#SBAR Thoughts

I haven't really gotten into this pool of education yet, just because I don't know a lot about it.  I'm dipping my feet in and testing out the waters.

I am making generalizations of the people involved in Waukee Middle Schools transition.


A majority of parent's don't support it:

They think,

• It's hard to see their child's overall understanding of the subject.
• How will they transition into high school?
• How do you know your GPA?

A majority of students don't support it:

They think,

• It doesn't give them anything to strive for.
• Now:  "I want to get an A in Science and a 4.1 GPA"
• Future "I want to get an S in writing multiple stanza poems"
• It will be difficult to see what my grades are at any point.

A majority of teachers love it: 

They think,

• It helps them serve individual students better.
• They can reteach as needed to those that need it.
• They can sort their students by understanding of topics.

 Most of these concerns by parents and students are due to lack of knowledge of the topic.  Most people are looking at how it was during elementary school, NO Powerschool, no online communications or technology at all. 

It would be like me, buying a 1st generation iPhone and never buying one again because I didn't like it.  I need to realize that Apple has changed lots of things in the past 5 years and I should try it again.
So, stop comparing this to what is happening in elementaries, because we're not in elementary anymore.

Evernote

I have recently started using Evernote in Language-Arts to take notes.  It is easier because I can access them anywhere, it saves paper, and it makes me look smarter than I am. :)

As we read we take Cornell notes (format) on our books.

Evernote is nice because of it's great organizational methods.  I've made an "English Notes" section and tagged it notes, and Devils Arithmetic so I can find it later on.

I make each chapter a different note with the same tags.

It's also easy to edit them anywhere you need to.  In Language-Arts I type them on my iPod Touch that is brought along where ever I go.  And then later on when I need to type an essay, reflection, or paper on the book it's all at my fingertips.

Tech Tools Implementation

I've made some great technological advances lately that I'd like to share with everyone.

#1.  For Christmas I got a 4th generation iPod Touch for Christmas.  I use it for everything, except calling. (The one thing it doesn't do well)

#2. Evernote:  I've had the app on my iPod for since November and have been using Evernote web until last week when I installed the desktop program.

#3. Sony Bloggie:  I bought one thinking I would use it more often than I do.  I have used my iPod Touch for most videos & photography.  I've had this for 2 months and the first time I will have used it productively is tomorrow.

#4. Tweetdeck: It doesn't do too much that Hootsuite didn't but it's easier to use since it is a Chrome app.

#5. Chrome:  It's SOOO much easier to use than FireFox was.  It has basic options (like anything google) without all the confusion or ugliness of other browsers.  The best part though is the Web Store where you can get free apps or plug-ins, such as Tweetdeck.

These were in no specific order of greatness, just thought it was worth sharing!

Revolution Of Cell Phones Survey

I would greatly appreciate it if you would take 2 minutes to fill it out for me.
Thanks!