.
The women, on a whole, seem to still be finding our niche. It was very cool that a woman was asked to KeyNote but it was at the last session where many had already gone home or were heading to the airport. We aren't moving at the same fast pace the men are -- and I am not sure if that is a positive or a negative.

Men talk -- women listen
It was quite interesting to sit in sessions and listen to the conversations going on. There are many statistics that say that women talk so much more than men -- well those statisticians have NOT been to the NECC. Men Talk -- and talk and talk and talk. And talk!!! It was very fun to attend some sessions where a group of "high tech users" were speaking and they would talk over each other at times or not even allow a breath to be taken between one person finishing a sentence and another sentence beginning.
On the other hand, you could see women just listening and soaking in WAY more than was usually humanly possible. The information that was traveling around the NECC was staggering.
I noticed this greatly at a "after hours" session I attended. There was one table of 8 with 5 men and 3 women -- now, grins, it might have been that we were tired -- but WOW, did the men talk!!! :)

Finally, there were many similarities as well.
#1 -- We all want the best use of technology to be available to our kids and we want them using it as best as they can.
#2 -- When something is GOOD, we boast about it......Moodle, Open Source, Blogging
#3 -- We are proud of our accomplishments!
#4 -- We realize that technology does NOT have to be hard.
#5 -- We remain frustrated that others just "don't seem to get it yet"!
#6 -- We are fascinated with technology and its impact on our lives and the world around us.

and those are my thoughts for today!
:)
Jen

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NECC -- Final Reflection

2006-07-09T19:42:00.000-07:00

Its been over 36 hours since I have gotten home from the NECC and I think I am just beginning to think clearly.

With so many thoughts, images, ideas, and more flowing through my mind.......

I thought I would just do my HIGHLIGHTS and HUHS?? from the convention.

HIGHLIGHTS

InspireDATA from the people at Inspiration -- what a wonderful treat. And I am so happy that I was there to debut it. Can't wait to present it.
http://www.inspiration.com/productinfo/inspiredata/index.cfm

Moodle -- and all the other "Open Source" I found out about
http://moodle.org/

Adobe Education -- who knew?? I sure didn't.
http://www.adobe.com/education/

The news that the new iPods will now have a Belkin microphone that you can plug in!!! YEAH!!!!

The Daily Newsletter -- what a fabulous treat!!!

Geocaching -- though exhausting, truly exhilarating. One small hint though -- don't be 10 minutes from your session, and realize you have 3 flights of stairs to climb to return the gps. :)
http://center.uoregon.edu/ISTE/NECC2006/glance/where_to_be.php

About 15 Minutes of the Session with Leslie Fisher and a mere 10 Minutes of a session with David Warlick
You can never go wrong with either of these people.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner meetings with a variety of key tech people who had time to talk with me. Amazing. :)

HUHS??
One thing I love about the Lausanne Laptop and the CUE conferences is that it is all inclusive. You have everything included -- including meals -- which means there is time to meet and greet. With everyone rushing everywhere to eat, there was no watering hole (per se). And the food close by was TOO expensive. Perhaps NECC could look into some alternatives??

Tables?? With everyone having laptops......it would be great to have table access to place your laptop on to take notes or blog during the meeting. Also -- plugs on both walls for laptops running out of power -- would be very appreciated!!!

No more assumptions --
There is too much assumption that everyone is on the same page with information and acronyms. Perhaps a glossary in the notebook??? This way -- you dont' look dumb asking a really "gosh I should have known" question.

Vendors who are trying to make a sale!!!
I do understand that everyone has to make a living........but take the time to chat instead of selling.

Get rid of the junk. As mentioned on other blogs -- the Best Buy bags (true 100% publicity and 100% trash!)

And finally -- don't sell my email without my permission. And don't scan me without permission. And finally -- my attendance does not guarantee my name in your database. EVER!!

and those are my thoughts!
Jennifer

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laptopinst laptopinst06

Feeling a Happy Exhaustion

2006-07-07T14:37:00.000-07:00

I am exhausted -- but content and happy. The NECC, at least in my book, was a great success.

But now ..... I am home. Though the conference is not technically over for 2 more hours -- I came home early. And its nice to be home -- however, so far my cat has NOT left my side. (Grins)

Today I attended a PhotoShop/Digital Camera class with Leslie Fisher. I have always enjoyed Leslie --- from way back in the Classroom Connect days. She is an easy listen and she is filled with very usable ideas. If you ever have the chance to catch a seminar led by Leslie -- be sure to make the time. Especially, if she does a Gizmo's and Gadgets -- its a great class.

I also had time to journey through the exhibit hall one more time and (smiles) got the Google Bag. YEAH!!!

I forgot to mention that yesterday I did the Geo-Caching Scavenger Hunt -- what fun -- but wow, what walking was done. I ended up walking up three flights of stairs and today I hurt.........but it is a happy hurt. And, who knows, I might be the grand prize winner of the scavenger hunt.

Some highlights --
Seeing some very good "techie pals". Al Rogers, Jerrie Cheek, David Warlick, Mike Lawrence.......are always very fun to say "Hi" to. I get to see David again in 1 week at the Lausanne Laptop and Jerrie in the fall at the GAETC, and with Mike, I know our paths will cross with CUE several times a year.

I made some wonderful new friends. Big joy of the trip -- Sharon Peters. Make sure you read her blog. She is a great "techie" from Canada and I know we will be hearing much of her in the future.
My paths crossed several times with another Wagner, Regina Wagner, who convinced me last night at D&B to try LINUX. I tried to find the software you advised me to in the exhibit hall, but couldn't. But I promise that I will be open to Open Source. (grins)
The group from DEN -- wonderful people.
And Janet and Marsha from Global Schoolhouse -- always a pleasure.

The NECC was truly an event and I left exhilarated and exhausted. The blogging that has been done is so greatly appreciated -- and in a couple of days when I am rested (grins) I look forward to many podcasts and blogreads.

Smiles,
Jen

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DEN -- Extraordinary Night

2006-07-06T22:51:00.000-07:00

I read Steve Dembo's blog and saw that the Discovery Educators were having a get-together on Thursday night-- so I posted that I was going to join them. I felt it would be a great way to get to know the product.

I didn't know it was a member party -- but they were gracious enough to let me go along......and what a night.

The DEN has grown tremendously in 1 year and the people of this group are quite fun. We played some trivia games-- had a great buffet -- and then put on party hats (to decide who's team you were on -- I was in the Curious George Team) and then we hit the games at Dave and Busters -- with a scavenger game on the side.

My team was great fun. Marty from MO was a great shot (intense to be exact) and Jen, Joanne, Sharon, and all the rest of our team really worked well. We laughed, sang, screamed, et etc -- and I even won the "Best Song Leader Award" for the night.

I truly appreciate DEN for letting me tag along and have a great intro to their product.

You can visit their site at http://www.discoveryeducatornetwork.com/

As for the rest of my day -- I had a very successful Poster Session. The GSN award ceremony was nice as was the ISTE/SIGTEL award. 2 very nice plaques to place on my wall. And the CUE meeting was fun. It is always great to swap hellos with Mike Lawrence!!!

Tomorrow I have a breakfast meeting, a quick meeting at 10 and then head home.

I didn't get to attend a lot of classes but will read MANY blogs this weekend.

Enjoy
Jen

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NECC -- Thursday AM

2006-07-06T06:21:00.000-07:00

Last night -- GSN dinner in Old Town. Food was nice, conversation was great -- I will blog later today about a young man from Ghana with a story to tell about use of technology and what HE is doing that will put us all to shame. More on this when I have correct spelling.

Highlight of last night -- Chat with Al Rogers. Of all the tech leaders out there, I love and admire him the most -- he is always ready to applaud and appreciate others instead of pumping himself up. I had NO idea (last year) when I met him that he was THE Al Rogers. And to me, he is, and always will be, just a wonderful guy who has spearheaded SO much of where we are now. What a treasure. I am PROUD to call you my friend, AL.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wow -- I am tired. For some reason, I heard every noise last night. Train horns (that went on forever) and someother vechicle (not sure what it was.) So I am hitting today TIRED. (not good)

Plans for today -
Sorry, but I don't get to attend much today.

Meeting with Walter McK from surfaquarium -- Going to pick his brain on how to change some things on Technospud for a bit more professionalism.

10 - 12 -- POSTER SESSION.

12:30 -- GSN Award
3:30 A Web of Connections
4:45 -- ISTE/SIGTEL Award
5:15 -- RUNNING to CUE meeting
6:00 -- RUNNING to DEN meeting
9 -- BLOG
9:10 -- BED

Hope everyone else has a lot to blog -- I won't get to attend much at all today.

Jen

ps -- Welcome Home today to the USS Ronald Reagan. It pulls in today to North Island about 10. Welcome home!!!

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Day One -- NECC Reflection

2006-07-05T18:40:00.000-07:00

I just came from an EdTech Coast to Coast session -- it was a live podcast (grins, however no one used pods) and it was quite interesting.

The Ed Tech Coast to Coast (ETC2C) regular contributors are Will Richardson, Tim Lauer, and Tim Wilson, with host Steven Burt. Special guest at the session was Tom Hoffman. More details about ETC2C are available from Clarity Innovations, producer/underwriter of the podcast.

There were several highlights from today -- some personal, some professional.

First off -- the Keynote, Dewitt Jones --- what a wonderful morning chat. I took some pictures but I guess my camera knew I wasn't a true photographer and NONE of my pictures turned out. The biggest memory though -- from his speech -- was is it Imagination or ImagiACTION. I will carry that possibility thought with me for along while. His pictures were superb. You could tell he had done this talk before but it still worked and I thank him for insight and for his forward thinking. And reminding us to catch the puffballs when we were looking for dandilions. Very very superb!!

The exhibit hall -- as always -- exhausting. However, now, no longer a tech coordinator, I see the exhibits in a new light. There is NOTHING that I have to go back and sell my admin on. However, there are some fun tools that I will share in my technospud newsletter next month.

INSPIRATION -- just when you think it could NOT get any better -- it does! Check this out -- http://www.inspiration.com/productinfo/inspiredata/index.cfm SUPERB!!

Now some personal fun. Ran into Jerrie Cheek from Georgia. Talked with Al Rogers from http://www.globalschoolnet.org/GSH/ -- he is such a dear man. But the best part -- and you truly won't believe this.....

I rushed to meet Laurie Walsh at 11 but we decided to meet at the keynote-- which was a BAD idea because over 5,000 people were meeting there too. So I walked over to the far side and sat 2nd row from the back, 1st section. Now where I was sitting is important because I was in the boonies. My area filled up --- and there were 3 seats left next to me. I was checking my email for Laurie's email and almost stood up and yelled "Laurie are you here?"

Two women walked up and I got up to let them in but they weren't sure they wanted to sit For some reason I made a quip about how they could sit with me if they were Laurie Walsh or something silly like that-- and it turns out that they were with Laurie who was looking for me.

Now -- in a room of over 5,000 and sitting in the boonies -- that is no COINCEDENCE. After the keynote, they led me to Laurie and we had a great time chatting. She is putting together a wonderful (actually 2 wonderful) online projects which I will share with you later.

I just had to thank God -- for in the chaos, He knew I really had wanted to see Laurie and He worked it out. Even the guy behind me was stunned with how our meeting came about.

I continually thank Him for all he does. And feel his presence at NECC even when being Christian private school educator is NOT the norm at NECC.

And that -- so far today-- has been the highlight of NECC.

