Blogging and RSS as Tools for Educators

Blogging and RSS - The "What Is It? and "How To" of Powerful New Web Tools for Educators is an article written by Will Richardson, Supervisor of Instructional Technology in Fleming, New Jersey.  

One of my assignments is to read an educational article and write about it.  I still consider myself a novice in the art of blogging and am discovering what a great tool it can be...for cathartic purposes and for educational purposes, as well.

The article's purpose is to introduce blogging and RSS to the uninitiated and curious educator who is not sure what those terms mean.  The author seems to be "well versed" in the matter and offers his comments on using blogs and RSS in an educational setting.  The boom in blogs apparently is growing and everyone is using it- from homemakers to politicians to entertainers.  

December 2008 was the start of my blogging and I must say I was a tad nervous.  I tried Wordpress and found the instructions too intimidating.  At that point in time my only technological achievement was a powerpoint on Evita Peron.  I know I will never be the world's greatest writer, but a blog allows that chance to anyone.  Everyone offers something...from recipes, to how-to tips, to simple movie reviews.  And that's what I wanted to accomplish.  The Blogger proved to be a great site and has helped me improve in this territory.  I try to change templates on a monthly basis.

As an educator it came to be that blogging could be used in many ways.  Last year, Chelsea and Terence were the "Blog Editors" of our school's blogsite.  It was mainly a place where students could have their written or artistic work on display.  It was great for one year and somehow things happened.  Hopefully it will be resurrected next year.  So, even by a simple work display exercise, the realization of blogging extending to education became a reality.

It is a great tool for collaboration in the classroom.  Simple assignments can be posted for differentiated instruction- for ESL or the reluctant reader and writer.  How creative can a child get by writing about a sumer vacation on a blog and illustrating it as well?  Together with the teacher, the skills needed for good writing can be taught in a blog.  

The RSS is built-in metasite where sites are checked and you don't have to worry about the spam or other "naughty" things that tend to pop up.

The idea of subscribing to a blog allows a child to share his/her thoughts not just in the classroom, but on a global level.  That does sound frightening, but for the digital native, that's a part of life.  Our planet has become so close thanks to technology that our kids have the world and its citizens as a great resource!

I suppose that's why I started a blog.  One of my co-workers said that some of my entries were great to use as examples to show the kids that blogging is a better way to express ideas and feelings than just "dissing" friends.  

I used one entry with my 8th grade Literature class.  I wanted them to describe a trip they had taken- internationally or down to SoCal.  Entitled Fiestas Patronales and under the label of "Are We There Yet?" it describes my reminiscences of a trip to Nicaragua with my mom in 1966.  After reading it, the kids kindly said I was a great writer and I should write a book.  That is the ultimate compliment from a class.  I just wanted them to see that blogging could be fun and make writing interesting if you share something about your personal life.  As an instructor, I am well aware that certain things can be written about; that's why the title's explanations states its mission.

 And yes, this is the time for "shameless self promotion" as I invite you, my Lesley classmates, to check out this blog.  The nice things about blogs...they're diamonds in the rough.

So far...

