Dear Students,
I am conflicted. Do I feed into the hype of the whole VMA Awards show by writing about it? Do I just ignore the images of a young person clearly in need of attention? Can I even begin to process what on earth inspired a creative mind to express herself in such vulgar and public ways?
Perhaps this is something all of you already know on some level, but if it saves even one of my dear students from shame, humiliation, or regret, I feel it is worth writing.
To my young ladies:
You don't need the type of attention that lewdness and tasteless acts will give you. You really don't. I understand that society's definition of beauty and allure are crammed down our throats and minds every day. Make a conscious decision to rise above that. I understand that suggestive pictures and language can create a flood of attention. Make a sincere effort to avoid both as it is not constructive, positive attention. I understand that Hollywood-type behavior leads to a kind of brainwashing in which the truly bizarre can appear normal. Make sure you are not amongst the delusional.
To my young men:
You are the key to helping reign in some of this repugnant and distasteful behavior. Of course, it is nice to compliment the ladies in your lives, but I challenge you this- get beyond the physical compliments. Wholeheartedly admiring someone's talents, character, magnetism, and individuality is much more profound than admiring someone's eyes. I ask that you also think of your mothers, sisters, and daughters growing up in a world consumed by racy, provocative images of women. Help them navigate through this by showing your own preference for some modesty and self-pride. Nothing is more attractive than a confident, intelligent, positive person- regardless of her waist size or hair color.
I wish I were more shocked than I am about the choices that were made in the leading up to the VMA circus. I mean, there were surely dress-rehearsals, costume-designers, parents, network producers, etc. that all knew exactly what was going to happen. Why didn't someone approach the whole situation and put a screeching halt to it? This is not a case of one young lady going wild- it is a reflection of a society gone wild with misogyny and "blurred lines" of what is acceptable.
My point, my students, is this: you are better than that. Every time you change your profile picture, post to Instagram, show a fun few seconds on Vine, or opine on Twitter, stop and think. I ask that you really look into yourself and honestly answer the question "Is this what I want the world to think of me?" Once you have put an image, opinion, or video on-line, it becomes part of your digital footprint. Forever.
Maybe the right thing to do is to just say nothing. I just can't sit quietly when out of something disturbing I can possibly find a teachable moment. It's what I do; I am forever your teacher.
Abrazos and be careful out there,
Sra. Lennon
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Teacher Envy
I admit it. I was jealous today. I was training a group of teachers and it was their first peek at their class rosters. I watched them share with each other, squeal with delight, "awwwww," and even good-naturedly wrinkle their noses and shake their heads. The truth is, they were delighted. Getting class rosters for teachers is like opening a precious gift every year. I marveled at them.
Well, actually, I had to pause anyhow. They were not paying attention to me, but I understood completely. I was the same way when I saw that roster every single year- and for every single child.
I miss that feeling of seeing the fresh faces as they walked into Room 1008. Some students that I had taught the previous years would peek in or meander into the room and look around. Oh how I loved seeing their faces! Especially the students that I didn't really have what I considered a special relationship with...those were the ones that made my teacher-heart skip a beat. "I wish I was in your class again!" or "I miss the way you teach already!" would simply stun me. I stopped them in the hallway later- asked what they meant- what did they like in Room 1008?
Turns out that what they liked in Room 1008 was really what happened on-line. They told me about how mine was a class in which they could work at their pace, learn in their way, and engage themselves on their time. One young lady explained to me, "I hate lectures. I normally hate discussions. I also normally hate homework. It's not aimed at me. It's for 'everyone' so it's for 'no one.' Your class was different because I could get what I needed how I needed it and when I needed it. I felt important. I liked the work because I related and I actually learned."
I was flattered. I was also keenly aware of why they felt the way they felt. Before I started using My Big Campus, I was (oh gosh, this is painful to write) just another class. I mean, I am not trying to diminish myself, but even my best efforts at differentiation, self-paced learning, and a student-centered environment really did not come to fruition. My Big Campus made it easy. I could create a 24/7 learning community that catered to all learning styles with efficiency and accountability. Discussions, e-portfolios, individualized lessons, and instantaneous feedback all with a few clicks kept the class lively and engaging. It was also fun- for me and for my students!