Smiles,
Jen

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Making Moodle Work -- Wednesday

2006-07-05T09:46:00.000-07:00

The class is packed -- which is a good sign!!!
Presnted by Brent Hinto & Julia Lott

I was going to skype and audacity it -- but they have no mics -- (sadness)

Web address: http://docs.moodle.org/en/The_Good_Teacher
http://core.golbert.k12.az.us.coreweb

Why they started to use Moodle-
In additional to a visual classroom environment, there needs to be a virtual environment.

1. Option for teachers to do normal activities but build upon it.
2. Student Portfolios
3. Products (video, podcasts, work, science fair, wiki)

Modular Object Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment

Online course or virtual expansion

3 elements
a. main space for activities
b. side blots
1. who is on
2. links
3. etc

advantages
24/7
expanded collaboration
variety of options and activities

disadvantages
not all students have Internet Access
work is looked up in Moodle which be a pecomes a private versus a public arena

Check out the Exhibit Hall for hands on training.

Presentation on Friday about Moodle too.

Prime Ingredients of a Moodle
Assignment
Blog
Chat
Poll & Surveys
Database
Forum
Glossary
Lesson
Quiz
SCORM -- allows content from other sources (grades, etc) to be imported
Upload of work
Wiki
Workshops

AddOns
certificates
podcasts
powerpoints/word/excel
internalMail
etc

You need to download moodle and be able to install it to your webserver.
http://moodle.org/

Jen

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Extreme Makeover

2006-07-05T08:35:00.000-07:00

Mike Lawrence welcomed everyone! CUE is Computer Using Educators.
People are from all over the USA.

People from the audience are going to be taking part in a live drama.

Compaision of non-digital versus digital classrooms. Plus, classrooms that perhaps the students use technology but not necessarily the teachers.

The Play
Scene 1 -- Non Digital
Teacher led lesson plus emphasis in made on paper and having to retrieve information from a file cabinet.

Scene 2 -- Non Digital Classroom but 1 digital student
Chris Walsh plays the ds.
Worksheet now visible in Word but teacher still uses file cabinet for copies.
Student uses phone to take picture of notes.
Students talk about email instead of meetings with principal.

Scene 3 --
Inspiration
Online Use
Use of videochat
CUE has software discounts as well as other member privileges
Wiki
better an more advanced uses of tech
Chris Walsh is doing a live feed

http://www.kzowebcasting.com/NECC\
http://www.blurb.com
http://www.grokker.com
www.cue.org

Jen

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Out My Window -- Wednesday AM

2006-07-05T06:57:00.000-07:00

The Marriott is great. The bed is a bit soft but OOOOOHHHH, I love soft water showers. My water at home is sooooo hard.

I LOVE softwater!! (GRINS)

More pictures later.

Jen

ps--I am using Picassa 2 to load this. sooo cool.

NECC -- Like Christmas Morning

2006-07-05T06:07:00.000-07:00

It's about 6 am and I am ready to go --

almost like Christmas morning, I can't wait to see what is in my NECC presents!!

I have a pretty busy morning -- so I shall do a list now of what to expect later with blogging.

8:30 am -- Extreme School Makeover with CUE (hope to swap Hellos with Mike Lawrence) Looks to be like a very interactive class and I might grab it in audacity as well.

10 am -- Making Moodle Work. I hope to wiki this one!!

11:45 AM -- Extraordinary Visons (Keynote) I am sure there will be MANY blogs on this

12 -- EXHIBITS (I have an empty bag for freebies and a camera with fresh batteries!!)

5 pm Ed Tech Coast to Coast

7:30 Dinner with Al Rogers and all the other GSN people.

Plus quick meetings today with Laurie W. and Mike J. Can't wait.

More later! Gonna go open the first NECC present!

Jen

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Finally - NECC 06

2006-07-04T16:59:00.000-07:00

Well, I am finally here -- San Diego, NECC!

It's been great fun so far. We exited out a door and ran pretty much right into Kathy Schrock!! What a treat. Then at the ISTE International Meeting, David Warlick literally bumped into me. (grins, and we swapped HELLOS) He is such a treat and I look forward to seeing him again in Tennessee in 2 weeks.

Right now I am using the WIRELESS ACCESS and it is to-die-for. Very fast, very good, it is going to make this convention just a wonderful experience.

I look forward to meeting Susan Silverman and the rest of Iste in about 1 hour to accept my first award of this trip.

The Marriott room is great -- I have a patio AND a view of the bay. And to make everything even more fantastic -- there will be fireworks at 9pm.

Oh, I am glad I am here.
More blogging later.

Jennifer

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Technospud
necc necc06 necc06prep

NECC expands past the covention center

2006-07-04T08:37:00.000-07:00

As I am getting ready to leave for NECC 06 in about 1/2 an hour, I realized that the majority of people who will be affected by the NECC don't even know it is going on.

Those of us who have counted the days, saved our pennies for travel expenses, blogged, planned, and rearranged holiday plans are the ones who truly love the use of technology. We will wander the halls and "ooh and ahh" over new toys. We will listen to many seminars that will inspire us to do even more than we do. We will hear "new stories" of upcoming possibilities and we will hear "old stories" of techniques that still are effective.

But we are not the ones who will be the most affected by this. The ones who will are the teachers, administrators, and students who are probably planning on being with family today, sitting at a bbq or beach, watching fireworks, and not even realizing that the next 3 days are going to change their lives and how they use technology.

And grins -- they don't have to know -- but we will. Each of us who leaves the NECC with a new excitement of a new idea and a positive way to teach it, will affect the lives of all we share with.

The teachers at my past school never learn by having something jammed down their throats (as a matter of fact, neither do I or my students) but if we all leave NECC with a new plan of how to infiltrate (grins) the classrooms with unique and easy ways to use technology -- lesson plans and use of technology and attitudes just might change.

And what an excitement that could bring.

Enjoy
Jen

Technospud
NECC 06

I'm Proud to be an ........

2006-07-04T08:29:00.000-07:00

I am very patriotic!! I pray daily for the president, and other government leaders. I pledge allegiance, I cry at patriotic songs, I still believe in the POWER and SAFETY of the U.S.A.

I love the song sung by Lee Greenwood, "I'm proud to be an American". It brings me to tears each time I hear it. And I AM proud to stand up and say "there ain't no doubt, I love this land. God Bless The U.S.A."

And with my deep belief in this nation -- comes the ability for me to have freedom in my religion. (My faith is strong -- so regardless of what my country would say, I would still remain a Christian.)

A few years ago I rewrote the words to "I'm Proud" to demonstrate my Christian belief, and I am sharing them here now.

I wish you a wonderful 4th of July. And if you would like to know about true "FREEDOM" please drop me a message. I would love to share with you.

Jen

24 hour countdown

2006-07-03T07:12:00.000-07:00

Today will be spent getting ready to leave early tomorrow morning for a drive down to San Diego. I am lucky enough to be able to drive to the NECC this year. However, I am looking forward to it being in Atlanta next year!!!

A few have asked what my board turned out to look like, so I am uploading a picture. Again -- it is simplistic, but then so am I.

Today is also a very special memory day. 13 years ago today I became a nanny to a lovely baby named Emily. The two years I spent with her expanded my life tremendously. Hard to believe that today she becomes a teenage. WOW, time truly flies.

Enjoy your day!
I know mine will be busy! :)

Jen

TAGS:
Technospud
NECC 06

To Blog or Not To Blog -- That is the ????

2006-07-02T06:24:00.000-07:00

As we prepare for the NECC06, it is becoming apparent that the BIG topics are going to be WEB 2.0. And to be totally honest, I have to admit that I am still not sure exactly what that means. Except, that is seems to mean more and better communication opportunities on the internet.

Podcasting and blogging seem to be the #1 area that will be addressed. But there will be classes on Moodle, RSS, and other great tools for students as well.

And as always -- everyone seems to have an opinion. And a recent debate floating around the education blogs seems to be "Why to blog" and the rules of a good blogger.

Grins, at first I was chagrined since I fit NONE of the criteria of being a good blogger. And then I realized, that's 100% okay. Because blogging is still in it's infancy and, in total actuality, we are still finding our way around the use of blogs and if there were only 1 way to blog, then I think that that tool would lose it's effectiveness.

In the fall, when I introduce blogging in several projects -- I am going to encourage diversity and allow people to post in their own "comfort zone." If a blogger rambles on, well that is a good lesson on reviewing and editing. If a blogger gets too "sophisticated', than that is a good lesson in speaking to all levels rather that just to 1. If a blogger is a one sentence poster, than that is a good lesson on "short and sweet."

Grins, in a world of rules -- I, myself, am going to stay away from the Blogging Rules right now. Honestly, the one thrill I get from reading blogs is the diversity in writing and if they all followed a certain expectation, I think that that uniqueness will go away.

Why do I blog? Right now -- to share my thoughts. To point out things to my readers that perhaps they might not have known (online scrapbooking, gliffy, skype, etc). But mostly I blog because it's fun and I learn from not only reading others blogs, but from reading my own as well.

Why will my students & teachers blog? Hopefully for the same reasons.

Enjoy
Jennifer

Tags:
Technospud
NECC06
Blogs

Rushing too fast.....ends up with a bit of humor

2006-07-01T19:47:00.000-07:00

I think I am rushing, getting ready for the NECC 06. Presenting a poster session is new to me. I think I would rather present a 1 or 2 hour (or even more) session with a prepared topic than what I am expecting a poster session to be. Grins, I think I might end up saying the same things to many many people in the poster time. If anyone has done one before and wants to share a bit of insight with me, I would appreciate it.

So -- I ran over and had copies made of my newsletter, and had copies made of little handouts I am handing out. The logo for my website was not enlarging clearly for the board -- so I completely redid it. Could not find the same font -- so now I have a more "technie" font. (grins, in my humble opinion).

Then I took the NEW larger logo over to get copied and mounted onto foam (it just had to be special!!) And got it home, mounted it the board, was SOOOOO proud. And then did a double take --

LOL -- I now "Enable and Encourage Teachers in the use of Technoology." LOL, I guess Technoology is the NEW Technology!!! First I was frustrated at me and then I just had to laugh.

So, off to Kinkos I go again in the morning. Of all the words to spell wrong at the NECC, I don't think Technology would be the one you can get away with.

It is going to be a great conference. I just wish it was Tuesday morning at 9 and I was driving down. Instead I have 48 hours to wait until something I am so looking forward too.

Grins -- just think what I must have been like waiting for Christmas!! LOL

Enjoy
Jen

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Technospud
NECC 06

The Friday Before NECC

2006-06-30T07:46:00.000-07:00

It's the Friday before NECC and I am starting to get truly excited.

Yesterday, a friend came over and we worked on the presentation board for my poster session. It looks a bit "science fairish" but will work. We also went over to Staples to drop off things I need copies of and we went clothes shopping. I hate (absolutely) hate to shop for clothes, I would rather buy a new techie toy -- but since I am getting some awards and presenting, we thought it might be nice to have some new things to wear.

My email is becoming overflowing with things to check out. I will be searching for a fellow blogger with i-Tune cards, I have to pick up buttons and ribbons, I have been invited to breakfast meetings and dinners, I have been told where to be and when and pretty much what to do when I am there. It's a bit overwhelming, to say the least.

People are listing their TOP TEN list of their goals at NECC..........so here goes mine.

