On to business.? I mentioned in our workshop sessions that I would be communicating with you, and that you should communicate in return and with students/parents using digital as well as analog methods.? It is 2007 isn’t it?? I’m sure we can all set our VCR’s (Tivo’s) leave messages on our answering machines (Voicemail) send letters to our family and friends (Email). Two out of three isn’t bad either…as long as you stay willing to learn, similar to what we require of our kids.

Many of you have remained interested in utilizing the numerous examples of technology we now have at our disposal; from the Elmo projector set-ups, to the standard computer labs, to the Smar…ahem, Interactive White Boards.? To that end, I would very much appreciate if you direct all of your requests for using those supplies through electronic means.? In other words, until I can set up an actual online check out system, I need you to email me your request at least two days in advance of the actual day you’ll need to use the equipment in class.? For instance, write me Monday to use Wednesday, Tuesday for Thursday, and so on.? Also, please include the size of the group and how long/for what periods you’ll need the equipment.?? I know this isn’t a perfect system, but it’s certainly better than waiting until you happen to see me in the hall, and then asking if equipment is available next period For now, checkouts will process on a first emailed, first served basis, While supplies last…

I also breezed through some online resources rather quickly for some, and not quick enough for others.? It has been suggested that I continue to assist/instruct those who still want to learn additional tips and tricks in a more welcoming environment.?? I am currently working on an in school solution of workshops set at varying levels of computing competence.? I’ll be holding some beginner courses, some intermediate, and some advanced, and with the exception of coverage’s this will probably occur between 1 st and 2nd periods in whatever room we can find available without students.? I obviously can’t accommodate everyone’s schedule, so?just be on the lookout.?? Also, for those who weren’t taking notes, or who fell frustratingly behind, here are the sites we visited during the workshop: http://www.furl.net to create your own furl account, or simply to see what it’s about.? Remember, Furl is useful in saving your “F”avorite URL’s and being able to retrieve, share, and edit them from any Internet enabled computer.?? My own personal, already sorted and tagged collection may be found at http://www.furl.net/members/SP1DEY.
http://teachers.ms145.org is the sub-domain of our infrequently updated school website, that contains a categorically organized list of resources for you to use in creating your lessons or with the students in school. (Edit, it’s now a full fledged blog, with the full capabilities of a blog, comments, photo and video posts, rss feed…it’s all that, and a bag of Chips Ahoy!)