Relief...

I just looked at my new website posted and I am so proud. I really have learned a lot about html coding and I feel that I could make better and more. I am going to keep practicing with my friend Amy that does web design for Site One. I'm going to teach her about spreadsheets and she's going to share some knowledge with me. I pulled an all-nighter on this project, but I'm not even tired because I am so happy! In the end, I have really enjoyed my class. I also feel that I have actually learned something that I can and will apply to my life! Thats all you can ask for in a college course. Now if I can just pass the SpreadSheet/Word exam on the Final block... Good Luck everyone! Hope to see you in another class!!

Well, Well...

Tomorrow is the last day of Classes for me. I am so thrilled. It's been a good one. It just went by so fast I cannot hardly believe it. Dr. Strange, you would be proud of me. I made a worksheet in Excel using summation formulas. I wanted to keep track of all my eBay sales in a very organized manner. So now I have a great tool to keep my profits in the positive! I have totaling on my expenses and my profits. Anytime I want to know how much eBay has made from my sales, I know how to do that too! I was really proud of myself. A couple people I showed it off to pretty much said that I was nerdy and I didn't have a life. I don't care really, I think they were just jealous that I am more creative and smarter than them! haha.. And I'm obviously more conceited.
Anyways, I honestly wanted to research how iPods could be used in the classroom. I absolutely worship mine. I pretty much knew about educational podcasts, but I did not know there was programs available to actually create your own content. iQuiz allows teacher to create their own quizzes. I just think its great educators are moving forward and are open minded to different technologies. I know when I am teaching, I will strive to make learning easier and more fun with what I have learned this semester. One thing I did not agree on is using audiobooks. Kids can be so lazy as it is, I would definitely require them to read along with the book. I have rounded up a sort of index for you to explore lots of ideas on using an iPod. This site also has some great links to other teacher resources.
Education World

G4 Rocks!!

I was watching my two favorite tv shows tonight when I decided to tell you all about what your missing... Ninja Warrior and Attack of the Show.
I love these shows!!!
Nagano is my personal favorite pick... and I love the announcer's descriptive language and enthusiasm. You just have to watch for yourself to understand.
Ninja Warrior

Attack of the Show is the only news show that tells you what you really care about. Seriously... I have even abandoned Conan O'Brien! I thought it was coincidental that they had Blog Watch on tonight. This just shows another use for blogs - nerds sharing with nerds. Seriously, they have great reports on the newest technology, media, and more. Plus you can have a few laughs while you are learning.
Blog Watch

International Fame

Blogging is a worldwide phenomenon. You can search for blogs on your favorite topic from Google's home page. You will find many different nationalities from all backgrounds enjoy blogging. Comparatively, schools across the world are using blogs as a teaching tool. I have cited two examples below.
The first website concentrates on activities in Australia. The website below is very inspiring because it not only talks about blogs, but many other projects for the Web. The following quote really sums up the attitude of Australians toward technology in schools. "Students have chat sites, podcasts, online journals and a rich library of resources at their fingertips. Michael says: 'First we get them to familiarize themselves with the tools so the novelty wears off and they actually start working. After the introductory unit they can choose their own direction through the course, and that gives them more ownership and involvement - they feel they have more choice."
I would really take the time to read the following website and be inspired!

Microsoft's 2006 Innovative Teachers' Award Winners



I really don't think its fair to pinpoint just one more country in this world that uses blogs in schools because there are just too many!!! This next website has links to classroom blogs in over 200 countries. To be integrated globally in a learning environment is very empowering for a student. It also gives an opportunity for kids to learn about cultures all over the world. This website also includes interactive games, chat, clubs, and pen-pal features. I believe its a great tool to share with students!
Students of the World

Microsoft "Excels" once again

Microsoft's ability to create programs that everyone can put to use is why they are number one. It is only natural that technology has seeped into the classroom. The saying goes that it's the future, right? I have found a great website giving great application of Microsoft's program Excel. You might want to have a look.
101 Fun and Relevant Ways to Use Spreadsheets in
K - 12 Classrooms

One of my favorite examples is the Dinosaur Data Files. Not only because I am a nerd that loves dinosaurs, but the .xls file shows a great example of comparing organisms that are quite complex. This would provide a great study tool for subjects that require a lot of memorization. It is also important to learn how to compare and contrast. This tool would show anyone how to look for similarities and differences.

While you are at Dr. Alice Christie's website, you should click the link Data Picking. BBC Education has devised games to help students practice collecting data and making comparisons. The games are actually very interactive and funny. This would have applications to sociological and opinionated work. Devising charts and graphs is a great way to represent data that appeals more to the eye and makes it easier to understand.

The list goes on and on. From mathematics like Fibonacci's number in nature to graphing your fav pizza toppings. the opportunities are endless. I was quite pleasantly surprised.