1. Learn something new about something I know nothing about. (I hope this will be Moodle.)
2. Attend a seminar on something I disagree with (or perhaps misunderstand), which will enable me to think and be challenged.
3. Conquer the exhibit hall. :)
4. Swap hellos with old friends. (Can't wait to see Al Rogers, Jerrie Cheek, David Warlick, Susan Silverman, and more!!!)
5. Blog Blog and more Blog!
6. Enjoy meeting new people and sharing information.
7. Sorting through all the free stuff you receive.
8. Talk about Technospud & Projects and how they can change the dynamics of your classroom!
9. Put faces to blogs. (This is one I am really really looking forward too!)
10. Coming back with new ideas, new energy, (perhaps some job leads), and a happy exhaustion of 4 days well spent.

I am beginning to really get excited about next week. It's almost here!! YEAH.

Jen

Technospud
NECC 06

Published Author -- Grins

2006-06-28T16:52:00.000-07:00

Well, I did it!!

"35 Tech Tips for Teachers" is now available at http://www.lulu.com/technospud and I hope you enjoy it. It is available in both HardBack and PDF format. All monies collected from this book will be invested right back into keeping Technospud Projects available for teachers around the world.

It is a compilation of some of the technology tips I have been writing for the Technospud Newsletter since 1999. Though I am very "Office" happy, most of the lessons are easily adaptable for any program you are comfy with.

I want to say a couple of thanks to people who helped make this dream of mine come true:
First to Debbie Courtney. Deb is a first grade teacher at my former school who (though at many times she didn't understand what I was doing) always encouraged me to continue my dream of teachers using technology!! Thanks, Deb!!

Secondly, thank you to Kathy Ekus who voluntarily proofed my book for me. Your extra effort will not be forgotten.

I also want to thank Gail Braddock for her constant belief that I seem to know what I am doing! (grins) and to David Warlick who told me about www.lulu.com and by his example in his books, I was able to create a legal page at the front of my book which should cover if I made any big goofs! (grins)

What fun today has been.
Jen

ps -- I did see Superman. Hmmmm, not sure of how much I liked it. It wasn't as wonderful as I had hoped, but it was fun. The opening sequence made me cry though. Same music -- same text effects!! It was soooo cool. I am sure there will be a sequel!!! Hope Hope!!

Tags:
Technospud
LuLu.com
David Warlick

In less than 3 minutes -- I was SKYPED :)

2006-06-28T06:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, a good friend who I will see in 3 weeks at the Lausanne Laptop Institute, sent me an email with her SKYPE address. I had bought the headphone/microphone but hadn't downloaded the software -- a bit skeptic was I!!

But I decided to do it -- OHNO -- and within 3 minutes I had downloaded the software, I had created my user name, I had checked the test call, sent an email to my friend with my name, and "TADA" I was talking to my friend who just happened to be on the complete other side of the USA and we talked for 1 hour and 30 minutes and it cost us NOTHING!!

WOO HOO!!

I cannot believe that I waited so long to try this out. Now, I do know that I absolutely hate talking on the telephone -- but for some reason, I like SKYPE. We were trading emails back and forth....we were on the same page of sites checking out information...........it was like Instant Messaging but tons better because there was a human voice attached and (unlike with emails and IM) there is no reading between the lines to find out what the person really is trying to say.

If you have a headphones/microphone --- some people have them built in on their laptops (who knew????) :) -- you have to give it a try.

Go to http://www.skype.com/ and sign up. Then drop me a note, and we can chat!!!

Jen

ps -- I am going to see Superman this morning but will be home all afternoon getting ready for the Lausanne Laptop Institute and NECC06 so feel free to write.

TAGS:
Skype
Technospud
NECC06
Laptop Institute

Technology Memory Lane

2006-06-27T16:12:00.000-07:00

You just have to check out Kathy Schrock's blog at http://kathyschrock.net/blog/ and visit her link about the Picassa web album -- which is a great tool within itself.

But what you are going to have the most fun with is the journey down memory lane with all the technology pictures that she has collected. What fun -- there are some computer components I had totally forgotten about -- and (grins) -- some that make me feel REALLY old because I remember using them.

Be sure though to watch the entire web album to see all the FUN uses of USB drives. (I think the Pez is one of my favorites and I am running over to Target to check on the wrist band.) Best Buy did give their TE@CH grant winners the USB pen this year. So if you want to see on while you are at NECC06, just ask me. I always carry it around.

Thanks Kathy
It was a fun show!

Jennifer

TAGS:
Technospud
Kathy Schrock
NECC06

Technospud Projects Listed for 2006-07 School Year

2006-06-26T18:18:00.000-07:00

My summer break is time spent having fun and also planning the Online Projects that will happen in the next school year. I am especially having fun getting ready for the Charlotte's Web Project as well as The Incredible Journey. If you haven't figured it out yet -- I love Online Projects. I enjoy how easily they can bring fun into your classroom as your students learn at the same time.

Future Projects
The O.R.E.O. project will kick off late September. This year we will be stacking the famous chocolate cookie and the title of this year's project is "That's the way the cookie tumbles!"

The Pumpkin Seed project is a one day project, October 31. Teachers will need to purchase 1 (5 - 7lb pumpkin). Students will be estimating the count of the seeds, opening the pumpkin to count the exact seeds, and then averaging the seed count with schools all over the world.

The Incredible Journey project begins in August. 3 beanie babies will be traveling from classroom to classroom. This project is based on the book "Incredible Journey" and also the movie "Homeward Bound." This project is limited to 30 classrooms.

Shark Bytes (a team project with Susan Silverman) will kick off in early October. Susan and I will be meeting at the NECC to plan this for you!! I promise, with Susan's input -- it is going to be great!!

The Gingerbread Project will be taking place the first week of December. This is a brand new project and details are still being worked out.

OOOOOhhh, I can't wait -- The Charlotte's Web Project will take place in December. This project will be "Some Project" as students learn about the book in preparation for the movie release on December 20th. The movie site already has some great teacher resources at http://www.charlotteswebmovie.com/site/
downloads/calendar/CW_Calendar.pdf. I think that this will be my favorite project this year.

The Holiday Card Exchange will happen in December as well. Looks like my December will be bumper to bumper. Participants will be put into groups of 20 to exchange cards with other schools. Very easy project but tons of fun.

Our St. Patrick's project is back by popular demand. This is a 1 day project for PreK - 3rd and you will need to purchase 1 box of LuckyCharms.

And if that isn't enough --
The Great Egg Roll will happen again in spring of 07. It is hard to believe that this will be our 7th year of rolling eggs! can't wait.

You are also welcome to join our ePal Buddy "Just between you and me" project which is taking registrations now.

Please visit the TechnospudProjects page at http://www.technospudprojects.com for more information! I will also be presenting a poster session of Online Projects at Necc06. See you there.

Jen

TAGS:
Technospud
Online Projects
Necc 06

Putting On The Glasses of Someone Else's Blog....

2006-06-26T08:55:00.000-07:00

There are several blogs I read daily through my subscription at Bloglines -- and I am always amazed by the depth of some of these blogs. Obviously they are very articulate writers and probably have one or two books under their belt.

My blogs are always quite simplistic (as I tend to be) without any great depth or insight. Just my thoughts of the world around me.

Reading other blogs -- in a way, putting on their blog glasses -- has expanded my world and created an area for me to think, digest, and dwell on someone else's thoughts.

And it evokes many an emotion.

I like the way the Blogs allow not only the freedom of speech (per se) but also different ways to look at the same issues. Many blogs I read right now are dealing with the problems of education, fingers are pointed at politicians, rules are discussed and debated, and it gives the blogger time to vent. It also gives the reader something to think about -- which is what I love.

Lately I have found my self perturbed, perhaps even angry, at blogs that keep taking pot shots at our political leaders and blaming them for our students learning.

As someone who has worked at a private school my entire life, perhaps I am a bit naive. But I have found that NOTHING -- not having the best tools, not having the best degree, not having the best class, not having the support of your admin -- NOTHING makes you less of a great teacher than YOU!! I have seen teachers with nothing, absolutely nothing, create a environment of learning in their classrooms. And on the opposite, I have seen teachers with THE best of everything, have a spirt of deadness in their class.

Perhaps if teachers started looking within to their most important asset (Themselves) and their creative resources, I think we would see a turn around in student achievement.

Ahhh - I see I am ranting.
I invite you to continue to look through the glasses of other's blogs!! It can be enlightening for all.

Smiles,
Jen

Grins, on a side note, the NECC 06 is 1 week and 1 day away. I am sure there will be LOTS of glasses to put on during that event. :)

Tags:
Bloglines
NECC 06
Technospud

Adventures with Elwood

2006-06-25T21:59:00.000-07:00

Last year, I stumbled upon a "traveling buddy" project. It involves a 4 foot doll, named Elwood, who has been pretty much all over the world. So, I signed up -- and he came to visit my school for about 3 months.

Some highlights included him going to the 7th Heaven set (Tyler Hoechin was a former student at our school), going to many parties, Bible studies, and other fun events. One of the highlights was when I took him to Hollywood via the Metrolink. Grins -- never ever think someone is looking at you funny, until you are carrying a 4 foot dummy! :)

We were lucky enough to get Elwood back a few weeks ago -- I guess he must have missed us! :)

Anyway -- tomorrow, we are journeying down to the Richard Nixon Library. Though he won't go into the library -- I think museums need to keep a bit "reverent" and carrying a 4 foot doll around might be a bit distracting. But we are going to have pictures taken and it should be a fun time. It will be my first Presidential Library tour, so I am excited too. (I did go to the Ronald Reagan Library for his final viewing but it was not a visit.)

You might wish to set up a visit with Elwood as well. He is quite a conversation piece and something your students will remember for a long time.
Here is a link to his site --
http://irweb2.ucf.edu/elwoodsadventures/page56.html

And here is one of my favorite pictures of his visit.

Enjoy your day!
Jennifer

Enter Into The World of Podcasts -- OH NO :)

2006-06-24T21:11:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, I attended a online chat with EdTech and some of the people were using audio with Skype and -- well you know me, I have to try to.

So I ran out and purchased a headset with a built in microphone and plugged it in. And -- it didn't work. I was using the ports on the front of my tower, so I unplugged my speaker, plugged the headset and microphone into the back ports (or plugs) and TADA == it worked.

Okay -- so I had voice.......but I needed background music. (grins, not sure why) So I ran over to my iTunes and randomly picked a title -- converted it to a mp3 -- brought it into audacity -- added a bit of vocal -- and TADA, my first podcast.

Now, I would appreciate it if you would let me know if I am NOT allowed to use the music I did, however, I only used 18 seconds of a 3:30 song, so I think I am safe. But your input is always appreciated.

Grins -- I don't think I really sound like I sound -- but this is fun.

So enjoy!!
Perhaps this will become my new habit. :)

Jen

Link to Song -- Jen's First Podcast

Internet Contract for Family Use

2006-06-24T15:31:00.000-07:00

I was listening to Leo Laporte today (he is the Tech Guy on KFI news radio) and a caller was asking about internet security with his daughter.

Cyberpatrol, Net Nanny, and iBoss were all mentioned but I felt the best advice given was for the Internet Contract for both the parent and the child. (you can find samples at http://www.icra.org/kids/familycontract/)

Another good point that was brought up was the fact that your child knows NOT to chat with anyone that they don't know face to face. I know, personally, that I was a dumb surfer 9 years ago when I started out. I even flew to meet a fellow teacher, that I had only taught with on AOL, 3 states away. Luckily, it turned out to be okay -- she was who she said she was and I had a great time -- but AUGH, how stupid had I been. And I was in my 30's.

