Apologies

Okay, I have to aplogize. It has been a while since I have posted anything. But as you all know, things have been really hectic with the new laptop deployment, OnCourse, Gizmo training, the new network printers that have a mind of their own, Compass Odyssey, and the list goes on. But that is not all bad. These are signs of progress. To me they are like the roadsigns on the highways indicating that new roads are being constructed. These are just new "inroads of technology" being constructed for us and our students to use as part of this new 21st Century environment. It is exciting even if it is at time a bit overwhelming.

When I look back at when we used to complain because we did not even have one working computer in the school for the students or faculty to use, it is amazing how far we have come. Now we have teachers begging for computers, data projectors, printers, and now we are even getting jealous when some teachers get Smart Boards and we don't. My how the times they are a changing.

YouTube to the Rescue!

Many of you are familiar with YouTube as the place where students go to check out funny videos, comedy skits, or clips of their favorite bands, but it is rapidly growing into a valuable educational tool as well. Students can find videos to supplement their understanding of concepts being taught in your classes - even math. The thing is, they can watch at their own pace and easily rewind to re-watch until the concept is clear. If one video doesn't help, they can try another.

Not only is it good for the students, but we as teachers can benefit also. When I was needing to learn some information about blogging, there it was on YouTube. I was recently looking for a way to explain a concept in programming class, so I thought why not try YouTube. Sure enough, I found an explanation by a high school teacher in Hawaii (I think it was) that was simple and elegant. With a few changes to comply with the lesson that I was teaching it work great.

So if you or your students need additional help with some concept or idea, try YouTube.

Gizmos Are Coming!

That's right, Gizmos are coming. What is Gizmos? Gizmos is an interactive system, aligned to math and science standards. It will allow the teachers to select the standards that students need the most help with and then create a Gizmo designed to provide them with a visual explanation. This will aid the student in acquiring the skills and practice they need to meet the standard and also help them prepare for FCAT testing.

All of the math and science teachers will soon be given the necessary training through a fun, interactive workshop. It is really rather fun and interesting. Get your students' interest and curiosity up by putting up signs or notices that the Gizmos are coming!!

Microsoft Unveils Career Resources for Students

Microsoft has done it again. They just recently unveiled a new free online course called CareerForward that is aimed at getting students thinking what they want to do with their lives, what career they want to pursue, and what skills they will need to suceed in that career.

The site is set up to help middle- and high-school students learn about the 21st-century jobs that may be awaiting them when they are ready to graduate. It also teaches them how to take charge of their own education.

CareerForward is organized into four modules that asks students to think about their own interests, abilities, and values, and then to explore job titles, social networks, and assess their ability to manage money.

"Students and the career choices they make are critical to the talent pipeline and future business prosperity in the U. S.," said Anthony Salcito, general manager of U. S. public-sector education at Microsoft. "CareerForward encourages the development of a skilled workforce, as it helps young citizens explore global opportunities and recognize the importance in jobs of the future."

What a wonderful opportunity for our students to get a head start on their career and college exploration. With our new focus as a College Preparatory Middle School, this is a very timely resource to be explored and utilized.

Visit the site at http://nroc.careerforward.org/careerforward/

21st Century Skills Map for English

The Partnership for 21st Century Skills has forged an alliance with many of the national academic core subject area organizations. As a result of these collaborations, it has developed a map to illustrate the intersection between the 21st Century Skills and English. The maps are designed to help you gain concrete examples of how 21st Century Skills can be integrated into core subjects.

If you want to find out more about this let me know.