So, I am not teaching anymore- and I miss that feeling of the "opening day" of school. I want to have a crazy-wide smile on my face as the kids pour off the bus. I want to experience the spontaneous high-five of the student walking through my threshold that "hates school" but I know deep-down loves being in Room 1008. I want to go hoarse the first day reciting the same information to seven classes...only to go home and make myself even more hoarse chatting with my teacher friends about the first day! I want to be a part of it!
I envy the teachers' opening days. I do so wish the best for everyone's commencements- although my part has changed. Maybe I don't get to experience it first-hand, but the great part about training teachers on My Big Campus is that I get to hear about MANY starts to great school years. And I do adore each and every opening-day experience that I get to be a part of...even if vicariously watching teachers open their rosters!
image from http://www.ultimateteacherappreciationprogram.com/
Well, actually, I had to pause anyhow. They were not paying attention to me, but I understood completely. I was the same way when I saw that roster every single year- and for every single child.
I miss that feeling of seeing the fresh faces as they walked into Room 1008. Some students that I had taught the previous years would peek in or meander into the room and look around. Oh how I loved seeing their faces! Especially the students that I didn't really have what I considered a special relationship with...those were the ones that made my teacher-heart skip a beat. "I wish I was in your class again!" or "I miss the way you teach already!" would simply stun me. I stopped them in the hallway later- asked what they meant- what did they like in Room 1008?
Turns out that what they liked in Room 1008 was really what happened on-line. They told me about how mine was a class in which they could work at their pace, learn in their way, and engage themselves on their time. One young lady explained to me, "I hate lectures. I normally hate discussions. I also normally hate homework. It's not aimed at me. It's for 'everyone' so it's for 'no one.' Your class was different because I could get what I needed how I needed it and when I needed it. I felt important. I liked the work because I related and I actually learned."
I was flattered. I was also keenly aware of why they felt the way they felt. Before I started using My Big Campus, I was (oh gosh, this is painful to write) just another class. I mean, I am not trying to diminish myself, but even my best efforts at differentiation, self-paced learning, and a student-centered environment really did not come to fruition. My Big Campus made it easy. I could create a 24/7 learning community that catered to all learning styles with efficiency and accountability. Discussions, e-portfolios, individualized lessons, and instantaneous feedback all with a few clicks kept the class lively and engaging. It was also fun- for me and for my students!
So, I am not teaching anymore- and I miss that feeling of the "opening day" of school. I want to have a crazy-wide smile on my face as the kids pour off the bus. I want to experience the spontaneous high-five of the student walking through my threshold that "hates school" but I know deep-down loves being in Room 1008. I want to go hoarse the first day reciting the same information to seven classes...only to go home and make myself even more hoarse chatting with my teacher friends about the first day! I want to be a part of it!
I envy the teachers' opening days. I do so wish the best for everyone's commencements- although my part has changed. Maybe I don't get to experience it first-hand, but the great part about training teachers on My Big Campus is that I get to hear about MANY starts to great school years. And I do adore each and every opening-day experience that I get to be a part of...even if vicariously watching teachers open their rosters!
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
I *Heart* My Big Campus
It's no secret around here. I *heart* My Big Campus. As a Mobile Learning Expert, I get to share the love with teachers, instructional technology personnel, administration, and even students during training sessions and demonstrations. One of the greatest joys of my job is to hear the reaction from the audience, "I LOVE this!" or "This is the BEST!" Of course, I agree- but recently, My Big Campus starting incorporating the love into its own interface in the form of little red hearts found to the right of Wall Posts, Announcements, Discussions, Blogs, Activity Feeds, and even Standards.
These little hearts hold huge potential for educators at the simple click of a button. Of course, it is always acceptable to spread the love and click on the heart if you see a post or activity that is particularly appealing to you, but here are a few ways to make the MBC love a part of your lesson plan and pedagogy:
Announcements- Once you make an Announcement in a group, require students to click on the heart when they read and understand it. There is a number to the left of the heart that tells how many people have clicked on it, and by clicking on this number, you can see a list of the students that have seen the Announcement.
This way, you increase accountability for students to be held responsible for these announcements. It's simple to send a quick message or find the one or two students that don't "heart" the announcement to achieve 100% accountability.