Kids need to be reminded that though the internet is a wonderful place, it has its pitfalls too and we ALL need to be wary of who we let into our lives.

~~~On a different, yet similar note --
I heard that MySpace will be setting some new rules for users under 16. You can read about it here -- http://www.kcbd.com/Global/story.asp?S=5063121

I applaud their effort -- however, it's not going to work if kids lie about their ages. And that is exactly what we have seen with kids signing up to use MySpace. I think it is a small bandaid on a wound that needs a tourniquet.

Jen

Tags:
Technospud
Leo Laporte
Net Nanny
Cyber Patrol

Images, Images & More Images

2006-06-23T06:41:00.000-07:00

Again, starting my daily morning blog frolic, I linked from a blog to a blog to A GREAT IDEA!!

CoolCatTeacher led me to Presentation Zen who lead me to iStockPhoto!! (my new home on the web!) ~~ http://www.istockphoto.com/index.php

What a find -- and the photos are really NOT that expensive ($1 each for small image) and what you are allowed to use them with is wonderful!! (webpage, brochure, presentations, etc) Fun Fun Fun!! You can use paypal for payment -- so I think that I am going to be in BIG trouble!! Wonder if there is a way to set myself with a limit of downloads?? LOL

I am attempting to find a good picture of a student using a computer for a brochure I am creating and came upon this "appropriate" photo for this blog.

Enjoy!
Jen

Tags:
Cool Cat Teacher
Presentation Zen
iStockPhoto
Technospud

Atomic Learning -- Free Podcasting Tutorials

2006-06-22T14:37:00.000-07:00

I love Atomic Learning -- always have, and probably always will.

There quicktime tutorials are short and quick and have bailed me out of many a situation when I needed a quick help!!

They have posted some free podcasting tutorials at http://www.atomiclearning.com/podcasting. Also, if you are using iLife 06, they have tutorials just for you, for both pod and vod (grins, I guess that is video) casting.

If you plan to go to the NECC06, stop by their booth and pick up a free 30 day (it might be longer) access code to check Atomic Learning out. You will be glad you did.

Enjoy
Jen

Tags:
Atomic Learning
NECC 06
NECC

Tech Tip Thursdays

2006-06-22T09:07:00.000-07:00

I have only been unemployed for 4 days and already I am chomping on the bit. Grins, I already totallly redid my webpage (www.technospud.com) and I am redoing my monthly technospud newsletter which will resume in September with #58!! I have watched WAY too much TV and window shopped more than I really like to -- soooooo, I decided to make Thursday's TechTip day.

Today's tip is really a webpage but its got some great Powerpoint shows you can either view or download to use as you wish. The "Timer" is a great use for the 5 minute countdown before you start a seminar and the "You Know You Are A Real Teacher" is a chuckle out loud presentation.

The site is http://www.edzone.net/%7Emwestern/funppt.html and it offers 21 presentations for your viewing pleasure. Also, be sure to check out the navigation at the bottom of the page for some other great "tech stuff".

Enjoy your day
Jen

TAGS:
Tech Tips
Technospud

Thinkquest Awards Announced

2006-06-21T18:13:00.000-07:00

In the month of February, 5 students and myself started a journey on the road to create a webquest for Thinkquest. Today they announced the winners -- and sadly, my students were not part of those who were recognized. However, it was their first attempt and perhaps next year they might do a bit better.

But -- WOW -- the ones who did receive recognition are TREMENDOUS. There is one called TimeTrek that is just great and Squeak, Rattle, and Roll is fun for all ages.

The link to the winning sites is http://www.thinkquest.org/competition/index.shtml. If you are new to Thinkquest, please take the time to review how to join and consider being a part in the next competition. Just make sure you get another school in another country to be part of your team. I think that that is where we messed up. We did it all alone.

I hope you enjoy these sites -- amazing what kids can do. Beware, almost every site has Flash!!

Jen

Tags:
Think Quest
Technospud

Taking Blogging Seriously

2006-06-21T07:40:00.000-07:00

I am truly taking this blogging option quite seriously and reading up as much as I can to make me so prepared in the fall when I introduce it to my online project participants for our "Incredible Journey" project. The more I know, the easier the transition for them will be. Hope Hope.

So -- I have learned to tag. Not sure if I totally have it down yet, because blogger keeps changing my code but I seem to be able to tweak it so far. And I have learned how to play with the template and add fun things like clocks, sites, pictures, etc.

But the most fun I am having is with an instruction that I read on CoolCatTeacher's site -- "10 Habits of Bloggers That Win". She suggested that you put a stat program on your website to track your readers. Grins, and since she suggested it -- I did it. The stat program I am using is StatCounter and it is free. But what I am having the most fun with is seeing where people are coming from. Whether they are just passing on by -- or whether they stay for a while, it has been fun to see the different flags pop up.

Enjoy!
Jen

Tags:
Statcounter
CoolCatTeacher

NECC -- 2 weeks ago but already feeling effects

2006-06-20T18:36:00.000-07:00

The NECC 2006 is 2 weeks away -- July 4 - 7th -- to be exact and I am already feeling the effects of it.

My email has become clogged with "visit my booth" and "sign up for my breakfast" and "make sure you attend this webinar." When I attended the NECC 2005 in Philadelphia last year, I was amazed at my first BIG seminar but I don't remember all the pre-mail that is coming this year. I am wondering if our emails have been sold or just given?? I also thought I had signed up to NOT have my email distrbuted........hmmm I am going to check on that one.

But one exciting aspect of NECC '06 is the amount of people who will be blogging and podcasting the event. NECC has a list now at http://center.uoregon.edu/ISTE/NECC2006/
glance/blogging_podcasting.php which has a very generous roll list of people who will be sharing what they experience. I will also be blogging, as I am sure many of you will too. So -- for those of you not attending, and for those of us who can't be everywhere at the same time, it looks like the NECC will be totally covered. (Grins, however....from the listing of bloggers, there will be some strong opinions on what they see!)

Another nice part of the conference is the ability to utilize the planner. It is an online tool which allows you to schedule all your events and it gives you little warnings if perhaps you have double, tripled, or even quadrupled your events. (Grins, as I said, its impossible to be everywhere!!) You can even invite friends to share your planner so that you know what EVERYONE is up to. (one bad side of this is the planner can start looking quite cluttered.)

Right now -- here is what my planner looks liks -- however, I am sure it will grow as I have more time to peruse the seminars available.

Tuesday, July 4
12:00-2:00pm
Pick Janet up
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
6:30-7:30pm
ISTE Awards Gala
NOTES: Time Conflict
NOTES: AWARD
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
7:00-9:00pm
4th of July Party and Opening Reception
-----------------------------------
Wednesday, July 5
8:00-9:00am
Coffee w/ L. Walsh
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
8:30-9:30am
Extreme School Makeover: Brought to You by CUE
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
10:00-11:00am
Making Moodle Work for You: Strategies for Classroom Use
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
5:00-6:00pm
Ed Tech Coast to Coast
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
6:30-9:30pm
Dinner with GSN
-----------------------------------
Thursday, July 6
10:00am-12:00pm
Online Projects For You
NOTES: Speaker
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
12:30-1:30pm
Reaching Beyond the Walls: International Projects
and Partners Collaboration Center
NOTES: AWARD
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
3:30-4:30pm
A Web of Connections: Why the Read/Write Web Changes Everything
-----------------------------------
Friday, July 7
7:00-9:00am
Breakfast with Susan
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
8:30-9:30am
Take Charge of Your Computer Tutorials with Screen Capture Video
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
11:30am-12:30pm
Developing Effective Standards-Based Projects for Project-Based Learning

Hope to see you there --
and if not -- no worries, looks like we will see each other on blogs!

Jen

NECC 2006

EdTech Chats on Sunday

2006-06-18T17:50:00.000-07:00

What fun --
I just found out about a new place to spend an hour on Sundays. It is EdTechChat (http://edtechtalk.com/chat) and is both live and visual chat. If you have Skyp, you can log on and give your opinion/thoughts/ideas. Or just enjoy sitting in the chat room and listen to the chat.

Today was their 50th show and it was a salute to their members. Several great links were provided which you can find on their shownotes.

The time is 5:00 pm for PST -- but they have a link on their page to find out exactly what time you need to log on.

Enjoy!
Jennifer

TAG:
Ed Tech Chat

Free Curriculum -- Check It Out

2006-06-18T08:49:00.000-07:00

Today, while reading my email from Ed-Tech, one of the replies made reference to a site which I wished I had known about 3 months ago.

CyberSmart is a FREE K-8 curriculum empowering students to use the Internet safely, responsibly, and effectively!! (http://www.cybersmartcurriculum.org/home/)

I wandered through several of the lessons and they seem very very good!!!

They are lined up with NETS and ISTE standards as well.

Enjoy!!
Jen

ps -- to those reading this blog that are Fathers -- I wish you the best of days !!

Tags:
Cyber Smart

Too Too Much Fun

2006-06-17T16:15:00.000-07:00

When I was in college --- eons ago --- my boyfriend and I would go to Dancing Waters at Disneyland for a cheap date night. Now, if you don't know what dancing waters is -- just imagine colored water shooting up into the sky (left, right, spinning, swaying) to the tunes of Elvis, Patriotic songs, Disney melodies, John Denver, etc. (grins, it truly did not cost much to make me happy back then!!)

Then, as I aged (sighs) I fell in love with the Bellagio water show in Las Vegas. Truly, truly wonderful!! Pretty much like dancing waters but on a MUCH bigger scale. I will wait 2 hours just to get a great spot to view this.

So I was tickled pink when I visited CoolCat's blog today and saw a link to EdComp's Blog which linked me to this site -- http://eepybird.com/dcm1.html.
Okay, the two scientists who are having a blast, are using Diet Coke and mentos to perform the water (oops, Coke show) but it is still great fun!

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. (see, it still doesn't cost much to keep me happy!)

Jen

Tags:
Cool Cat Teacher
EdCompBlog

Another Way To Browse

2006-06-17T12:57:00.000-07:00

I enjoy Firefox --
Before Firefox, I was a Netscape Navigator user.

Though I am totally comfortable with Microsoft, I have always veered from using I/E as a browser. Grins, not sure why -- just did.

Today, an online friend, Sprittibee, showed me another way to browse. It is called Crazy Browser (http://www.crazybrowser.com/) and looks to be very similar to firefox. It has tabs (which is great) and a pop-up blocker as well. It is worth a looksee at least to see what it can do.

On a side note, I spent Saturday morning redoing my entire webpage at http://www.technospud.com. It's a new look, same color scheme, but a bit different in navigation. If you have any thoughts, find any typos or links not working, or just want to voice your opinion, please feel free to drop me a note.

Finally, for those of you who sent me so many nice cards yesterday -- THANK YOU. I woke up this morning unemployed. Not sure yet how that fits on me -- but as for right now, I am doing just fine. So thank you for your words of encouragement and support.
Jen

Tags
Technospud
Firefox
Crazy Browser
Day Spring Cards
Sprittibee

Summer Plans

2006-06-16T06:06:00.000-07:00

In just about 9 hours, I will enter the world of the unemployed. It's been a while since I have lived in that world, and I am a bit apprehensive yet also very optimistic on what the future holds. I expect it will be an emotional day with staff goodbyes. (There are 3 teachers and 2 assistants that will also be leaving today.)

But, as I enter this new chapter in my life, I am making my summer plans. And, as you suspect, many do involve technology -- so here goes.

1. Totally redo Technospud.com website.
2. Finish the 35 Tech Tips for Teachers and publish at www.lulu.com.
3. Prepare for my session at NECC.
4. Enjoy the NECC!! (I shall be staying at the Marriott if you wish to say "Hi.")
5. Prepare for my sessions at the Lausanne Laptop Conference in Tennessee.
6. Catch up on blog reading.
7. Try to learn Adobe Photo Elements and not depend solely on Paint Shop Pro knowledge!
8. Interview and send out more resumes.
9. Meet Susan Silverman at NECC and plan "Shark Bytes" project for fall.
10. Fine tune new projects for next year ''Charlotte's Web Project", "The Incredible Journey", and several more.
11. Write new lesson plans for teaching at LVS Online for Word and PowerPoint.
12. Travel to the Grand Canyon (I have never been!)

Grins -- it looks to be busy, yet very fun!!
Jen

Tags:

Technospud
NECC 2006

Last Day of School

2006-06-14T06:56:00.000-07:00

Today is it -- the last day the students come onto our campus -- though the teachers stay til Friday.

Yesterday, I had two sets of parents come into the lab to thank me for what has happened with their child since I have taught technology. One of them has been with our school for 9 years so they have seen both technology and myself change over the years. The other parent cried and was appreciative as well. It was good timing since I had just started a little pity party for myself in the lab. So as always, God is good and provides just what we need at the right time.

