Networking and the Digital Age

I can admittedly be identified as a digital immigrant(Prensky, 2001). Daily I enter the classroom surrounded by students who can text with one hand while taking notes with the other. Students who produce videos, make photo collages, build websites, interface in social networks, edit/mix play lists on mp3s.

Earlier this evening I watched the CBS 60 Minutes piece on computer worms, malware, viruses, Spyware and more. In the piece the top networking site, facebook, was mentioned as one of the major targets of the malicious software being used to damage networks, steal information, and even worse, steal funds earned by others. Digital natives (Prensky, 2001) learning to use the technology they've grown up with to make a living long before their even old enough to drive, drink or vote without any social conscience.

My bride shared an article from one of her Rss feeds about the growing trend of minors posting staged fights on the Internet. Many of these fights escalating and resulting in serious injuries, all in the name of their 15 seconds of fame.

Networking in the digital age has allowed me to retain long time friendships. Its provided a way to see the results and 'investments' made in students lives after they've become adults. I've seen my grandson grow up by visiting with him online and watching v-logs from his dad and mom.

I've opened a 'Delicious' account to keep my bookmarks readily available no mater what computer I'm on. Joined "LinkedIn" to in hopes of developing professional network contacts. I've added the CoolIris add-on to Firefox making it easier to preview links in articles, blogs, etc. without having to actually leave my original site.

In the classroom I'm being challenged to learn quickly how to integrate a clicker system into the everyday learning experience. The difficult thing about it is finding the time to assign all the students a clicker inside the software so that they can use it.

I just completed my ninth online master's degree class. I've taken my tests, completed my readings, posted discussions, sent assignments, credentials, applications and more . And it all goes well I will graduate with Master's of Education in Administrative Leadership in 18 months without ever setting foot on the university campus.

I may be an immigrant but I'm learning to survive in the digital age like a native. Now all I have to do is learn how to use the technology available to me to make Algebra 1 just as engaging as twitter.

Unexpected Civics Lesson

While establishing my first online bookmark account today I was reminded of several bookmarked sites that I had neglected. So off to eduhounds, webquests and then suddenly I was a site by Tom March. On his site he had clipped the video below. It was interesting because of its use of cell phones in creative learning. But the message that is being taught was even more intriguing.

As I watched in awe I was reminded how easy it is to become comfortable in life missing opportunities to serve others. Perhaps its time to get out of my comfort zone and get back in the battle! Taste and see if it doesn't speak to you too.

"No Man Is an Island"

Enabling Spring Break

After a long and storied history in the ranks of college lore, spring break has now become a fixture in the ranks for grade schools k-12. SB-2009 has been a week that I've looked forward too since the second week of the year. And it is right now a low keyed success that has provided the break needed.

The break began with attending an intimate concert by Picked Last at the Venue in Forney. A little out of the way coffee shop just past the Wal-Mart in Forney. Saturday was a mid-term in my master's program. Yeah, Lamar University's online program doesn't take spring break. Their tongue-in-cheek idea of spring break was to say we'll give you 48 hours to get the mid-term in. That's been the window since the second course of the degree.

Sunday after church all three generations loaded up and headed to Austin for a couple of days. Just relaxed in the hotel that evening after a supper at Joe's Crabshak.

Monday we took the grandson to his first zoo visit. The Austin Zoo was rustic, but very viewer friendly especially for little guys. We had a great time, even took a miniture train ride that ended up being a nice surprise ending. We went to The Oasis on Lake Travis for supper. The draw is its amazing view of the sunset; however, the wait was too long, the service terrible, the crowd uncontrolled, and the food was McD quality with $$$ pricing.

Tuesday was a day of shopping in what has become our ladies favorite outlet mall in Round Rock. Had McAlister's for lunch then headed back to Dallas for a mini-reunion of the Nance clan. Supper at Aunt Nilla's was great with all of the family visiting over dinner. A quick trip from Addison to Red Oak for more time with Danny and Rachel before rest finally came.

Wednesday was a day at the Dallas World Aquarium. Its more like a rain forest above and a small aquarium below. Way too many people on this day, but still a neat place to go. The look of discovery on my grandson's face was worth the punishment endured in the overcrowded space. And don't ever say I'm not tolerant, I tolerated bird poop.

Today was a recovery day watching March Madness. The rest of the week will probably be spent doing school work and watching more March Madness.

Oh yeah, almost forgot, our Austin trip included a visit to the Lamar street Wholefoods. My family goes for the variety of high end foods, especially for those with allergies. I go to people watch, cause I honest believe that "Keep Austin Weird" originated in Whole Foods.

I hope you'll take time to enable some time this spring to take a break and enjoy your family.