Discussions- Encourage students to "heart" any discussion posts they find worthwhile and stay away from empty posts like "I agree." The heart implies agreement or even value with a quick click. The actual posts themselves can be constructed with meaningful dialogue and substantial content. Use them as a teacher to let students know when they have fulfilled the requirement for the discussion board.
Wall Posts and Activity Feed- Let students know when they have modeled good digital citizenship or written something impressive. The innocuous posts and greetings are part of the fun of a safe, social, learning network, but sometimes students post profound thoughts, helpful resources, and even sound advice for their peers. Don't be afraid to make a great example out of these responsible students- show them some love with a heart or even a repost!
Blogs- Students love to have their Blogs read! Have students "heart" a few other students' blogs, then create reaction groups based on who has hearted each blog. You can also let students know when their blog has hit the mark by hearting them as well!
Standards- You will find hearts in the Standards lists as well. These are not indicating that you are particularly fond of a standard, but rather that you are adding that standard as a "favorite" or "frequently used" standard.
Each unit or marking period, go through and heart the standards you will be using. These will show up on your favorites list and prevent you from having to drill through the standards each time to select those you are currently using. At the end of the unit, unselect them by selecting the red "X" and add in your new favorites for the upcoming unit!
There is just so much to love about My Big Campus! Sometimes it's great to take the time to elaborate an appreciation or an admiration for something we find on MBC, but with so much that is enticing to explore and interact with, it's nice to express the MBC love with a quick click. A simple, but meaningful *heart* can increase not only accountability, but also spread the good MBC vibes!
Happy hearting everyone!! <3
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
A Comfortable Fit
I have a ton of shoes. My husband (he of less than eight pairs of shoes) does not really understand this and will hold up a pair and ask, "When is the last time you wore these?" I take them back and assure him they each have a purpose and I love them and they are the perfect match for an outfit that is super-hard-to-match-shoes-to and they are really comfortable. I admit, they are a bit excessive, but they are fun and are a relatively harmless collection (aside from the fact that I hog the closet-space).
In reflection, though, he is correct. I barely wear any of them. I actually could probably get rid of most of them. I have one pair of sneakers that is definitely my favorite and the rest just are there for whims. I rely on these sneakers, though. I definitely use them daily. They fit me. They support me. They are like an extension of myself because they are so comfortable.
I find the same to be true about the technology that I use for the classroom. I have tons of accounts that I thought I needed for specific purposes, but when all is said and done, there is only one place that I go daily; My Big Campus. I rely on it. It fits me. It supports what I do in the classroom.
Instead of having students log onto different sites for calendars, file storage areas, website clusters, testing, and resources, My Big Campus offers a sneaker-like feel for all of our classroom activities. I think of their little jump-drives and log-ins to single-purpose sites as my shoe collection; perhaps there is a purpose for them on special occasions, but really aren't necessary for our day-to-day interactions. The students feel comfortable and supported on this learning management system. My Big Campus is a satisfying, relaxed fit.
When you find a technology that not only fits your everyday classroom activities, but is also convenient, versatile, and adaptable, it makes students and teachers feel prepared for any challenge! Just like slipping on that favorite pair of shoes, log on to My Big Campus and see how amazing this will fit for you!
In reflection, though, he is correct. I barely wear any of them. I actually could probably get rid of most of them. I have one pair of sneakers that is definitely my favorite and the rest just are there for whims. I rely on these sneakers, though. I definitely use them daily. They fit me. They support me. They are like an extension of myself because they are so comfortable.
I find the same to be true about the technology that I use for the classroom. I have tons of accounts that I thought I needed for specific purposes, but when all is said and done, there is only one place that I go daily; My Big Campus. I rely on it. It fits me. It supports what I do in the classroom.
Instead of having students log onto different sites for calendars, file storage areas, website clusters, testing, and resources, My Big Campus offers a sneaker-like feel for all of our classroom activities. I think of their little jump-drives and log-ins to single-purpose sites as my shoe collection; perhaps there is a purpose for them on special occasions, but really aren't necessary for our day-to-day interactions. The students feel comfortable and supported on this learning management system. My Big Campus is a satisfying, relaxed fit.
