Spicy Milk

Using what I have learned

We have gone over many great programs and sites so far in this class that I can see myself trying to use in the near future. This site blogger for instance, I would like to set up one for next year where I can add a post and the students and their parents can log on and see what their child has been doing in my class. I can also use a blog to stay in contact with sports teams that I may be coaching to update practice times and to let them know of any other changes. I like that the families could then respond and questions can be asked.
I would like to be able to use Facebook but as of right now I am not sure how I would do that. It would be nice to be able to write on a student's wall comments about how they are doing and I could post pictures from school but I also would have to find a way to be able to block the students from seeing all my other friends even if they have locked profiles.
Twitter could be another site that could be used to stay updated on what is happening with a class. I like that it can have short updates and someone can be easily followed. With that flickr is a great photo sharing site and it would be great to start getting more pictures of the activities we are doing in class and post them for students and parents to see.
I am going to try and implement as much technology as I can to help engage the kids and keep their parents involved. This class has given me some great tools to do that and I look forward to using them next school year.

Web 2.0 (Craigslist)

After looking through some of the sites on the Web 2.0 awards craigslist looks like one that I could use often. It has postings from the areas that we live in and lets you search specifically from real estate to sports equipment. There are pictures included with many of the posts and it is easy to navigate. If something comes up and I am having trouble locating it at a store or in a catalog this is a great site to come to and see if someone is selling it. You don't have to bid like on Ebay you just have to be the first one to contact the seller and you can set up when and where to pick up what you are buying and negotiate a price. I can see why craigslist was voted the number one classified site.

Trying to stay social

I chose to read the articles that pertained to social networking. I really liked these articles and some of the sites talked about I have used before. I had facebook no to long after it got going but I got off of it when it was time to find a job teaching. I had been told that it wasn't good and that potential employers would frown upon it. After teaching for two years now and seeing how many students have it I can really see how it could be used and both teachers and students could benefit from it.
One article talked about how there are both good and bad sides about facebook but that often comes from the maturity level of the pictures and what people choose to post. The same article talked about active participation from the student in learning and this would be a great way to be active. Blogging is another great way to be active and could potentially be a little more safe in my eyes because you won't be affected as much by the friends/readers that you have.
Students would be able to ask questions, post assignments, and share ideas. If closely monitored I think that different types of social networking would be great for a classroom, and or an entire school.
The articles I read did a great job of showing the pros and cons of social networking. This is somthing that I hope we continue to explore and it is somthing that I will continue to work with for my classes and school.

This Weekend

This weekend my wife graduates from Pharmacy school. I am very excited for her and for us. This is another great milestone for us and she is what keeps me going on tough days at work so I just want to say congrats to her and thank you for everything that she does for me. I love you baby.

PE in the WInd

Today was a challenge because the wind was gusting and students were getting blown around like rag dolls. The days that are very windy are a challenge but the students battle through, I on the other hand am often frustrated. It makes some games very difficult to do and I want the students to succeed. I have a great area for the students to use outside but it is so often spoiled by the wind. Some days I just end up with them working out inside, but they wonder why because it isn't raining but I would rather be in the rain some days then in the blustering wind of Mountain House!!!

Good Day

Today we were wrapping up softball and class were getting the chance to play other classes. It went really well and their knowledge of the game really showed through. The ones who had really gotten it were helping others and the play was good for younger students. Well tomorrow is Friday and then the weekend so I will talk to you later. Thanks!

More

At my school I volunteered to be the teacher for 7th grade PSI (preventing sexual involvement). I really think Physical Education can be so much more than sports and activities and must include some health issues as well, including nutrition and some anatomy and other life science especially in the younger grades.