It is already mid-June; where does the time go?  This week I started my summer job at the Salesian Boys and Girls Club in North Beach.  What an area to work in!  Great restaurants, lots of tourists and the ambiance in general.  And the job?  I've never worked with 4 year olds...and it's an experience.  God bless those men and women in early childhood education- the real foundation that helps everyone in K-12 survive.  They are cute kids, but must be involved in some sort of activity as their attention spans are very short!  Working on an international version of It's A Small World that hopefully reflects the population of San Francisco.  I will re-learn patience this summer.
The school year ended nice.  As you can see in the pic, our Play Day was an activity experienced by students and teachers alike.  All the kids had fun; my only negative complaint is that on Play Day, one team is the 1st prize winner- they're the only ones who get a ribbon.  Everyone else, well, not even a certificate.  In the past we did away with the 1st prize and all the children got a blue ribbon stating they participated in Play Day.  But, as usual, I digress.
Looking back, the year was a tough one.  Our principal, Sister Louise, passed away after a long battle with cancer.  She tried to work at school in September, but it was too much for her.  She must have been in pain, but she never showed.  She was tired and would say so.  I do miss her and thank her for inspiring me in the technological aspect of education.  My class this past year consisted of 26 very eager and rambunctious kids...Destin, Asanté, Shay, Rizza, Kailyne, Molasi...to name a few.  From slow learner to advanced learner- 26 youngsters thirsty for knowledge, enjoying school, and sharing our lives for a year.  May their 7th grade be a successful one with Miss W.
This year has been good to me so far- starting with the doggie, Papi, who became a part of my life in February.  It's amazing how much an animal companion makes a difference in one's life.  And you all know who has taken over the bed!  Then, getting a summer job and working with new kids.  Lastly, taking Masters in Education classes with Lesley University.  A whole new world to discover and new friends in the making.  Lord only knows what the rest of the year will be like.
Don't want to talk about the mess the Gulf of Mexico is in.  For that you have all the newsblogs, sites, etc.  I hope Mother Nature does not take revenge for humanity's folly.
Bueno, that's all for today.   Have a new Internet connection, via Comcast, and will start that today.  My piggybacking days are over, as I have been blocked by "FriscoCisco."  Can't complain, though.
Until the next entry!  BTW, the Tony Awards were wonderful  Memphis was the big winner in the musical category.

Blanche Devereaux Gone But Not Forgotten

Another of our "golden girls" is gone to heaven.  Rhue McClannhan went to her heavenly reward last week.  Not having internet access right now makes posting difficult.
I remember seeing her in the 70s on Maude with Bea Arthur; she portrayed her best friend.  Later in the late 80s, The Golden Girls introduced the world to her irreverant, yet fun "woman of the world" Blanche Devereaux.  Her behaviour proved that women over 50 can be active in many ways...wink wink!
Later, she portrayed a hilarious Reverend Mother Regina in Nunsense and Nunsense II: The Second Coming.  She could sing, dance and speak with a great Irish brogue.  And her portrayal of a teacher in Starship Troopers made us aware that there was life after a teleseries.
It's amazing how the stars of television become a part of our lives; I think moreso than movie stars.  They are "intimately" with us making us laugh, cry, argue on a weekly or daily basis.  And they never grow old.  They are alive in our hearts and cure us of our blues.  Thank you Rhue for giving joy, laughter and "a good time."

The Final Frontier

Today my class took their second field trip...to the Chabot Planetarium and Space Center.  Since I reserved too late, we were not able to take a class; we watched two films.  Solarmax in the Megadome- a fantastic film about the Sun and its effects on our planet.  The Planetarium show was about the Maya and their astronomy.  The kids seemed to enjoy the trip- they loved the hands on attractions and the gift shop.  The best line of the day was "when can we go on a field trip where we don't have to learn about something."  Oh, one day they'll appreciate these trips!!

Stormy Weather

Another icon of American entertainment has joined the celestial choir...Miss Lena Horne.  Such a sultry voice and such a beautiful person, physically and spiritually.  An actress/singer, she will be remembered as Glinda the Good in the film version of The Wiz.  She also starred in Stormy Weather back in the 40s.
She overcame many hardships in the entertainment world due to her color, but she became a bonafide success!
I got to meet her when my friend Frank had to go back to get her autograph after her one woman show back in the 80s.  We waited at the stage door and were allowed in and met the legend herself.  I took a book detailing a musical she starred in, Jamaica.  She was ever so gracious and talked about that particular production.  I wish I knew more about her, but I know she was a belter and a lady.  Not many entertainers today can claim that.

