Visual Literacy Underway

What a fun first start to discussing visual literacy! I know many of you in the class enjoyed the “hidden” messages or parts of the brand logos we briefly explored, so here is a link to a few more clever brand logos.  Train yourself to look closely! Now try this graphic of logos.  How many […]

To the Root of a Rotten (School Reform) Tree

I’ve read so many things over the past year and a half, many of which have altered my view of the world.  Through reading, my perception has been fundamentally and profoundly changed.  No Logo opened my eyes to consumerism, branding, and global capitalism; The Shock Doctrine again woke me to capitalism and its pernicious means […]

Ed Tech Heresy

I FINALLY finished Kentaro Toyama’s Geek Heresy: Rescuing Social Change from the Cult of Technology.  It took me so long to finish it because it was a holiday gift that I just couldn’t finish before my classes resumed.   After slowly chipping away at it over the course of the semester, I can finally write about […]

Google Apps and Chromebooks–Pilot Notes

I’m moved to post a bit more now after a long hiatus.  One of the most exciting things to happen recently has been a pilot program for Chromebooks in our classroom! Convinced that a better ratio of students-to-devices was crucial to an engaging classroom, I propositioned our tech coordinator, and, luck-of-all-lucks, a pilot program was […]

Multitasking, Anyone?

After 15 years in the classroom, it’s hard not to notice a fundamental change in students.  Not doubt we’re all influenced by the daily environment, so when kids see parents multitasking, it’s only natural they’ll do the same. by kikikarpus.

Just Realized

Just realized something:  I spend all day with students, then come home to write them personal notes, based on my knowledge of the individuals and the reading process.  I do this routinely throughout the school year.  In excess of six hours, plus personal feedback. This is sometimes more intimate that parents are with their own […]