Last days of school

Last days of school are so difficult.  Why do we even have the last days of school.  School should just end with no warning.  Ok...kids today is your last day of school.  No warning.  That way kids are always wondering when the last day of schools is.  I guess this would cause problems also.  The students would always be asking...when is the last day of school?  I respond I don't know.

I am not that interesting

So last week I placed names of some of the top internet searches into my blog hoping to drum up some comments.  As of today zero comments.  I have never kept a diary or a journal so why would I want to keep a blog?  It seems like my blog is for me only.  I put down my thoughts and that is about it.  Nobody comments... I guess I am just not writing anything interesting enough to comment on.  You know as I write this down I find myself to be not that interesting.  I know I am more creative than this.  I am currently just rambling on.   I will soon spew my rambling out into the world wide web and nobody will care.  I am just filling up space in space. 

Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Justin Beiber, Megan Fox, Kim Kardashian and American Idol

I find myself having trouble placing words down on my blog today that anybody including my self would find interesting...so I decided to take some of the top internet searches and place them in my blog so it will appear when others do a search. They will appear in bold font to make sure you know that they or it is one of the main searches on the internet.

So I was thinking the other day...wow Miley Cyrus is not a better singing that Lady Gaga.  But she is better than Britney Sprears and Justin Beiber.  On the other hand Britney Spears is far better looking than Miley Cyrus or Lady Gaga.  But when it comes to just looks Megan Fox and Kim Kardashian are far better looking but have very little talent.  But then again neither does Britney Spears.  The crazy thing about all of them is the none of them would have a chance on American Idol. Yes Lady Gaga can sing...but not good looking enough for the judges on American Idol. 

So lets see if this works.  I have just placed some of the top internet searches in my blog.  Lets see if anybody in the world responds.  I did learn something today...As great as the internet is...out there in the world if these are some of the top items being searched...not alot of learning is occuring.  I mean really what can you learn from Kim Kardashian.

Using my technology menu in my Eagle Class

Using my technology menu in my Eagle Class

I have created a menu of choices to create a personalized learning environment  in my Eagle Class. The challenge of doing this was  not so much what those menu choices consist of but how to piece the choices together to form a cohesive menu that met the needs of my varied gifted students.
Most importantly, personalizing learning for the current  student demands specific technologies. I  needed to understand that children are growing up in a media-rich environment. I needed to create a menu that engages students and generates within them the desire to learn and I hope I have done just that with my wikki site.  But I have also learned that technology also plays a more important role in the personalization process. Ultimately it is the conduit for me to move to a learning approach that features materials developed for each individual student.

Enganging classroom

Enganging classroom

Students, especially those who are visual learners, often respond well to interactive education.
Doing something that is hands-on for them, such as pressing buttons or using a promethem board to learn, makes my class more enjoyable...I hope?
Students who enjoy learning are going to retain information much better and be increasingly motivated because they are more focused I feel when they are engaged in the use of technology.
Education has always been the standard pencil, paper, scissors and glue, so for some, the idea of making the transition to technology-based learning is not ideal but I have enjoyed using both to engage my students.

Getting in the lab

Getting in the lab

Getting good chunks of quality computer lab time at school can be difficult.  Sometimes in my mind I feel that one or two days is enough time for my students...but soon find out they struggle with the activity and need more time but more time is not available.  It would be so great to have ipads for each student.

A blessing and a curse

Technology is fun and exciting but it seems to be both a blessing and a curse.  I want my Eagle students to blog but they need an email account.  Many don't, half of them do but forget their password everyday. It has gotten to the point that I wonder if it is worth the headache. Any suggestions would be great.