Behind the Glitz, Glamour and Showbiz Beats a Heart

Friday afternoon an assembly was scheduled.  The note in the faculty room said "Assembly: A Career in Professional Wrestling."  At first, I read it fast and thought it said "professional writing."  Sure enough, we were going to have a visit from a professional wrestler; his niece attends my school.  My kids kept asking who was the wrestler.  I was as much in the dark as they were.
So, at 2 PM our vice principal announced, in her loud and booming voice, "Ladies and gentleman; boys and girls!  Presenting the Tonga Kid!"  Well, he walked in- a massive bulk of a man- dignified, proud and not looking as rough and tough as his television persona.  It was an actual human being.

He proceeded to talk; I thought it was going to be about the sport and entertainment of wrestling.  It was wonderful inspirational talk about life, school, mothers and his career.  He emphasized staying in school and doing homework.  He admitted to the kids that he did not know how to read and write.  He has traveled internationally, but was illiterate in certain things- the basic things.  Then he talked about mothers.  He choked up a few times.  Made me choke-up.  Here is a man who has wrestled with Rowdy Roddy Piper and Hulk Hogan, shedding tears about his late mother.  Now that is a man with feeling and humanity- a role model for those kids who think crying is for sissies.  He also made it a good point to emphasize he did not live the life of luxury we think pro wrestlers live...he lives in an apartment with his family and drives a van!
He also told the kids never to attempt the moves seen on TV- those are practiced, rehearsed and they know how to break a fall.
I have enjoyed wrestling as an entertainment- shades of the gladiatorial arena of ancient Rome, but I have a new respect for the men, because they can put aside their "Hollywood image" and talk like the rest of us and reach out and tell the youth of today how it is.  Bravo for Sam Fatu...AKA the Tonga Kid!!

T'was a good week

It was rather a busy week; aside from school and Papi, we went on our annual field trip to the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum in San Jose, California.  A great outing for the kids and the day was spectacular.  Had three great chaperones: Pete, Mariana and Keith and my niece Christina came along and was one of the official photographers.  She enjoyed the antics of the kids, too.
I must say that this yearly expedition is wonderful as I get to reacquaint myself with antiquities and mummies.  The kids are fascinated by the mummies- three human and various animal ones- and they soak up lots of information.  They were so well-behaved that one of my mischief-makers said, "And you were worried about our behavior, Mr. P!"  I am already contemplating one more field trip...to the Metreon IMAX theatre to see Disney's OCEAN.  

Never Forget

The day of the Holocaust remembrance was the 10th of April this year, I believe.  As the years spread us apart from those horrific days, it is sad to see some of our youth not giving a care whatsoever.  I guess it's because it happened so long ago for them, and being Christian, something such as the Holocaust could never happen to them.
Living in San Francisco is great because we are such a diverse city, but yet there is hatred amongst various ethnic groups.  From gang violence to hate crimes.  I see the kids I teach how "safe" they feel in the Bay Area, but what happens once they leave to other states or countries where diversity is not the norm?
Events such as Holocaust Remembrance Day must be "celebrated" in our schools and in our families.  Teachers educate and allow them to research and learn what happened in those days- not only to the Jews, but to those righteous enough to stand up to the Nazis; to the Jehovah's Witnesses, homosexuals, Catholic religious, etc.  The evil seeds Hitler planted sprout today as vicious weeds trying to destroy "the good in humanity."

Rwanda, the Sudan, the Killing Fields of Pol Pot...different times and people, but with the same goal- genocide; get rid of those who have "caused our problems."

Sometimes I wonder if extraterrestrials do exist and they are observers of what transpires on this blue planet.  Are they horrified?  Do they wonder why our species destroys its own kind?

Yet, no matter how ugly those times were, let us remember and celebrate Life...the survivors share their stories of heroism and courage; truly role models for our youth yearning to find out what is right.  Life is so precious that everyone deserves to experience it and not become a victim because of some idiot's ill conceived ideas about how our nations should exist.

