Barb's Blog Site

I already knew that our younger generation so easily grasped technology and flew with it. Having a few of my sixth graders help me with my podcast had just supported the fact that our students are digital natives. They worked with ease when doing their first podcast and made it very easy for me. They showed me some things that I didn't even know and completed more than half of the podcast without me present. I'm so excited to be able to do more podcasts and I know other students want to do it as well. I thought about having a podcast club next year since it's too late to start one this year. The students love working with technology and most find it nonthreatening unlike us digital imigrants.

Download file
Thanks 6th grade students for helping me with our 1st podcast at MMS. You did an awesome job.

It's hard to believe that our class is almost over. It has been a real joy to discuss topics with each of you. Even though we haven't met face to face (skyped with a few of you), it seems like we've gotten to know each other. I enjoyed working with my two groupies (Stacie & Roland) on our group topics. I'm excited to hear each other's podcasts in the next week and a half. The class has been a great learning experience and much of it I can use in the classroom, as well as, professionally. I give my classmates and the class two thumbs up!!!!!

Two weeks ago I was sitting at the kitchen table working on either my lesson plans or my on line course and watching TV. One of the episodes of CSI, I think NY, came on. I really like the detective shows so I watched it as I was working, and I quickly became very interested in this episode. It was about a murder that occurred resulting from the use of 2nd Life. It was fascinating what they did on this virtual life. I thought how neat to see something on TV about what I was learning in my class. For once I was up on something that was on TV pertaining to technology. It was to be continued the following week but I missed the episode. I can never remember when shows are on. I don't pay too much attention to TV, only when I'm supposed to be doing my school work do I actually watch a little. Don't let my students know that I'm doing that.

I received this email last week and thought it was great. If you're ever asked what you make or if someone ever says teachers make too much, you can tell them what you make as is stated below:

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life.
One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He
argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best
option in life was to become a teacher?" He reminded the other dinner
guests what they say about teachers: "Those who can, do. Those who
can't, teach." To stress his point he said to another guest; "You're a
teacher, Bonnie. Be honest. What do you make?"

Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, "You
want to know what I make? (She paused for a second, then began...)
"Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.
I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor.
I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents
can't make them sit for 5 without an I Pod, Game Cube or movie
rental...

You want to know what I make?" (She paused again and looked at each
and every person at the table.)
I make kids wonder.
I make them question.
I make them criticize.
I make them apologize and mean it.
I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.
I teach them to write and then I make them write.
I make them read, read, read.
I make them show all their work in math.
I make my students from other countries learn everything they need
to know in English while preserving their unique cultural identity.
I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.
I make my students stand to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the
Flag, because we live in the United States of America.
Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were
given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life.

(Bonnie paused one last time and then continued.) "Then, when people
try to judge me by what I make, I can hold my head up high and pay no
attention because they are ignorant... You want to know what I make?
I MAKE A DIFFERENCE. What do you make?"

THERE IS MUCH TRUTH IN THIS STATEMENT: "Teachers make every other
profession "

I hope this is right. This is a little about my family and myself.

Download file