I spent most of yesterday (and will continue today) burning DVD's for the Claymation class and also the 7th Grade Tour of School Videos which have been created this last quarter in the lab. It has been great fun seeing the students take the same materials (either clay or pictures) and come up with unique and fantastic ways to display their work. We used Pinnacle Studio 9 for this project and the students just had a blast. One student will probably work someday for Veggie Tales or the company which makes Wallace and Grommit because he is so PRECISE and does wonderful work. (check back later to a link for his project!)

Hopefully, when the kids show off their DVD's to their parents, a few more parents will see just what was accomplished this year in the lab and be proud of their kids. I sure am!!!

Tags:
Technospud

Claymation

Pinnacle Studio

Trying to Tag, Part 2

2006-06-13T11:11:00.000-07:00

I am going to try to TAG today using some tips I learned at Technorati yesterday to see if perhaps it works. Grins -- however, I am sure that there MUST still be an easier way to do this -- but I will give it the old college try!!

So here are some tags for today:
Tags, Blogging, Firefox, Technospud

Trying To Tag

2006-06-12T06:29:00.000-07:00

I am attempting to take the next step into blogging by adding tags -- sighs, but I don't think I am doing it correctly.

I have followed all the steps at http://coolcatteacher.blogspot.com/2006/02/
how-do-i-easily-add-tags-to-my-blog.html and everything seems to be working well -- UNTIL I come to the publish and then it is asking me questions that I don't have answers to.

And I get this window when I click on tags....

Any help out there would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Jen

Tags:

Google Adsense -- Pretty Nifty Site

2006-06-11T22:08:00.000-07:00

After hearing some good things from fellow techies regarding Google Adsense (https://www.google.com/adsense/?sourceid
=aso&subid=ww-en-ha-adsense&medium=sem) I decided to take the plunge and sign up as well.

And though I have not received my first check yet, within 12 hours I have generated almost enough for a grande hot chocolate at Starbucks.......which is pretty good for just a couple of ads on a page.

There is a bit of time delay after you register to see if your site is approved.....but once it is, it is very very easy to set the links up on your page.

You can have links as well as referrers. I am really enjoy the referrers since I love Firefox and Picassa 2 and promoting those links are already something I do naturally. Grins, and now I get a little kickback for promoting them.

If you have a webpage -- and you have a little time and want a little extra cash.....I would invite you to check it out.

I will not be putting any referrers here -- so I don't get anything but enjoyment for letting you know about a new fun toy I have found.

Enjoy!
Jen

The Blessing --- A Night To Remember

2006-06-10T18:45:00.000-07:00

A few years ago, my school started a tradition for the outgoing 8th graders.......it is called "The Blessing."

Parents/Guardians are provided with Gary Smalley & John Trent's, The Blessing,
a few weeks before the ceremony. The book provides the parents/guardians with some ideas of how they will be blessing their child.

Skip forward to last night. Our teacher/pastor opened the evening with scripture and prayer and then invited familes, one at a time, to come forward -- with their child, to present a blessing.

It was a tremendous evening for many reasons. One is the fact that parents see their children in a totally different light than their teachers and it is great to be enlightened about the specialness of each student. Two, parent's share little antedotes and special little funny stories that are both embarassing yet precious to the family. One such story was about one student who's family maped out a route when he was 2 so that when he went for walks with his grandma, he would pass the most fire hydrants. Why the necessity to pass the most hydrants?? Because he was enthralled with them and needed to hug each one. Precious!!!

But the best part of the entire evening is seeing moms and dads telling their kid how much they love them and are proud of them. There are hugs, there are tears, there are smiles, and there are laughs -- but most of all, there is the acknowledgement to these kids that they are LOVED.

And that is the most important thing our kids need to know!!! Daily!!!

Jen

ps -- one of the most memorable moments, it still makes me tear up, is when I remember the father who prayed for his daughter's heart. That it would be protected and not given to the wrong person. That her heart would be preserved and saved for the person God knew would be right for her. What a hope!!! So great!!!

Google Keeps Me Current

2006-06-09T06:33:00.000-07:00

Google.com is my home page. Every morning, when I boot up my computer, the google image is the first thing I see!! And it keeps me current with what is happening.

When an important event happens or it's someone's birthday who is famous -- the Google Image changes. And it alerts me to check out what is going on. Today, (understand I am NOT a big sports fan), I found out that the schedule for the World Cup. Which led me to another site about soccer and now I am a bit more educated on this sport.

It is how I found more about Sherlock Holmes, Earth Day, Picasso, the Chinese New Year's, and so much more.

Google has found a simplistic yet fantastic way to catch people's attention and I would just like to personally thank them.

If you would like to see their images -- please follow this link --
http://www.google.com/intl/en/holidaylogos.html
-- you will also find their logo which you can use on your webpage as well as logos created by fans.

Make sure you check out the Christmas googles -- there are usually 4 or 5 that grow in sucession and are always quite fun.

Enjoy!
Jennifer

Friday -- a day of lasts...............

2006-06-08T21:21:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, Friday, June 9th, will be my last day to teach at my current school. We still have school next week but it is mostly school events, parties, ceremonies, chapel, and chaos!! (Grins)

As of yet, I am not sad.....I think because I know I have chosen the correct decision to move on.......but I wonder what I will feel like at 2:30 tomorrow afternoon as I say goodbye to my last class.

Today, a prospective parent was brought into the lab and I was asked to chat about what we do and what we will be doing. To talk about what we had done is so easy -- but I could not tell them what is on the agenda because I have not been a part of the decision in my replacement.

The administration is talking big, a company with a name!!! They are talking a mobiile station, a full lab with flat screens, teacher training, and all the things I had been hoping, asking for, and promoting the last 10 years. It has been frustrating for me to realize that for the last 10 years I have skimped and saved and did MUCH with so little (both in funds and support) and now technology is going to fly at my school but with somone else at the controls.

But when I think of all the "administration choices" I have to remember to keep my eyes on the students. It has been their use of technology that has made me proud. It has been their use of technlogy that has made me smile. It has been their use of technology that kept my LOVE of technology striving for more and more ways to keep them inspired!!

J

Writing a Book -- using www.lulu.com

2006-06-07T21:46:00.000-07:00

I am in the midst of writing my first book -- full book. I have been published before, but only for articles -- nothing big.

I don't think I would ever have thought of doing this until I was introduced to www.lulu.com which is an online site which takes your work (graphics, music, print, etc) and will prepare it for publication at a very minimal cost.

So -- I have taken 35 of my newsletter tech tips and have combined them into 1 book. So far, it is at 75 pages and I still have the Table of Contents, bibliography, and all the other legal stuff that I need to do.

And what an experience it has been. What fun it has been!! And how much I have learned about proofing and editing. One of my newsletter readers has graciously signed on to be my proofer and BOY is she good!! Thanks, Kathy!!!

So -- the d-day for the book being available will be July 1st!! Hope Hope!!!

What fun the internet is -- what doors it has opened!!!

Jen

Less than a month.....

2006-06-06T06:46:00.000-07:00

I tend to think ahead -- and this morning my thoughts turned to a month from now, when I will wake up in San Diego for my 2nd day of the NECC. The NECC is a wonderful -- though overwhelming -- technology conference for teachers, administrators, and just about anybody who loves teaching students and teachers to use technology.

My days at the conference are already becoming filled with speaking, sessions I need to go to, awards I need to accept, and events I'd like to attend. Plus, the fun of always seeing old friends (can't wait to see David Warlick and Al Rogers!!) and meeting new friends (Susan Silverman and I plan to co-host a project in the fall.)

Last year, I was simply overwhelmed with the exhibit hall. Never before have I been so "hit" by the possibilities of technology uses. Everyone had the best program or item that "I needed to see!!" Luckily, I have a standing rule that I walk the exhibit hall the first time and Don't stop to talk to ANYONE at a booth. It gives me time to digest what is going on.

I am going to spend the majority of my "free time" learing more about RSS and how to create more effective and readable blogs. Plus, I hope to do some podcasting while I am there as well.

Because of the Sigtel Award and GSN award, I will be getting to attend this conference free of charge and also have been provided with a very nice room for 4 nights -- so it looks to be a great event and I can't wait to blog about it.

If you are planning to attend, and if you see me zooming past, reach out and say "HI". Grins -- even if I am in the exhibit hall.........I always have time to chat with friends.

Jen

Too Much Technology??? Too Many Steps??

2006-06-05T16:25:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I tend to make things a bit more difficult than they need to be -- grins -- and perhaps if I post the steps I am having to take, someone out there reading my blog just might be able to say "it is much simpler than you are making it."

To paint the picture -- my 7th grade students are creating videos using Pinnacle Studio and we are bringing in songs as background music. And we are following copyright rules of how much of the song we are using. So please don't "tsk tsk tsk" at me, we are being good. I think however, we might be hacking just a bit. :)

Okay -- this is how we are doing it right now.

Step 1. We purchase the song from iTunes.
Step 2. We burn the song to a CD.
Step 3. We reopen the song in Windows Media Player.
Step 4. We rip the song.
Step 5. The song is opened in Audacity so we can edit.
Step 6. The song is saved in both wav and mp3 format
Step 7. The song is transfered to the server for student use.
Step 8. The song can be opened in Pinnacle.

If the song is brought in by CD, we skip right to step 3.

The steps we are taking IS working. I am just wondering if perhaps we are making this MUCH more difficult than we should be.

Hmmmm -- your help???

Thanks,
J

Random Thoughts

2006-06-03T09:33:00.000-07:00

The last days of school are winding down where I teach. Kids are tired of school -- so are the teachers.

It's an exciting time though, in the computer lab as end-of-the-year projects are finishing up and students are finally seeing the results of their labor.

My 6th graders worked on a Game Show format PowerPoint that had over 125 hyperlinks they had to place in order to make the game work right. There were plenty of complaints and "do I have tos" during the linking part of the lesson.

But when they started to test their games -- there were ooohs and ahhhs and applause. They were able to see that their hard work paid off. And they were more than pleased with the results.

And that is how I am ending my school year as well. I think that I grumbled a bit more than I needed to but as I look back at the final product of what I have accomplished in the last 10 years at my job, I stop and say "ooh and ahhh" and am pleased with the results.

I hope you feel the same with your teaching!!!

Another Fun Site

2006-06-02T07:03:00.000-07:00

Enjoy!!!

ACME LICENSE MAKER

(http://www.acme.com/licensemaker/)

Cleaning Up -- Moving On

2006-06-02T06:44:00.000-07:00

In less than 2 weeks now, I will be saying goodbye to a job I have called both work and home since 1994. It is both an exciting time, yet also a bit sobering as I am starting to say my goodbyes.

Yesterday, I spent some time cleaning up the lab in preparation for a final inventory. Several hours of time were spent just in cleaning up old zip drives of information and it became a journey down memory lane because some of the documents went back to 1997.

I laughed at my old webpages (made with publisher) that I was so proud of then, but now I look at them and cringe a bit. I smiled as I wandered through old yearbooks and said prayers for students that I had not thought of in quite a long time. I grabbed and saved to CD the lesson plans I had written so long ago and had forgotten about that will get reused again with my newsletter.

But mostly, I just realized that I have been in a wonderful place for the last 12 years. Not just at my school, but with the knowledge that I have a God-given talent with technology and just have loved sharing enjoyment of that skill.