Have you ever been picked on or bullied because of how you look or act?  If so, you've experienced the "Yellow Star."  God bless all victims, survivors and children!

In the beginning

Let's go back to the very beginning...a very good place to start.  During the Easter season, lots of Biblical films get airtime on TV.  Of course the popular ones are shown and the ones that are not a critical success are bound to be watched at home.  The Bible...in the beginning is one such film.  My mom and I saw this one back in 1967 at the old United Artist theatre on Market Street.  A two o'clock matinee; afterall this film was a roadshow engagement.  That theatre had a record-breaker with The Sound of Music playing for about two years.  Talks about movies with staying power!  As usual, I digress.
The Bible was directed by John Huston.  He was a director from, as the kids would say, the "old school."  Looking back, the film was very long, tedious and reverent.  Afterall, it was the story of our human beginning.  Visually, it is an incredible film with a cast of thousands and no CGI.  I emphasize this fact to my students as they refer to green screen and the like.  An ambitious film five years in the making.  Hmm...let's see why it's on my top 10 Biblical epics...
The cast included big names and new names...Adam and Eve were portrayed by Michael Parks and Ulla Bergryd (who?)  Michael Parks had moderate success on American TV and film; Ulla was a student from Sweden and caught the eye of director Huston.  Cain and Abel were portrayed by Richard Harris and Franco Nero.  Funny, in 1968 they would be cast in the film version of the musical Camelot- Harris as King Arthur and Nero as Lancelot.  Both these actors would find international film success.  John Huston not only directed the film BUT narrated and played Noah.  In fact, the Noah sequence was the comedic highlight of the film.
Stephen Boyd portrayed Nimrod, the builder of the Tower of Babel.  The last half of the film dealt with the saga of Abraham and Sarah, portrayed by George C. Scott and Ava Gardner.  His portrayal of the patriarch is the best, IMHO.  And Ava Gardner was a joy in the part of the wife who could not bear a child.  Speaking of which, Hagar the Egyptian was portrayed by Zoe Zaldis (again, who?) and was cast in the part of "Hagar" because she was having an affair with the director.  And, apparently Mr. Scott and Miss Gardner were the subject of gossip as well.  But this is not The Ten Commandments, so they're safe.  Peter O'Toole was cast as the "Three Angels of the Lord."
The Creation sequence was OK; I think it was more spectacular in One Million Years B.C.  But the creation of man from the dust of the ground was interesting to say the least.  The first murder is still as chilling to young audiences as to the ones in the 60s.  I've shown this part in my religious education classes and the kids get quiet or say "No!"  Cain strikes his brother with the jawbone of an ass.
The last half of Act I is the Noah sequence and it is spectacular, especially the building of the ark, the arrival of the animals and the great flood itself.  Mario Chiari was nominated for his scenic design of the film.
The Tower of Babel was a great sequence, though I really doubt it was a 50 story skyscraper.  But then again this sequence was used to show how languages evolved.  Lastly, the story with Abraham got tedious at times.  It gets its message across and the sacrifice of Isaac is moving, thanks to the fantastic score by Toshiro Mayuzumi.  It was this score that got me hooked to the genre of film music.  I still love the theme to this film and the music is really different from the traditional composings of Alfred Newmann, Max Steiner or Elmer Bernstein.  It is a movie score worth checking out.
Bueno, I think this entry is longer than the film!  It may not be your type of film, but definitely one to check out.  If you are not into the story, but a student of film, look for the technicals.  Try to enjoy, huh?

Another TV Icon...Gone

Popular televison luminary, John Forsythe, passed away at the age of 92.  He's best know for two roles he created- the voice of "Charley" on Charlie's Angels and as the patriarch on the popular drama Dynasty as "Blake Carrington."  He had a melifluous voice and was handsome.  As a child, I remember him on Bachelor Father.  Hopefully his legacy will live on as young people discover/re-discover his performances.  RIP, John Forsythe.