When you find a technology that not only fits your everyday classroom activities, but is also convenient, versatile, and adaptable, it makes students and teachers feel prepared for any challenge! Just like slipping on that favorite pair of shoes, log on to My Big Campus and see how amazing this will fit for you!
Monday, June 17, 2013
Hard-Wired to be a MLE
I am sitting in the airport in Denver, Colorado, so maybe this is the altitude talking, but I just had a profound experience on my connecting flight with a lovely couple in their 80s sitting next to me.
Our conversation started when I was pecking out an e-mail last minute on my phone before the cargo door closed. The lovely lady next to me asked me what I was "computing." I must have looked a little surprised, but she and her husband just laughed and said something along the lines of how they had no idea how "youngsters" these days spend so much time on their phones. I was fairly certain they were mocking me, but their tone was non-confrontational and they had just called me a "youngster" so I decided to play along. Our conversation went something like this...
Me: Well, I have a job and I have to answer e-mails and calls, so if I can do it while I am not doing anything else on a plane or in an airport, I have more time to spend with my family or friends when I get where I am going.
Sweet lady: Seems to me like people forgot how to talk. I see couples at the restaurants and no one is talking. They all have out their little gadgets.
Me: I suppose that's their choice. I actually don't condone that, but sometimes I will pull my phone out in front of my family at the table. I have a 6-year old and 8-year old and sometimes we decide last-minute to go to the movies or something. I can use my phone to look up what time we need to be there. I'm not ignoring them, I am actually planning on how to spend more time with them.
Dear man: What about this "chatting" and "messaging?" What's so important that you have to do that? Who are people chatting with?
Me: Friends, family, I don't know about everyone. I like to use chat and texting because it is free for me, so it does not cost the same as a call. Sometimes I take a cute photo of my kids and send it to all of their aunts and uncles as well as their grandparents at once. They love it! And sometimes it's more convenient than a call because it is a simple message like a well-timed, "Good luck!" or "I love you!" I suppose many messages are silly, but I think there's a real purpose for it as well- especially if that is how most of your friends and family communicate.
Dear man *eyebrows raised*: Most of OUR friends don't communicate that way! Hahaha!
Me: Maybe. But I just set my grandparents up on Facebook and they love being able to see their kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids, send us messages, comment, and even post their own thoughts for us to enjoy as a family. It's like a one-stop- shop for them instead of having to log onto email, call each of their seven grandchildren (and now 17 great-grandchildren!) separately, wait for paper-mail service to see cute pictures of their family. Since my grandparents are in California and us grandkids are spread from Louisiana to Virginia to Italy, it has really made it easier for us all to keep in touch.
AND THEN *BAM*!! It hit me!!
I had slipped into training mode. I was talking about My Big Campus to the reluctant teachers! I was pitching the Mobile Learning Expert responses as an automatic response. The answers were flowing easily and there wasn't any hostility, just a sincere misunderstanding on their part about what technology could do for them.
We chatted for the better part of the two hour flight about phones, smart-phones, computers, Facebook, and Twitter. I even explained a little about what my job is. I am not sure they will be setting up a Skype account tomorrow, but I do believe they left a little more open-minded about how technology really can improve communication, make life more efficient, and keep people more connected. I think that is the first step. In order to embrace technology, people need to see the value first.
When we landed, I got on my United app to check out my connecting flight information. I heard the couple discussing how they didn't know what gate their next flight was, so I plugged in their data to my app and told them Gate B84. The man actually grabbed my phone, looked at the information, adjusted his glasses, and chuckled, "Well, I'll be darned. Look at that! Hahaha! THAT's mighty useful!"
I could not agree more- I just wish my connecting flight was not delayed!
image from: http://www.vail-beavercreek.com/airports.cfm
Our conversation started when I was pecking out an e-mail last minute on my phone before the cargo door closed. The lovely lady next to me asked me what I was "computing." I must have looked a little surprised, but she and her husband just laughed and said something along the lines of how they had no idea how "youngsters" these days spend so much time on their phones. I was fairly certain they were mocking me, but their tone was non-confrontational and they had just called me a "youngster" so I decided to play along. Our conversation went something like this...
Me: Well, I have a job and I have to answer e-mails and calls, so if I can do it while I am not doing anything else on a plane or in an airport, I have more time to spend with my family or friends when I get where I am going.