I don't know what is in my future yet -- but I know WHO holds my future -- and I also know that my future will include using technology everywhere and anywhere I can.

Jen

ps -- this morning I was led to Bud the Teacher's blog and wanted to pass on his link. One of his students used a popular video game to create his final Othello project. I hope you enjoy his creativity and also are amazed at how easily he merged technology into his project.
http://budtheteacher.typepad.com/bud_the_teacher/2006/05/a_world_at_his_.html

A little bit of computer humor

2006-05-31T19:54:00.001-07:00

I have spent my Memorial Day weekend cleaning up my CD backups and moving everything from 50 cds and 100 zips to about 5 DVD's.

It is amazing the stuff I have found from eons ago.

One little tidbit I found, I decided to post here.............

Needless to say, if you have been in the tech world for quite some time, you should know most of these. I, myself, am stumped on a few, but I am sure you will enlighten me.

Enjoy!!
Jen

Another Free Online Tool -- NetVibes

2006-05-30T06:30:00.000-07:00

My blog has a visitor checker -- yes, I know it is an ego-thing, but I enjoy knowing how many are reading the blog (38 so far) and where they are reading from (as far as Singapore).

I am also able to link to some of the ISP's and that is where I found this neat tool -- it is called Netvibes and it is pretty much an all-in-one personal web secretary. (http://www.netvibes.com/)

Though it is still in beta -- it is quite easy to set up and customize to your own options. You have options to set up all your email to check at one location, you can set up your RSS feeds as well as your flickr accounts.

Also, you can set up your del.ico.ious account to this site as well. Plus, weather, news, and a google search all can be added as well.

I have read all their faq's and this is what they have to say ....
Netvibes.com is a custom made web 2.0 home page solution

This service is free and gives the user the ability :

to create a personalized page with the content they like.
to put together data feeds and services from web 2.0 with a very simple interface
to access your page anytime and from any computer .

I think my favorite part though of Netvibes is one requirement they make for users of their service............ (I had never seen this before)

You must be a human. Accounts registered by “bots” or other automated methods are not permitted.

(grins -- that just tickled me)

Seems to be an easy site to set up and use. When I find more information, I will add it here.

Jen

In Honor of One Who Was Serving His Country.....

2006-05-28T21:14:00.000-07:00

I would like to pay tribute to the son of some college friends of mine -- Guy and Maryann Glimpse. Their son died on April 12, 2006.

Lance Cpl. Marcus S. Glimpse, 22, of Huntington Beach, Calif., died April 12 as the result of an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

You will be missed -- and what you have done for our freedom will never be forgotten.

Sometimes Technology Is Too Darn Fast.....

2006-05-25T06:22:00.000-07:00

First of all -- I guess I need to mention that I live on the West Coast. Those of you on the East Coast would not have been affected by what happened to me.....

About 6:55 (PST) last night I sat down on my couch to enjoy an hour of a national news talk show I enjoy and also was looking forward to the American Idol Finale (at 8pm). I knew who I wanted to win, I knew who I thought would win and basically I was just killing time until 8pm when AI would start.

And to my dismay -- the national news show that I watched decided to spend the first 5 minutes to preempt my regular show to Broadcast the winner of AI. They not only talked about it -- but they had a banner at the bottom of the page so if I had only been channel surfing, I would have seen it too.

I truly understand that whoever publicizes the news first wins -- but this was just unfair. Could they not have had a "If you don't wish to know warning" or at least not had the banner. Netscape did the same thing several survivors ago when Richard Hatch won -- they pushed the news right away when the East Coast knew -- while we on the West Coast still had no idea.

I did dash a letter off to this news station, stating something heartfelt about no regard for those viewers on the West Coast, blah blah blah. But this morning I woke up still a bit irritated.

I guess what I am trying to articulate is that sometimes the use of technology is just too darn fast. I think they were still shaking Taylor's hand when the news channel posted the announcement. Perhaps the news of the new AI was important enough to be world wide news -- ??? hmmmm, I'm truly not sure.

To sum it up ....... I just wish I hadn't turned on my TV until 8.

J

Wikipedia -- Some thoughts

2006-05-24T06:41:00.000-07:00

I never truly gave a great deal of thought to primary sources until I became the head of History Day at my school.

We had a discussion this weekend, at a conference I presented at, about the validity of wikipedia. (I have personally changed the name to peopedia -- a people created encyclopedia) And I wonder about the outrage that is going on.

Yes, it is true that wikipedia can be edited by anyone!! Yes, it is true that you can find incorrect information at the site. But yes, it is true that they have a team (not a small team) of pedians who are seriously checking the entries for correctness and validity.

I don't think the problem with the validity of wikipedia is the true issue here. My continual soapbox dialogue is that our students are just copy/pasting information rather than reading it, contemplating it, dissecting it, and then creating their interpretation of it.

This same issue -- of not reading -- can be the same with any online site. The ability to copy/paste has provided students (and adults too) with an easy opportunity to no longer have to read.

I think Wikipedia has become an easy target which turns us away from the true target. Students need to be reading data -- collecting data -- dissecting data -- and then provide their understanding of what they have read.

I think that is the true issue here.

The Book Is Better -- IMHO

2006-05-21T17:35:00.000-07:00

I went to see the DaVinci Code today. I read the book when it first came out -- pretty much in 2 hours and loved the suspense and the search for clues.

Though I 100% do not believe with any of the religious "accusations" that are given about Christ and Mary Magdalene, I did enjoy the quick pace of the book and surprises throughout the book.

Because of this -- I was very disappointed with the movie. I don't know what I expected, but I know I expected more. The parts which I absolutely LOVED in the book -- weren't even in the movie. I was MOST disappointed in the ending when she meets up with people from her past. I also was VERY disappointed with how they handled other key surprises -- which I won't mention here which could spoil somethings for you.

What I did like -- except for the very end -- was that the Tom Hanks character, instead of affirming the C/MM scenario, in fact seemed a bit skeptical. I truly appreciated that fact. I always knew that the book was fiction. However, I know others might have read Dan B. book as fact.

Part of me wishes that I had never seen the movie -- it was a much better movie in my mind as I turned each page. I think I shall read the book again!!

I would encourage you, if you created the movie within your mind as well, to just enjoy your own creation -- you might be disappointed with how it was adapted for film.

Grins -- I shall get off my soapbox.
J

Picasa 2 -- CUE seminar

2006-05-20T10:22:00.000-07:00

I created this at a Picassa 2 class. This is a free software from Google.

(http://picasa.google.com/index.html)
What a treat this software was. If it is new to you -- then you HAVE to try it out. (it is PC, Win XP or Win 2000 based).

Besides not being able to beat the price -- it is free -- it is one of the most user-friendly and very powerful graphic manipulator I have come upon in a long time.

The image above was done with a great tool called "Multilayers" with a bit of sepia tone thrown in. It took me about 20 minutes to find all the tools -- it will take your kids about 5. :)

Google continues to astound me with the tools they have offered to tech users!!

Here is another one which is great fun and Free Free Free!!

Enjoy!!
J

San Gabriel Valley Cue

2006-05-20T06:09:00.000-07:00

I am off to present at the San Gabriel Valley Cue (computer using educator's) conference (http://www.sgvcue.org/) on online projects. The conference is about 1 hour away in driving time (at most) so I have a little time to post here.

It will be a 2 hour seminar. The first hour, I introduce projects and the second hour, we actually participate in one. Today's Project: How Far Did You Drive? It's an easy, but quick, project that I can integrate math, language, science, history, blogging, chatrooms, online tools and more. Hopefully, we will have a fun group who just runs with this project.

Marina Leight will be the keynote (http://www.learningtimes.org/leight.html). I have never heard her speak nor have heard of her personally, so this should be a good keynote.

These small conferences are so great. The intimacy of 10 - 25 participants per session allows good conversation and usually brings some great new ideas to the table.

Plus, its over at 3 which means I should be home by 4ish.........still time to play.

More on this conference later.

J

As the days begin to wind down.............

2006-05-18T19:51:00.000-07:00

As my days are winding down, parents are starting to hear rumors of my moving onto a new job next year. There are hugs -- but a lot of trepidation and concern about what will happen in the fall.

The parents at my school do not separate the world of technology with me, as the teacher in that world. We are one and the same. They have been pleased with the skills their students have learned and also the way that they have been taught. Grins -- I can't give complete credit to myself because I know I am blessed with kids who LOVE technology and have no worries at all when it comes to its use!!

I reassured parents that the school will be wise as they pick a successor -- yet, I know I will be anxious myself to see who replaces my position. I wonder if there will be phone calls (where is this, do we have a ...., can I see what you did last year, etc etc). I am also very hopeful that the transition is a very easy one and my students see yet someone else who loves the use of technology. But in my little insecure world, I want there to be a couple of bumps in the road.

There have been several -- I am amazed -- job offers and suggestions. Though I am not ready to jump on anything immediately. With the NECC and then the Laptop Institute taking place in July, I really don't want to make any big decisions until those two commitments are finished. However, it would be nice to know who is signing my new paycheck this fall.

Am I getting a bit sentimental - yes. Has panic set in -- only for about 1 hour on Tuesday. Am I sure that I made the right decision -- 100% confident. Will I miss my students -- TOTALLY!!

Jen

The DOPA Chat continues here...............

2006-05-18T06:33:00.000-07:00

I am carefully watching 2 blogs right now --
Vicki Davis (CoolCatTeacher) -- http://coolcatteacher.blogspot.com/
and Will Richardson (Webblogg) -- http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/dopa-letter-wiki/

both have chatted recently on the DOPA (Deleting Online Predators Act) and how it might end up deleting more than what its original agenda seems to be.

Though I am still becoming more familiar with the DOPA issues -- it continues to amaze me that in dealing with internet issues (such as chat/"my space"/email) the reaction is that of "absolutes" instead of truly looking into the issue and thinking long term and making well thought out decisions than just an immediate NO.

It is a well-known fact that if you make a "RULE", most people will find a way to work around it or even break it. The "panic" response to My Space and such has, in my humble opinion, fed a fire that might have gone out if the reponse had not been so overstated.

I look forward to reading more about this ACT in the next few days and becoming more educated about it. However, if what I have read so far is accurate, once again, we need to train our students in using the internet and not just slam doors in their faces. Never in history has trying to stifle an issue made that issue go away. In fact, it usually gains more momentum and soon can be bigger than ever imagined.

Both Vicki and Will are excellent writers and an asset to the blogging community. Please visit both their blogs with more information about the DOPA!

My First Online Chat

2006-05-16T18:22:00.000-07:00

Well -- I just received an email that my online chat taped in May is now on the internet.

You are welcome to visit http://www.thesop.org/
to listen to my (hmmm) somewhat coherent chatter. My debate teacher would be dismayed at my emms and ahhs and all the ands!!

It was a fun interview though --
Right now I feel very "techie".

I guess its my first i-cast?? hmmm, phonecast??
I guess I will just have be content with online interview.

It's a first for me -- such fun!

jen

The Best Internet Filter -- Students!!!

2006-05-16T06:36:00.000-07:00

Our school has an internet filter -- I believe we have to due to NCLB. But our filter is not what protects my students. My students and their integrity, knowledge, and techno-understanding is what protects my students. Hopefully the rules in the lab transfer to their rules at home.......and as of yet, with one exception, we have had no problems in the lab.

Please know that my Middle School Students are never allowed free rein in the lab to wander aimlessly over the internet. Usually they have a home page which has sites which I have researched and know will have quality data. However, at times, the students need to find their own data. These are the rules we discuss. They know that this is the behavior I expect. And so far, they have exceeded my expectations!