WebSite ReView

I think it is a great idea to check out other people's website. It really gives a great comparison to your own. (Mine of which would lose horrifically in a contest at this point!) I just need to make a few updates and get my links working. It will be great. I am really bogged down right now with everything but at least the semester is coming to an end. I have good grades overall for the semester. I just can't wait to make teacher candidacy because I am frackin' sick of school. Put me to work making some real money please!!! I love being in the classroom now. Substituting is hard work because the kids love to be out of control, but the good days make it worth while!
Check out my comment : Lisa Legrone's Blog
Under "Great Weekend"

Im addicted

My name is Bonnie Hare and I'm an Idolholic. I am so caught up in American Idol this year that its ridiculous. My fav is Blake of course. It must be like candy. You know its not good for you...but you don't care. I guess I have just revealed my guilty little pleasure. You know you have watched it too. Many are trying to stage a revolt which I think is hilarious. I'm glad the counter culture can get into the show too.
Vote for the Worst---Sanjaya
I believe American Idol will be around for a long time regardless, so we might as well enjoy it! And make fun of it!

Check this...The Afterlife

I had an interesting discussion with a friend tonight. What really happens when you die? Everyone is destined to the same fate that no one knows anything about. Why don't we know? With as much technology we have, how come there isn't any research toward a question that, Universally, humans want to know. What happens when our bodies shut down? Is there a soul? This dabbles in the ancient battle of Science vs. Church. Maybe the government is scared that what we would find out from research may undermine the Church. Religion is so important to the stability of mankind that we should never risk destroying the Faith. BUT... that raises another question. Out of all the religions, who is right? Is is Ok for a Southern Baptist to say that a Muslim is going to Hell? I don't think so. I hope no one truly believes that their religion is exclusively correct. Personally, I don't really know what will happen to me when I die. But it is fun to speculate on possibilities.
What if...
Reincarnation was true?!
Have you ever noticed how some people just look like an animal? I know my old manager was a giraffe. I'm sure you can recall an example. Just for fun, go to the mall and take a look at all the people walking by. Its quite fun. Anyway, so maybe how you live your life depends on your fate. An overall good life will land you a seat as a human again. Eventually, you will screw up as a human and when you die, you will be placed in Kingdom Animalia based on your actions. The cycle may continue as an animal. If you have good nature, you could upgrade your animal status(maybe further up the food chain or a larger brain) or make it back to the human world. This would explain these people that look so uncannily like an animal. It could also explain why people have a great love and affinity for certain animals. Ever seen a dude that has 50 lizards that he adores and he even looks like a lizard? Maybe he is fresh out of the animal life cycles as a lizard. Its kinda weird to think about but I thought the picture would prove my point well. Everyone should know your own mortality. It is the essence of life. No one would enjoy life if they thought that it never ended. You will hopefully grow to an age when you are tired of life. Death will then be a friend offering a bit of rest to an old soul.

Hello Everybody!

I have a new job. I went last Monday and applied at Tuesday Morning. My first day was yesterday. I had a lot of fun. They have great stuff for your house and gifts too. I love being able to shop while I'm at work. I have generally been in a bad mood because I got sick..again. I have practically had a cold since Spring Break. My doc says my immune system should be iron clad after I recover from this last one. I hope so. I would break my pinky finger right now if I knew it would take this runny nose away. Hint for anyone going into schools : Take a bottle of Germ-X with you. All the kids are so sweet. They want to hug you and love all over you....and make you SICK. But I am happy I got another job because I needed a summer position and Subs only get paid once a month. I have been broke going on two months now. Thank God for my boyfriend. $$$$$ comes in a week.

One Step Closer

I received my first teaching job today! I am so excited. I'm doing third grade @ O'rourke. The subject said special instruction so I am really curious as to what exactly I'll be doing. I'm sure I will do fine. Just bein my first job, I wish it had said something general like science or math. On the other hand - maybe it will be something more fun than that sameold sameold. This job is just affirming in my mind what my ultimate goals in college are. I am on cloud 9 right now. Now you just don't rain on my parade. I'll be complaining soon enough. I promise. ;) I am genuinely just ecstatic!!!

Technologic

Ok......I know I did not unplug my pen drive incorrectly. Why is there NOTHING on it today? Wish I knew. I hope that when I get home and plug it up, everything will magically be right back in its place. Not to mention my website work, I had at least ten other documents that were important to me. I am freakin out man. Well, let me stop and remind myself that it is not the end of the world;I am known to overreact to situations. OMG Who am I kidding? not me. GRRRRR>