Sweet lady: Seems to me like people forgot how to talk. I see couples at the restaurants and no one is talking. They all have out their little gadgets.
Me: I suppose that's their choice. I actually don't condone that, but sometimes I will pull my phone out in front of my family at the table. I have a 6-year old and 8-year old and sometimes we decide last-minute to go to the movies or something. I can use my phone to look up what time we need to be there. I'm not ignoring them, I am actually planning on how to spend more time with them.
Dear man: What about this "chatting" and "messaging?" What's so important that you have to do that? Who are people chatting with?
Me: Friends, family, I don't know about everyone. I like to use chat and texting because it is free for me, so it does not cost the same as a call. Sometimes I take a cute photo of my kids and send it to all of their aunts and uncles as well as their grandparents at once. They love it! And sometimes it's more convenient than a call because it is a simple message like a well-timed, "Good luck!" or "I love you!" I suppose many messages are silly, but I think there's a real purpose for it as well- especially if that is how most of your friends and family communicate.
Dear man *eyebrows raised*: Most of OUR friends don't communicate that way! Hahaha!
Me: Maybe. But I just set my grandparents up on Facebook and they love being able to see their kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids, send us messages, comment, and even post their own thoughts for us to enjoy as a family. It's like a one-stop- shop for them instead of having to log onto email, call each of their seven grandchildren (and now 17 great-grandchildren!) separately, wait for paper-mail service to see cute pictures of their family. Since my grandparents are in California and us grandkids are spread from Louisiana to Virginia to Italy, it has really made it easier for us all to keep in touch.
AND THEN *BAM*!! It hit me!!
I had slipped into training mode. I was talking about My Big Campus to the reluctant teachers! I was pitching the Mobile Learning Expert responses as an automatic response. The answers were flowing easily and there wasn't any hostility, just a sincere misunderstanding on their part about what technology could do for them.
We chatted for the better part of the two hour flight about phones, smart-phones, computers, Facebook, and Twitter. I even explained a little about what my job is. I am not sure they will be setting up a Skype account tomorrow, but I do believe they left a little more open-minded about how technology really can improve communication, make life more efficient, and keep people more connected. I think that is the first step. In order to embrace technology, people need to see the value first.
When we landed, I got on my United app to check out my connecting flight information. I heard the couple discussing how they didn't know what gate their next flight was, so I plugged in their data to my app and told them Gate B84. The man actually grabbed my phone, looked at the information, adjusted his glasses, and chuckled, "Well, I'll be darned. Look at that! Hahaha! THAT's mighty useful!"
I could not agree more- I just wish my connecting flight was not delayed!
image from: http://patdollard.com/2013/04/faa-sequester-furloughs-kick-in-some-flights-delayed/
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
But Change is Scary!!
As you may or may not have heard, My Big Campus will be going through some feature enhancements that will be revealed to teachers and students on June 1!!
image from: http://cdn.theatlantic.com/static/mt/assets/science/bender-applause_medium.gif
Of course, this does mean the inevitable "c-word." Change.
I have practically no shades of grey in my character, so my typical reaction to change tends to be either, "Well, it's about TIME!" or "Oh NO!" I got a sneak preview of the redesign and I must say that my reaction was an enthusiastic fist-pump with a "YES!" Here's why...
The redesign addresses teacher and student needs in terms of less clicks, more opportunities for user personalization of the interface, and stronger search options. Filtering, labeling, and file storage is tidier and more of a one-stop-shop in each user's Drive. Trust me, you will love it! This streamlined approach makes using My Big Campus an even more efficient way to deliver content, grade, and collaborate on class activities. With increased flexibility and improved organizational tools, getting your classroom and students into the digital age will be even more exciting and intuitive.
Still nervous? Never fear! As always, Bob has got your back! Be on the lookout for upcoming webinars and training modules to walk you through the new layout. Check back on the MBC Trainers page for the latest information as it becomes available.
Change can be scary, but when it is derived from a need to better serve teachers and students, it is certainly a good thing...and when change results in improved student retention and teacher efficiency, it is an amazing thing!
Happy changes, all! *fist-pump*
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Move Over, Movies! It's Digital Spring Cleaning Time!