Rule #1
If it is inappropriate, close the window. Do not use the back button, do not nudge your friends to check it out, do not brag about it later.

Rule #2
Check, double check how you typed the URL before you hit Go or enter. A single .com or .gov can make all the difference. So be aware!!

Rule #3
Read the google or ask.com description if you are doing a search. Look at the URL address as well -- if it doesn't look legit, continue to look.

Rule #4
Bookmark the sites you find the most helpful! Create a page at Delicious (http://del.icio.us/ ) or any other bookmark/favorites site to share your pages with others. Become an enabler of knowledge!!!

Book #5
The internet should not replace the library. Just because you saw it online does not always make it true. Just because you read it in a book doesn't make it true.
(side note here, the DaVinci code is good evidence of this)
Back up your data with more than one source. Find out the joy of holding a book!!

Rule #6
Do not wander aimlessly. If you are unsure of where you will go when you are ready to click -- then don't click. Hover over a link and look to the bottom left of your screen to see where it will lead. Be a savey surfer and dissect the URL.

Rule #7
The true power in the internet lies with YOU. You can find junk or you can find treasures. You can find information that will change your life or you can find confusion. YOU control the mouse and you control your IMPUT to your brain!

Rule #8
Cite Cite Cite!!
Unless you wrote, drew, composed, created, or typed in what you see on a webpage --- it is not yours to claim. Remember to give credit where credit is due!! Grabbing images off Google is not ethical and copy/paste is just too easy. Remember always to cite your source.

Rule #9
Never, ever take the internet for granted. When teachers, parents, grandparents go on and on about how things were before the internet -- do not dismiss them and decide to not listen. Instead, realize that you live in a marvelous time in history and enjoy the freedom you have at your fingertips. Just remember to use that freedom wisely!

Rule #10
Never ever go anywhere that you would not want your teacher, your grandmother, your preacher, or your God looking over your shoulder to see what you are visiting.

Technospud Projects Winding Down for 2005/2006

2006-05-13T17:51:00.000-07:00

Today, I spent the majority of my afternoon cleaning up my Technospud Projects webpage. It's getting to be the end of the school year, and many projects needed to be closed down for the summer. In addition to this, I needed to check links to make sure that all outside links still linked to the sites that they were supposed to. (grins)

So, I spent time journeying down memory lane today.

It is hard to believe that since 1999, I have hosted over 30 projects. With over 300 participanting schools on average, with 25 students per class (on average), the Technospud Projects has been involved with over 225,000 students and teachers. (and hopefully parents and friends as well.)

The Technospud Projects began after I had attended a seminar at Classroom Connect where Online Projects were presented quite briefly in a seminar. (I wish I knew who the speaker had been so I could say "Hey, look what you started!") And now, the technospud projects are award winning and have changed and impacted my life forever.

And as always, as I close down a project for the summer, the wheels in my head begin to spin with plans for the Fall. I have been asked to team a project with Susan Silverman which I hope works out in the fall. Plus, the O.R.E.O. project will return, we will have the Egg Roll again in the spring, and several other favorites will be repeating as well. I am also looking forward to a project about the book "The Incredible Journey" which enable me to recyle the beanie baby cat and dog which were used in "Shoeless and Bark!"

It has been a day of looking back and looking ahead. And that always ends up being a great day!!

Jen

Leaving An E-Trail

2006-05-11T06:24:00.000-07:00

A few days ago -- a student overheard a conversation between a couple of teachers discussing a situation that had happened that there had not been a "paper trail" to back up the decision.

And, as students usually do, the student decided to question this conversation in the middle of class since they did not know what a paper trail was.

It turned into quite an interesting discussion as we talked about Hansel and Gretl first and how they had had to leave a trail to get back to where they had started. This led into more discussion of how dectectives can follow clues to get back to events, etc etc etc.

I was able to easily switch the discussion over to the internet and leaving -- what I call an "e-trail" -- and the kids doubted at first that anything they leave on the internet really stays.

Sooooo -- I gave a homework assignment. They had to do a google search (or as some call, an "ego search") of their name. They did NOT have to visit the sites but they had to view how many sites had links of their names, or of information about themselves, or of posts to blogs or "my space" postings that was indeed information about themselves!!!

The assignment was to copy the google reference into a wordprocessing document and bring it in to discuss. They also had to have verification of the time they spent on this assignment. I gave them 10 minutes minimum.

WOWOWOWOWOWOW -- one student had over 115 google references. She was amazed at what she found. When she discussed her findings, she admitted (and she is a frequent my space user) that she didn't know that what she said could really be seen by others. She said that she needed to know how to erase somethings. She also was shocked to see how much information she had put out there for people to find out. And she also admitted spending 2 hours doing this assignment.

We also found out that our school -- inadvertently -- was providing personal information with listing of sport teams, sport events coming up, and awards.

But what was the best was the parent reaction. Because part of the assignment was that a parent needed to review the wordprocessing document with the student to verify the time frame that the student had worked. (The rule was NOT that the parent had to view the pages but sign the coversheet to verify the time the student spent on the assignment.)

It opened up some good discussion between parent and child -- some very good discussion between teacher and parent -- but the best was the peer discussion.

All my rantings and ravings about "my space" and being cautious with posting information -- suddenly now was a reality because THEY were able to realize it and share their experiences firsthand.

It was -- and still is -- an amazing discussion.

Jen

New for Websites -- Badges

2006-05-06T10:30:00.000-07:00

As you journey the internet, you might notice that some sites now badges on their pages --

Badges are a quick and effective way of getting your page noticed with some quick information.

I am still working on my Technospud Badge -- I am just not sure what wording I will use.

Here are a couple of links with ways you can create badges. Even if you don't have a webpage, it could also be used as a lesson in your classrooms!!

Golden Seal - 3D Badge -- http://www.brownbatterystudios.com
/sixthings/2006/04/05/rapid-fire-2-golden-seal/

PhotoShop Tutorials --
http://www.ajaxlessons.com/2006/
02/16/web-20-badge-tutorial/

I was able to adapt both these lessons to Paint Shop Pro easily.

Enjoy
Jennifer

Technology Seminar

2006-05-03T21:02:00.000-07:00

Today I had the pleasure of meeting Judi Wolf (http://techteachconcepts.com)
at an all day tech seminar. I love hearing new concepts and seeing some great new (well, sometimes just new to me) websites.

The energy at these seminars is always great fun and just talking with other people, sharing ideas, listening to new ideas, sharing what works and what doesn't work, is always great.

When I got to the seminar and found my spot, to my surprise, a friend that I only see at another yearly seminar was there as well. So it was great fun to chat with Natalie as well. She is the webmaster at CC Murietta (http://www.cccsmurrieta.com/elementary/index.asp) if you are in need of a webmaster.

Some of the sites I think kids will just love were math sites and I wanted to share just a few here with you --

Base Ten Blocks - http://www.arcytech.org/java/b10blocks/b10blocks.html

Pattern Blocks - http://arcytech.org/java/patterns/patterns_j.shtml

Virtual Manipulatives from Utah State University - http://matti.usu.edu/nlvm/nav/vlibrary.html

Illumination Tools - http://illuminations.nctm.org/mathlets/shapebalance/index.html

Aunty Math - http://www.dupagechildrensmuseum.org/aunty/get-started.html

It was an all day seminar -- and though I was blessed to get in by invite through Judi, it would have been WELL WORTH the cost.

Thanks Judi --
Jennifer

Blogging -- A New Frontier

2006-05-02T07:51:00.000-07:00

Each month, the technospudprojects website hosts a mini-project using a poll. This month is a question about blogging.

It is interesting (and a bit frightening) to me to see that out of 15 votes (since yesterday) 10 of them indicate that they don't even know what a blog is. That is 75%!!!

It is a new frontier out for the teachers I am in contact with. These are technology using teachers -- most have participated in online projects for 3 years or more -- yet they are still newbies to the world of blogs!!

I realize for some, blogging just comes easily -- but for others, it can be a scarey endeavor. I know that the tools are there for them to blog with -- but I am wondering about how to diminish the intimidation and fear that some teachers have.

I thought the numbers of blog users would be much higher --
Grins -- I need to rethink some upcoming projects to include blogging!!

Jen

Be On The Lookout -- Fake Bills

2006-05-01T06:30:00.000-07:00

I am sure everyone has received emails letting them know to "click here" for bank information, paypal updates, ebay notices, to help someone with their huge money problem, etc etc........which I hope everyone, like myself, has made a delete folder in their mail service for all that "junk mail" to go.

It is easy though to have the moment of anxiety when you get an email that has a sense of urgency and demands instant response.

Well now, it seems, that that problem is now traveling onto your snail mail as well. And the bills seem legit -- and businesses (more than individuals) are being warned to be advised.

An article at PCWorld.com (http://news.yahoo.com/s/pcworld/20060501/tc_pcworld/125366) talked about a company receiving a bill (which had their webaddress listed on the bill) for a $60 payment due. Since it seemed legit, they paid it. And have heard nothing from the company.

At work, we continue to get a bill for a magazine that I have never subscribed to, but somehow have gotten on their mailing list, and the bill comes with the words URGENT and PAST DUE, etc on the envelope. Our accounts payable always calls me right away demanding to know why this is happening, and I have to explain that it isn't legit. Does anyone else out there have this same issue.

So -- as always -- continue to be aware!!
(and be an advocate for internet and mail safety to your students and parents!)
Jennifer

Online Storage

2006-04-30T21:13:00.000-07:00

Online Storage has become a bit of a buzz word at the last few conferences I have gone too. Grins -- as if the 150gb harddrives that seem standard now aren't enough, plus flashdrives and external harddrives .................

So, I would like to share 3 online storage options I think you might consider......

The first is Mozy.com (http://www.mozy.com/)
This site allows you to have 2 gbs of free storage (at this time) and for $19.95 you can have 5gb.

I have not tried this site out -- nor am I part of the referral program -- I am just passing on some possibilities to you.
This is a WIN XP program for now -- but they say they are going to be providing a MAC version soon.

The second is gmail .
I have had gmail now for almost 1 year and never thought of the fact that it allows storage.
You will have to mail yourself an attachment with the file you wish to save, but it allows you to backup your documents up to 2gb of information (and if you have more than 1 gmail account, you can double or even triple your storage space.)

Finally -- and I know that most of you have thought of this -- use your own website as a storage area.
I have two websites with 1,000mb of space each -- however, I use only about 1/4 of each -- so I have started to FTP all my presentations, handouts, and backups up onto my website. I have put links to all my presentations on a handout page and then can open them from wherever I might be.

Hope some of these ideas help --
Jennifer

Our School's Annual Auction -- Today

2006-04-29T07:57:00.000-07:00

Right now, as I type this entry, about 20 people are busily working over on the church campus getting ready for the other 200 of us that will show up in about 2 hours to start putting together our contribution to the school auction/carnival/faire. The actual event starts in 7 hours.

In the past, the auction has been only for parents, and has always been a big dinner/dance/gala costing up to $150 per couple.

This event, costs nothing to get in. Grins, however, I know for sure that parents will be dropping money all over the place.

The events has:
A kid concert at 7pm
Lots of bounces, velcro games, clowns, balloons, and a human fooz ball game (can't wait to see that)
Food vendors from around the area
A Kid Bid Auction (this is my baby -- where we have 10 great prizes for the kids to have a chance of winning)
A Parent Bid Auction
A Silent Auction
A Teen area with climbing walls, bands, dance floor, and laser tag
and also a fund an item area where parents can buy a desk for a class, a new computer, a tree, etc.

Its a busy day -- it will be a hectic day -- but it will be fun.

