What to write?

So as I sit in front of my laptop staring at a blank screen wondering what I could write that would interest my followers.  I took the advice of a classmate and clicked the "Next Blog" button.  I clicked through about 4 or 5 and nothing seemed to peek my interest, but then I seemed to notice a pattern: how do all these authors make their pages so snazzy?  I followed the blogger design and did not see any of these cool backgrounds and graphics.  One even had music!  I want to to learn ways to pretty up my blog.  Perhaps if I could personalize it to fit me better I would be more incline to write in it more?? :)

Promethean Boards Take 2

The past week I attended a course on the basics of how to use the Promethean Board in the classroom.  Though just from playing with the Promethean board on my own I had figured out many of the basic features, but they were many cool tools that I had yet to explore.  One really neat feature was I could use the magic pen to write on any document or webpage on my computer, another click I could change my handwriting to typed text.  Everyday I am consistently learning something new.  Just yesterday a student showed me how to clip my pens to the side of my board.  I love it when I can learn new things from my students. :)

Virtual Apple Picking?

 Today my husband and I took our 16 month old son to Treworgy Orchards to go apple picking.  For those who have never been it is a wonderful experience; not only do they have apple orchards, but a giant pumpkin patch, petting zoo,hay rides, corn maze and much more.  One of the things that I love about the Orchard is just being able to connect with nature.  There is just something about self sustainability that is ultimately satisfying.  At home, we also have a small garden and there is nothing like going out to your back door and be able to pick your own food for your dinner.

Being a parent of a young child, I often wonder how society will be when our son is grown.  Incredible changes have been made since I was a youngster, and I cannot imagine when he is an adult what new and improved technology will exist.  I love technology, don't get me wrong, but sometimes it can be a little unsettling on how our society is changing.  I recently read about schools who are replacing their library books with electronic readers.  No more books?!  I cannot imagine a world without.  Social interaction with human to human contact is almost a thing of the past with social networking, texting, etc. Will our son grow up in a virtual world?

I hope places like Treworgy stay open so that future generations can grow up and appreciate both our technological and environmental  world.

Off the Grid!

In this day in age we as a society rely heavily on technology. Fifteen years ago many of us probably didn't have a mobile device and definitely not a Smartphone. How did we EVER survive?? We've become so accustomed to our gadgets and devices that when they cease to work or we forget them at home we are lost.

During these past few days I can relate to my statement. The first day of school was Sept. 1, and because I was such a late hire to my school district I have yet received my school laptop or put into the system. Attendance is done on a computer, so I had to run up and down 3 flights of stairs to deliver a paper copy these last few days(I'm getting in great shape) to the school secretary. Our agenda for the beginning of the year activities could be found on the schools webpage, which I couldn't access because I didn't have a user name or password. We have new and beautiful Promethean Boards in our classroom this year and unfortunately mine to date just looks like a fancy whiteboard in my room.

I should hopefully be getting my laptop next week, but not having it the first week of school has been difficult for me, and has made me realize how much I now rely on technology to aid in my teaching.