Monday, September 14, 2009

Parent Computer Class

I have officially scheduled the parent computer class for Monday, September 21st from 7:00-8:00 pm. Some topics that I will cover include:
  • subscribing to classroom podcasts
  • receiving email alerts when AR tests are taken
  • commenting on student blogs
  • participating in our classroom wiki
  • following our class on Twitter

I would be more than happy to add any other topics to the list if someone would request something. Please don't hesitate to drop me an email or leave me a voicemail if you have a suggestion or question. I look forward to seeing anyone who can make it next Monday night in the computer lab at North Ward.

Friday, September 4, 2009

Edusomnia Srikes Again


Here I sit at 1:49 on a Friday "morning". Oh who am I kidding...it is definitely still Thursday "night". Edusomnia has struck again and I have a gazillion thoughts running through my brain. I am very excited about some of the projects I want to tackle this school year but still trying to figure out how to balance it all and cover the IL learning standards all at the same time. The mention of learning standards just caused me to yawn. Could my edusomnia be coming to an end? I think not.


While the standards are definitely something that bore me to even contemplate, I must admit they keep me focused on what I need to cover in my classroom. It is easy to get distracted by all of the tools and fluff that make learning exciting for the students, yet educators must also stay focused on the task at hand. The standards aid in my focus.


Reflecting back to my Parent Orientation presentation, I wonder if I over-spoke about the tools that would be used in the classroom to aid in learning rather than their infused pedagogical use. Ugh...did I really just use the word pedagogical? I exhaust myself. Too bad I can't use that exhaustion to aid in SLEEP! I digress.


At the end of both sessions I did have several parents approach me about teaching them to use the tools so they could be an active part of the classroom environment this year. WOW. I have actually always wanted to have a Parent-Class for this type of parent involvement, but figured the parents of my students would a.) think I was completely NUTS (ok, I am a little). or b.) tell me they had better things to do with their time (which they probably do).


SO...in summary.... Parents: If you ARE interested in learning how to add comments to the children's blog pages or wiki pages... or if you are still wondering what language I was speaking during orientation, please drop me an email or even a voice mail and I will get several options scheduled. I think it would be fun to have you come to the computer lab one evening and actually have some hands-on practice with some of this.


Also, if you have any requests for different topics, please let me know. I would be happy to accommodate any type of "info" session that would benefit you and your child.