HOT CLASSROOM

So, before vacation the temperature of my classroom was 84 degrees. Personally I think that is too hot. If I were home, I would have turned on the air conditioner. However this is school and of course that is not possible. So open up a window, not possible either since there are no windows in my classroom. Now I return from a lovely week off and my room is 90 degrees. I have taught in the cafeteria too much this school year, and have had it. I think I need to get out of here. I will be completing a request for transfer soon. I do hope until that time comes, the school gets the temperature to a comfortable zone.

Second Pod Cast

I'm a little late listening to the second podcast, but better late than never. I believe teachers can bring WEB 2.0 into their classrooms if the technology is available for all. Having students interact with other people and partake in discussions is great for learning. Since teens are already doing this at home, teachers should incorporate this into their classroom. Technology should not just be used for finding information (like an encyclopedia). It should be used to communicate with other students across the country and world. However, in East Orange, it is almost impossible. English teachers at my school are required to use the whole school reform model, which is scripted. There truly isn't any time to veer off the track, according to our school leaders. I would like to utilize blogging in my class, instead of journals, but I only have 3 working lap tops and 20 students. I would not know how to do it if I was afforded the opportunity. Any ideas?

Hardwood Floors

Well we are having our floors redone. It smells horrible here. They told us with water based polyurethane it wouldn't smell, but I think they lied. Our house is in total chaos. Furniture is everywhere except where it really belongs. My kitchen has become a living room and my son's bedroom is now a dining room. Kids aren't sleeping at home and I slept at my mother's condo last night. Hopefully the smell will go away SOON.

Creating a page on My Space

Well I created something. It doesn't look like much. I found it very difficult to navigate and I was confused. I will have to get some help from my daughter and her friends, they have pages with pictures and music. All I created was a page with my name, it doesn't look good. I'll let you know how it turns out when I get the help I need.

Blogging Surprise

Just finished reading "Teens Content Creation" and found the numbers quite interesting. I never knew just how many teens were doing things on the computer. I figured it was high, just didn't realize how high. This relates to something I experienced last week. I was looking over my blog page and reading through comments that people have made and I came across an unfamiliar name. It turned out to be a thirteen year old girl who read my page and posted a comment. I was surprised that someone that wasn't in the class would read or even come across my page. However, after reading the article, it makes perfect sense. Teen girls are more likely to blog and read other blogs. Typically they are reading blogs written by people they know, but some do read blogs of unknown people. I didn't know that.

Dieting tips

I hope someone can shed some light. I need a new diet plan. I have been very unsuccessful and have gained a lot of weight. I can't afford to join LA weight loss again and am in need of inspiration, motivation. HELP!!!!!

New Literacies

I have to say that after reading the first two chapters, I feel confused. It seems that the name reading has changed to literacy, but not much more. Teachers are still teaching the same way they taught traditional reading programs. I guess we need to change, but I'm not sure as to how.
So, how did all this come about? I think the change started in the 1960's when people were figuring out which nations would become economically advantaged based on the number of literate people in the countries. Countries focused on literacy programs to help them economically. This reminds me of what happens today with the building of jails. If the reading levels of those tested in high schools are at an 8th grade level or lower, more jails are built. That's interesting to think this is how we predict the future. We relate illiteracy to poor social classes.
Now we have new literacies that involve more than just reading and writing. It involves interactions between people and groups of people. These new literacies cross over to other areas as well, such as "critical literacy and technoliteracy," just to name a couple. There are many more which all seem to involve some type of social interaction. Literate has also been known as being competent in a certain area, and through this the word literacy has been wide spread.
This new literacy also involves new technology. This new literacy, known as digital literacy may one day create a serious division within the population. This could disadvantage many people (I think I could be in that group).
To add even more to this, there is a great divide with web1.0 and web 2.0. I don't know where I fit in. I am considered an "immigrant" to all of this, according to John Perry Barlow who said I am a newcomer, being over 35. Maybe I am a small part of each. I do often go on web sites where I find reviews from other people, although I have never contributed to writing a review. Maybe I could do that in my classroom, book reviews on line? Isn't that just like the metaphor used " old wine in a new bottle? " Writing a review on line and not on paper?
I definitely am a part of the mindset that although much has changed technologically, many things have stayed the same. I still teach like I did 17 years ago, with a few exceptions. Now I do incorporate technology into my classroom, but definitely not the way I should. I don't know what to do in order to change my mindset, I need lessons on how to do that.
Finally, we can talk about multitasking, which I have a very difficult time doing. I find I am easily distracted and assume my students would be too. However after reading chapter 2, I see it is possible to do other things and still be a part of something else. Mia was able to pay attention to the poem, teacher and her own blog and not miss anything. When my students are doodling or not giving me eye contact and I ask them something about the lesson, I usually find they weren't paying attention. So as a result I want them focused on me when I teach. I don't know how I can change that mindset. Any ideas?

Not a good week

I guess I am just having a bad week. Monday, I gave the Cycle II test and I actually watched students give up before they even tried. The text they had to read was longer than usual and two of my students did not read anything and just filled in the blanks. Imagine if there was merit pay in East Orange, I would be broke.
I also got my monthly friend Monday night. I am just exhausted and feel like crap! I spent the whole day Tuesday in bed. So now I am back at work. So far this morning I have spoken to two parents and heard many complaints from the substitute about my class.
Finally, to keep the week in a downward spiral, I just found out a former coworker, who just retired last year, died yesterday. He was one of the first people I spoke to in East Orange. We worked together when I started 17 years ago. I am really saddened by this news. Can anything elso go wrong? I hope not!!!!!