Its cold then Its hot...think I'm on fire but I'm not

Don't go to the beach when its cold. You will get sick. I caught two red fish and a sheephead though. i guess that made it worth it. Kinda... I was sick for the last half of my vacation and a week of school. Guess it wasn't worth it. There is plenty more fishing to be done before the season is over. When I have the ache to fish, it doesn't matter what temp it is outside. I got to go. Yeah its weird, I know. So I guess I caught fish fever. A fever that slammed me into a hellish delirium for a week. Anyways, as much as I love animals, you would think that I would not enjoy such a primitive sport. When I reel the fish in, I feel bad it has a hook jammed through its lip. I talk sweet and wait til it calms down before I gently and swifting pull the hook free. (I cant stand when a catfish swallows the hook. That kills me.) Then I take them to the water and hold them as I slowly flow the water back over their gills. When I set them free, they just swim away in a calm manner. Some won't forget to let me know they are ticked off by the whole situation with a swish of the tail. But to me it seems they are just happy to be back home with another chance at life. I'm not a psychologist so call Freud if you want a deeper theme or global connection. There is something there that I can't see either. Maybe that is why I enjoy it or maybe I was instilled with a passion when I was young. I don't know. Well, hope everyone had a great spring break!

its been a long time

so i have been slacking a few weeks...I hope I'm not the only one. I kinda let the Mardi gras partying get the upperhand of me and my house. Everyone has been coming over every night for three weeks. We had a lot of fun but I put my foot down last week when I got sick from no sleep and too much bad stuff. Im back on track now.

It doesn't matter when the bell rings, students can learn 24-7

These teachers have been using blogs in thier classroom in Frederick County, Md.

Check out this link :
Web Logs are the New Bulletin Boards

This has plenty of great examples of why blogs are useful to a K-12 Classroom. Students blogged their reaction to a field trip, displayed art projects, showed mathematical solutions, and gave feedback to the teacher quickly. I am enamored by the fact that they are low maintenance and that students will put more work into an idea because they it will be read by the teacher as well as their peers. Also, students mormally quiet in the class will come alive with a keyboard.

Here is another website giving great ideas about classroom blogging.
PBS Teachersource

Some teachers believe it is a good idea to leave the post anonymous. I'm not sure I agree with that, but it might be useful if problems were to arise. Discussing literature on blogs vs. in class would be much better in higher grade levels. Many more ideas could develop about symbolism, themes, etc. There are listed several programs that can be used to blog and links to useful websites. I love the idea of Summer Reading Blogs. That way you will know the student is comprehending the material and that they are actually doing the assignments.
Here is the man that taught me so much about reading and probably inspired me to be a teacher.I'm sure Levar Burton is pro-Blog.
Reading Rainbow was the Schiznit back in the day!
(Yes I am aware that I am a huge nerd).

Bla, Bla, Blog

I can't believe it's already February. I'm glad I got the opportunity to learn about blogging and actually participate in this. I can see blogging to be useful in the classroom. It would be a great tool to recieve feedback from students and parents. Being in a classroom all the time can be isolating as well. A blog is a great way to share teaching techniques and experiences.For a blog to be negative, drama and gossip queens might slander authority ; children could be immature on their choice of subjects. I checked out some other blogs and found out a lot of people love to run their yapper about all kinds of personal things. To use a blog when more communication is needed in institutions,such as schools, is a great thing. I believe it is the future. All I'm saying is ...I don't want to know about some girls' designer dog that poops on the floor and she's too wuss to clean it up.

Merging

I just want everyone to know that you must be going at least close to the speed limt when you merge onto the interstate. um...that would be at least 50mph. I came to a complete stop on the way to school today when I should have been going 65. I'm not really a big fan of road rage, but I had a few choice words for that freak. Ok, I'm done for today. Good Luck to all on your presentations!!

Whose Life is this Anyway?

Although I don't suggest throwing away your clocks completely, may be we should all realize that being responsible comes from the conviction within your yourself as to what is relevant. If its not a priority to you, then forget it. Who cares if someone thinks that is what should be important in your life. Its not going to work if you don't want it to. All that will do is create more problems for yourself. I hope someone will learn from this and take it to heart because I had to learn the hard way. And IT REALLY HARD. Take up for yourself and step on others people's toes if you have to. They will forgive you later. Being too nice shows ignorance and no one respects a fool.
If you haven't checked this out, go for it! You are missing out on hours of entertainment!
YOUTUBE

Tricking the Mind

I just don't understand why people set their clocks ahead of what time it really is. There is no point in freaking out for a split second before you remember, "Hey, that clock is fast... I'm not late " I have one word for this - POINTLESS! I do find it odd that you mind is so accustomed to clocks not lying to you, that it does actually persuade you for a millisecond or so. So the moral is, spare yourself the mental energies of a machine playing with your mind and simply just be punctual

Creating a Link

This is a link to the class blog.

Tues/Thurs 9:30 Blog

Newbie

Although I have been sucked into the myspace tornado, I have never posted a blog until now. I will not bore you with the outline of my week, but maybe just share some ideas with you. I have a feeling this is addictive...and like I need to spend more time on the computer! I am so tired today from Sealab 2021 marathons. I'm a night owl and Christmas Break has been great. Unfortunately, old habits die hard. Long Live Adult Swim