Looking forward to today

This week really marks the beginning of my summer schedule.

 On Monday I presented to the school board on how I use technology in the classroom. Basically, it was my honors Keynote from the spring banquet, but I tweaked it some since several of the board members had seen it already. I think they were impressed. Some members had very kind words for me and what I do. But as I tell everyone, "it's not hard to teach excellent kids." I have the most excellent students.

 I just create a context for them to flourish and most take it and run with it. I just sit back in awe at what they create.

Today (Wednesday) I will teach the first of two classes at the NWSC from 9 to 4.

Today's session is on a subject very near and dear to my millennial heart: using cell phones in the classroom.

I offered this session last summer, but there were no takers.  This year there are a few.  I didn't think the class was going to go, but at the last second it was offered.  I hope the few who are there today will go back and spread the gospel about using cell phones to enhance learning.

Tomorrow I will teach the second session, basically, on an idea which I stole from our excellent media specialist, Mrs. Weets.  She presented last winter on 20 sites in 60 minutes (which she stole from a presentation at TIES which, I believe, was called 60 sites in 60 minutes).

My take on this is that I'm going to focus on the 20 sites and apps that I could not teach without.

Some of my absolute staples will be shared: blogger, drobox, evernote, slideshare, scribd, and glogster. I'm really looking forward to these sessions.  The NWSC is first class all the way.  The computers are outfitted with the latest software.  The refreshments are excellent.  And the cater to my every need.

I just hope I can offer two sessions that live up to their standards!