The end of the school year meant my students were in one of two modes by the time they reached my room: test-induced-anxiety or movie-induced-comatose. Students who begged all year to watch a movie in my room pleaded with me with sad, glassy eyes, "Por favor...for the amor of all things bueno and puro...no movie-o." It seemed even their Spanish had been compromised by their lack of stimulation just passively watching films.
Finding constructive, relevant activities for my students was so incredibly difficult at this time of year, though. Any given day, a random list of students was absent due to testing, remediation, or re-takes. We were encouraged to keep new content, homework, and our own assessments to a minimum as students needed to concentrate on the tests that would determine their academic fate as well as school and district accreditation. Coming up with "something" landed many teachers and students in "the movie zone." I could see that the students craved more, though and we spent several days doing Digital Spring Cleaning!
Digital Spring Cleaning is a great way to give students the dedicated time to organize themselves after a busy year of creating and curating for all of their classes. Students need to see the purpose in this as any phrase with both the words "digital" and "cleaning" is sure to be an immediate downer to a teenager. I explained that this was a time to "pack-up, purge, and prepare." This was a time to set aside items that students wanted to archive, get rid of what they will surely never use again, and file and label items for easy access for the year to come.
Start with having students all go into "Your Stuff." Have them create labels for each class, then any additional labels they may need (images, videos, sports, 2013, etc.). Tell them that EVERY item needs a label or to be deleted. If they can't categorize it into something meaningful- pitch it! This will help students get their items organized from this year, so the next year's content won't get jumbled together. This also makes content searchable for them if they want to revisit an item!
Next, have students use these same labels (they show up automatically) to do the same for their MBC Documents. (This may be a good time to play a little background-music for your hard-working students. It makes Spring cleaning so much more fun!)
...and SCENE!
Retrieved from: http://sleepzine.com/sleep-news/sleepy-students-results-from-eco-friendly-school-buildings
Finding constructive, relevant activities for my students was so incredibly difficult at this time of year, though. Any given day, a random list of students was absent due to testing, remediation, or re-takes. We were encouraged to keep new content, homework, and our own assessments to a minimum as students needed to concentrate on the tests that would determine their academic fate as well as school and district accreditation. Coming up with "something" landed many teachers and students in "the movie zone." I could see that the students craved more, though and we spent several days doing Digital Spring Cleaning!
Digital Spring Cleaning is a great way to give students the dedicated time to organize themselves after a busy year of creating and curating for all of their classes. Students need to see the purpose in this as any phrase with both the words "digital" and "cleaning" is sure to be an immediate downer to a teenager. I explained that this was a time to "pack-up, purge, and prepare." This was a time to set aside items that students wanted to archive, get rid of what they will surely never use again, and file and label items for easy access for the year to come.
Start with having students all go into "Your Stuff." Have them create labels for each class, then any additional labels they may need (images, videos, sports, 2013, etc.). Tell them that EVERY item needs a label or to be deleted. If they can't categorize it into something meaningful- pitch it! This will help students get their items organized from this year, so the next year's content won't get jumbled together. This also makes content searchable for them if they want to revisit an item!
Next, have students use these same labels (they show up automatically) to do the same for their MBC Documents. (This may be a good time to play a little background-music for your hard-working students. It makes Spring cleaning so much more fun!)
When students are done with their MBC Docs, have them move along to their Bundles. Students can delete any they do not need as well as "unwatch" any bundles that may be irrelevant after this academic year.
Next, move on to Conversations and have them clear out those messages they don't need to keep!
Still have students that have time on their hands? Show students how to update their notification preferences and their profile information/picture for the summer months.
If you need further ideas for a worthwhile class session while students are finishing their Spring cleaning, have them blog about digital citizenship, then continue this in a class discussion. You could even ask them to make a commercial, presentation, song, or skit about proper on-line behavior. Some prompts may be to ask them a time when they have had a miscommunication because of on-line correspondence. What caused this? How does sarcasm come across on-line? What does it reflect when grammar/spelling is ignored? When is this appropriate/not appropriate? What are some examples of inappropriate/risky on-line behavior? What can you do to protect your privacy on-line?
You can still have engaging classes that are relevant and meaningful without adding stress to the students involved in end-of course testing! Leave that DVD in its case...your newly-organized students will thank you.
...and SCENE!
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