-
The year is 1982, and my little family was green before green was cool
The year is 1982, and my little family was green before green was cool. Fast-forward to today, I wonder if our ideas and what we learned in the early 80’s could outlast the years. I thought so. If nothing else, it would get those creative juices flowing for those who like to tinker with new ideas. We were green before green was cool. We were green before green was cool. As I have aged, I’ve been judged for a lot of things – one being that I’m not an environmentalist. I think too “locally” to ever be a true environmentalist. I’m too old school. That term environmentalist (or conservationist) unfortunately, has been…
-
Creating Innovative Students
Creating Innovative Students in an online classroom and making sure that the students can be successful in them is a craft,. A craft that instructional designers and instructors work on endlessly. Building online and blended content for the new technological classrooms requires more time and energy than the traditional classroom that most of us grew up with. However, online instruction offers something that the traditional classroom doesn’t offer – the ability of the student to actively engage in the technological learning process, and gain hands-on experiences that push them to really think about how things work in an innovative way within the field of emerging technology. That is one of…
-
Management – It’s 5 O’clock Somewhere
It’s Five O’clock SomewhereExcuse me as I juggle my way through the morning. First thing in the door I hear “we need this, have you heard from such and such, and don’t forget”. I am finally able to maneuver my way into my office and flip on my computer. As it is loading I check for voice messages and I’m not disappointed by the number of calls needing returned. A quick glance to my computer screen and I note that my e-mails just keep racking up one after another. I anticipate that it may be 11:00 or noon before I get through them all.Someone needs something in the other room,…
-
The World of Competitive Dance
The World of Competitive DanceAt a dance competition this weekend I was able to observe hundreds of talented young dancers bringing their heart and soul to the stage, all in the name of dance. After 25 years of being in the dance world, I am ready to just kick back and watch the show. I don’t have to choreography, plan, buy, deal, negotiate, or be anywhere at 7:00 am until midnight. No more stage lights, fancy makeup, overpriced costumes, messed up lodging reservations, or getting lost in the big cities trying to find the venue. It isn't a competition unless I get everyone lost at least once.I wouldn’t say I’ve…
-
Cell Phones & The Pre-Selfie Era
Cell Phones & The Pre-Selfie Era – Welcoming In The New Millennials I walked into the junior high classroom this morning, and it was chatty as normal, similar to the beginning of any class. It’s a very open environment, and the culture of the students says, “this is our space“. Students were discussing the latest news in spirit activities, while others were trying to decide if lunch was going to be edible. Picking up on that conversation, that gave me the heads up that I better head across the street during my free hour and grab some food. I’ve eaten the food at all the schools, and I’m not…