Liz Kolb's survey - Cell phones in schools

Liz posted a survey in her blog about cell phones in schools.
From Toy to Tool: Cell Phones in Learning: K-12 Teachers, Please take the Cell Phones in Schools Survey!

Liz Kolb is the author of Toys for Tools available through ISTE books.

From the ISTE book site, "Toys for Tools discuses how to enhance learning by using the powerful technology of cell phones both inside and outside the classroom. Many, if not most, educators view cell phones as the enemy. Author Liz Kolb sees them as powerful technology in the hands of students.

Acknowledging the current reality—at many schools ban student cell phone use in the classroom—Kolb discusses a host of innovative and highly interesting uses for the technology that do not require using the phones in the classroom. She also addresses the issues that have caused the bans and provides guidelines for overcoming the problems".

I am passing the survey on through the school network and hopefully some one will participate. We have 4 (out of 10) high schools participating in a pilot program to allow cell phones at school. Before this pilot program for 4 high schools, the phones were confiscated for 365 days.

So my volunteering to teach with cell phones during a Saturday or after school program is turned down, I will work with the local library to offer a cell phone as a learning tool workshop.

Feed the Need

This Fall DoSomething.org is teaming up with the new film "The Soloist,” coming to theaters in March 2009, to get young people across the country to help fight hunger in their communities and Feed The Need.

In “The Soloist,” journalist Steve Lopez (Robert Downey Jr.) discovers Nathaniel Anthony Ayers (Jamie Foxx), a former classical music prodigy, playing his violin on the streets of L.A. As Lopez works to help the homeless man find his way back, a unique friendship is formed that transforms both their lives.

In the spirit of this film, high schools, middle schools, orchestras and church groups across the country are running food drives to help fight hunger and bring hope to communities in need. And you can start one too!

Submit your drive by December 15th and you could win some great prizes!
1 Grand Prize Winner:
A screening of The Soloist for your group
$1,000 to support an arts or music program of your choice
4 First Prize Winners:
$1,000 to support an arts or music program of your choice
And tons of great swag for runners up!

For tip sheets, online application, view the PSA with Corbin Bleu from High School Musical, and to check out The Soloist trailer go to Do Something Feed the Need.

Submit Your Drive
Fill out an entry form with all of the details about your drive. You can even submit photos and YouTube links to show us how much your drive rocked. All drives must youth-led (under 25) and completed by December 15th. Winners will be announced in mid January.

Eradicating Rodent Issues - Normal?

School system works to eradicate rodent issues

I have attended training and educational events in places some people cannot even imagine. As a military service member, I had to, as an adult non traditional student my choice is to pursue online education. But when did it become acceptable to allow rodents in the schools with our students and educators?

This article published by the Augusta Chronicle mentions statements from the Senior Director of Facilities Services. Granted...this is only of of four school systems my daughter has been in and out of during her public education. Of course, I accept the responsibility for the moves with the military. While I can learn under duress and unacceptable environments because of my military background, it does not mean that I learn my best in the varying environments.

I do not expect my daughter, her friends, my neighbors' children, the future leaders of the community, and their educators and administrators to find this acceptable.

Today, the Augusta Chronicle does an article titled, Schools might be slow to crank up thermostat, "Richmond County parents should bundle up their children and make sure their clothing is layered, because older schools might not be quick to flip on the heat".

So yesterday, the rodent issue is stated as, "But the problem isn't any worse than usual", Starks said and today you are encouraged to bundle up your students.

If you didn't know about the rodents being a normal part of the environment or the temperature control, what else don't you know about the environment where your students are all day? If this is acceptable, what are the actions (or lack of) teaching everyone?