~~~~~~~~~~~
The auction is over -- and my feet hurt. :)
But oh what fun -- and how great it is when parents enjoy hanging with their kids!
My area ended up being quite successful. I estimate that we sold over 1,000 tickets ($1 each) in just over 3 hours and ended up with some very happy winners in the KidBid Auction. I have now seen this kind of fund raiser done quite successfully twice!! The iPod had the most tickets placed in for chances to win!! The Narnia box went quite well and the two bikes were a big hit.
I am tired though -- and my cat feels neglected!
So I shall bid you a good night!

Jen

Replaced by a Company

2006-04-27T19:22:00.000-07:00

The days are ticking down until I drive to my school to teach for the last time. Most of the students and parents are unaware right now for a variety of reasons -- but news is slowly leaking out.

I do think it is interesting, though, that the administrators of my school are not interviewing individuals to take my place. In fact, quite the oppostite........they are interviewing companies. Companies that will come in with someone to teach, someone to fix all the computers both in the lab and classrooms, someone to write lesson plans, someone to write the techgrants, and someone to train the teachers. All which I have done by myself for 9 years.

It's kind of nice to know that it is going to take a village to replace me. (grins)

It is just my hope that either company will take the time to not only know the students' names but realize that (not real names) Stewart sometimes just needs to sit back and watch and not touch the mouse, that Mary likes to hum while working in powerpoint, and Joe really likes to wander around the class and help other students when he understand and that sometimes the best partner for a student can be the teacher sitting down to share the mouse.

My kids have been spoiled during the last nine years. I wonder if they will realize that they had a novelty in their life. Someone who not only loved technology, but could teach it without getting all technical and wordy. Someone who not only loved teaching, but could bounce from K to 8 and then to 2 and end with 4th within 4 hours. Someone who didn't mind them knowing more, as long as they shared their information.

I just hope that the new company loves my kids as much as I have these past years!

Jen

Style of Teaching Changing -- At least for me....

2006-04-27T01:00:00.000-07:00

During the last few months, I have noticed that my style of teaching has been changing from that of a talker to that of an enjoyer.................and I didn't even do it on purpose.

I don't think that I ever was a look here, and click here kind of teacher but I do think that I didn't give the students enough time to figure some things out on their own -- and yet they produced some great projects -- they tended to be projects that reflected my likes/dislikes and even my skills rather than their own.

But for some reason -- this January, I started to change -- and in that change, not only did I start to enjoy freedom -- but my students did as well.

I still teach for the first 15 minutes of each class (for example, we are using PowerPoint with 3rd graders right now) but then I give them the last 30 minutes of class to play with the tools presented that day and create something that reflects their understanding and expertise of the tools explained and learned.

And what results I am seeing, what fun I am seeing, and what possibilities I am releasing them to embrace.

Grins -- and then to confirm that perhaps I was on the right way -- I was wandering through some blogs this morning, (I can't seem to be able to sleep tonight) and found the following post at the TechLearning Blog (written by Terry Freedman on April 11, 2006)

The teacher spends too much time talking
Most people learn by doing. Even teachers mostly learn by practising teaching, not reading about it or listening to someone else talk about it. Yet I have observed lessons in which, out of a 55 minute lesson, the teacher spoke for 45 minutes. It gets worse. In those sorts of lessons, the teacher loves his own voice so much that the 10 minutes the pupils actually get to do something do not come in one chunk, but in two or three blocks of a few minutes each. Typically, the teacher says, “OK, now I’d like you to try that yourself. Remember, you select the text and then click on the B to make it bold.” This leads on to another characteristic of such lessons, that of boring activities.”

Grins -- I have found that since I have started "shutting up" my lessons have become better and the students output has become even more than I had hoped!!

Isn't it ironic that I am becoming a better teacher just as I am preparing to move on from my present job.

Jen

Phone Interview with The Student Operated Press

2006-04-26T06:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I was interviewed by Judyth Piazza of The Student Operated Press (http://www.thesop.org)

It was quite interesting (and humbling) to realize that my jumbled thoughts during the phone interview would be edited and uploaded to the internet for others to listen to. They would add music, special effects, clean up my "emms and ahhs" and make it sound quite nice. (Grins, at least I hope so!!)

The Student Operated Press is an interesting resource that you might wish to check out with your Middle School and High School Students.

They suggest ---

Whether you are a a budding writer, radio show host, photographer or cartoonist, we want you on board.

The Student Operated Press, aims to provide you the opportunity to "strut your stuff" and provide for you a training ground where you can grow and learn from those already working in the media.

Jen

A New Way to Surf

2006-04-25T18:20:00.000-07:00

Today, one of my students came in and asked me if I had heard of BLINGO (http://www.blingo.com) which I had to admit that I had not but said I would check it out when I got home.

Well, though I am sure there has to be a catch -- it looks interesting and they showed me the Visa card that they had won.....so it is a bit legit.

This is what is said about Blingo -- Blingo is a Google-powered search engine with a twist. Each search on Blingo is also a chance to win a prize. And this is how it works:

1. They pick a bunch of random winning times.
2. The first person to search after the winning time wins instantly.
3. Then tell them where to send the prize.

You will need to sign up and they will send a "cookie" to your computer. (A cookie is a piece of data that identifies you as a unique user.) So it is not completely "free" but it looks to be a bit interesting and I think I might try it out for a month or two. (I always delete my cookies after each session anyway so I think I might be okay)

I would love to hear what you think about this -- and if you should win, please let me know ASAP.

If you wish to join -- please follow this link --
http://www.blingo.com/friends?ref=U23217d9kROUCBEyDbH9rWHjH7Y

Jen

99 cents a call -- Hmmmm???

2006-04-25T06:04:00.000-07:00

Last night, as I was watching a reality show, an advertisement came on to call in and to vote for the person who you thought would be the one voted off that night -- and a chance to win $10,000. And it costs 99cents a call. Hmmm -- I thought -- a new game show is doing this too.

But then I started to think -- is this really for real?? Did the producer of the show just sit at home between 9 and 10 PST just to announce who America had voted for?? And did he also sit at home for all the different time zones?? Smiles -- I really don't think so.

Also -- 99 cents adds up really quickly. So is $10,000 just a small fraction of the phone calls that come in??

And the singing show is doing this too..................

Hmmm -- this truly intrigues me.

Are our kids being stooped to call in their votes (grins, and grownups too) on something that perhaps isn't totally realistic??

Now -- I am not making an accusations here -- just something that I will end up chewing on today.

Jen

Two Free Tech Tools For You To Check.....

2006-04-23T20:05:00.000-07:00

For those of you who wish to have an online calendar -- you have a few new choices to check out.

First of all there is 30boxes. (http://30boxes.com/)
This is a very easy online calendar for you to use. You can keep it to yourself or even set it up to share with family members, students, colleagues, and more!! There are several different views for you to use as well. Once you enter your information, you can then edit it to continue over days, weeks, months, or even years. And it seems to have a brain.......(grins)...........when I added a "Happy Birthday" entry, I guess it had Birthday in its datbase and so it popped a window up and asked when the person was born. Well, I wasn't too keen to let the world know that I was now going to be closer to 50 than ever before, but I did. LOL -- so now, if you check my 36boxes, you can see that as of 4/24, I am now 46. Heavens, how did that happen!!

You might also wish to check out Google Calendar (https://www.google.com/accounts/ServiceLogin
?service=cl&passive=true&nui=1&continue
=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fcalendar)
Again, this is free. You will need to set up a google account, but that will then also give you gmail, google pages, and many other good services available from Google.
The calendar is very easy to set up -- and as with 30boxes -- you can share it with others, if you wish.

I am still trying to figure out how to change the color scheme on both calendars, but other than that, they are VERY easy to use.

Both also allow RSS feed options and some other neat tweaking tools for those of you who wish to incorporate the calendar onto your webpage, wiki, or blog.

Enjoy!
Jennifer

MySpace -- In the News Again

2006-04-22T06:46:00.000-07:00

The continued usage regarding a popular "waterhole" site for students rages on.

Just this last week, in Kansas, several boys were stopped from what the police says was a ----
attack on a school on the seventh anniversary of the Columbine massacre.

They were alerted to this possible attack by a warning of one of the boys "MySpace" account.

What I am truly wondering, is if MySpace did indeed, unintentionally, protect this school from harm??

7 years ago, during the Columbine tragedy, the boys had talked about upcoming danger, but it was only heresay, and not heard by many but by several. And there was no concrete evidence that anything had been said, except by someone's memory of comments made.

Now, in the time of online postings, this possible event was seen by many and there is concrete printable evidence. (though I am sure that can be debatable by law.)

I guess what my thoughts are is this............
in all the craziness of this online "waterhole", is it indeed a place where people can be more vocal about their actions -- whether correct or incorrect actions?? Did the school in Kansas become a safer place because of someone's post?? If the webpost had not been seen or read, would the outcome on April 20th have been different??

I know it is early on a Saturday morning and my thoughts have not yet been cleared with a morning shower and exercise...........so forgive my ramblings.

But this is now something for me to dwell on today.

and your thoughts??
jen

Links to news article --
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4932834.stm
http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20060421-6650.html

Enabling Students

2006-04-21T06:43:00.000-07:00

This week, we have started a new quarter (my final quarter) at my school in the technology department.

We have 9 weeks to conquer --
Bob Villa's Home Creator (for 8th grade -- its a mini cad program)
Pinnacle Studio (for 7th)
PowerPoint (creating a Who Wants To Be A Millionaire Game for the 6th, Country Reports for the 5th, President Reports for the 4th, Beginning PowerPoint for 3rd)
Word (2nd grade)
Trudy's Time House (1st)

I was reading Vicki's (CoolCat) blog this morning and wanted to applaud her comments about teaching students.

~~~~~~
If you only teach students to follow instructions in a book, then guess what? You've taught them to read instructions in a book. Again, producing mindless robots fit for a production line but not for the new thinking skills required to keep America competitive!

Push them to intuitive learning. Force them to use "hot tips" in Microsoft Office and use the help features and go online to find answers. Challenge them and push them a little past what they know how to do. Give them just enough information and push them past it.

Don't just tell them all the answers, guide them.

And remember the golden rule of Challenge:
Under no circumstances are you to ever touch, move, or enter any input into the mouse or keyboard of your student. Never allow them to do it for one another. It is theirs.

If I show them by doing it, I undo and then save. This makes it so they cannot just redo. They must learn by doing!
~~~~~~~~~

This is sooo true. When I teach teachers, I put my hands behind my back so that I won't grab the mouse!!

Grins -- I know what is in my lesson plans for what I intend to teach. But now, remembering what tips I have gotten from her blog, we shall see what the students intend to learn!!!

Jen