Books for Next Online Course

These are the textbooks for my next online class - ELT 7008. If you have read them, have an opinion, or have used them in a class before please share your comment.

Palloff, R., & Pratt, K. (2007) Building online learning communities: Effective strategies for the virtual classroom. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, Inc.

Reviews on Amazon

Palloff, R., & Pratt, K. (2004) Collaborating online: Learning together in community. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, Inc.

Reviews on Amazon

Bender, T. (2003) Discussion-based online teaching to enhance student learning: Theory, practice and assessment. Stylus.

Reviews on Amazon

Students - Credit reports and ID theft - What is your status?

One of the concerns discussed during the workshops and with my own young adult/child is ID theft and credit reports. Who encourages our young adults and their parents to request a free credit report? The students and the parents ask, "Why should they request a credit report when/if they don't have credit?" The question answers itself.

We don't know what we don't know. Some argue ignorance is bliss...in today's society...ignorance is not bliss when it comes to identity theft and online scams. Identity theft and hosed up credit can keep you from offers for jobs, scholarships, college applications and our young adults need to be proactive in being vigilant, and using independent learning opportunities.

Everyone needs to be proactive in maintaining our individual credit rating and protecting our identity. Credit reports factor into decisions made about insurance, renting an apartment, buying a car or home, getting a job, maintaining a job which requires security clearance/background checks.

Some will argue that it is best to keep our students off line to protect them from ID theft. This is just wrong...identity theft occurred long before people accessed the Internet. The information to the public wasn't as accessible as it is today and many of us grew up with parents who did not know about ID theft or credit report issues.

Many people check their credit report on an annual basis and I try to encourage our students to do the same. They are entitled and they need to understand what is or is not reported on their individual credit report.

Identity theft can occur to anyone...being proactive about who is checking your credit and what is listed on your individual credit report is a personal responsibility.




When an individual discovers he or she has become a victim of identity theft by a family member, it can be devastating. It also happens when students share names of family members who have passed and data is transferred from one credit report to another by the humans doing the data transfers. The responsibility to correct the credit report is on the individual. This can be tough for a young adult who wants to be successful in the world.

So who is teaching our young adults to become proactive in applying for their personal credit reports?

Anyone can start through the FTC (Federal Trade Commission). As stated on the Consumer page, "This section of the FTC website offers practical information on a variety of consumer topics. The information here can help you avoid rip-offs and exercise your consumer rights. So read up! Education is the first line of defense against fraud and deception; it can help you make well-informed decisions before you spend your money".

Games - You can play the games from the site or grab the code and add it to your own site. Games include 7 Practices for Safer Computing, Identity Theft, Internet Auctions, Laptop Security, P2P File-Sharing, Phishing, Online Investing, Online Shopping, Social Networking, Spam Scams, Spyware, Wireless Security.

News - As the official news bureau for the FTC, our primary objective is to help American consumers understand what the FTC is, what it does, and the value the FTC adds to their lives. We work with all of the FTC's Bureaus and Offices to identify news opportunities and implement effective media relations programs.

International Consumer Protection - Globalization is one of the central consumer protection developments of the 21st century, commanding the attention of businesses, consumers, law enforcers, and policymakers around the world. The FTC pursues the development of an international market-based consumer protection model, which focuses on protecting consumers from significant harm while maximizing economic benefit and consumer choice.

There are many options for individuals, families, educators, and community leaders to use the FTC site to help share knowledge and experiences and empower individuals within a community.

As we all work to "Make everything fine in 2009" visit the Federal Trade Commission site, read a section that applies to you, add your number to the National Do Not Call Registry, check your credit report and encourage others to do the same, read the scholarship scam reports and articles, or learn about Children's Privacy and Identity Theft Privacy. There is something for everyone through the FTC pages and links.

Options? My parents want me to go to college but...

Don't give up! If college is not for you that is OK too...expand your horizons. eScholar through studentjobs.gov is an umbrella site where students can apply for scholarships, apprenticeships, internships, cooperatives, fellowships, and grants through the Federal government. If nothing else, review the requirements....sometimes a parent's passion for their student's future may not be a shared vision.

Don't forget to check your favorite corporation for opportunities.

Publix Careers - Culinary Experience, Tuition Assistance, Internships
Walmart Internships - MBA and Corporate Internships, Pharmacy Internships
Google jobs and internships

The last scholarship workshop for 2008 will be conducted on Wednesday, 12/17/08. I have been asked to do one more in January. Then we move on to the Google products workshops.

During the last couple of workshops, I have been asked, "Now that you have focused on the students what about us...the adults?"

This is why I love the Internet and the eroding of the walls. Adults...guess what the majority of our seniors graduating from high school are? Legal adults.

Adults...if you want to qualify for any type of financial aid you must fill out a FAFSA. Like our students you have the option of creating a GAcollege411 account. There is a tab titled Adult Learner. If you are a parent and involved with your student's pursuit of college financing...might as well join them.

Scholarship search sites such as Fastweb and Brokescholar are open to anyone who can input data to interact with a website. Check the privacy and TOS (Terms of Service) for age requirements.

Some of the participants stated, "This is like work"...regardless of the economy, applying for scholarships, internships, apprenticeships, and/or jobs is work. If you are passionate about pursuing an education, formally or informally, you have to apply everything you have learned...while continuing to learn.

The FAFSA student aid site provides links for students in middle school, high school, college, in English and Español. There are links for non traditional students, International students, Parents, Counselors/Mentors, and Native Americans.

Microsoft and Michigan Virtual University have partnered and created the CareerForward program. A website for students and teachers, "to be introduced to the growing global competition that they will face. Most important, they need motivation to plan and see the education that is so crucial for their futures."

There are too many programs to address in a blog, one workshop, with one counselor or one individual...It is OK to ask, never settle, and if you are going to soar with the eagles quit hanging with the turkeys.

When you want to throw in the towel and give up...just ask one question, "Whose future is it anyway?"

Support the Digiteens - Different ways

For everyone who has been lurking and watching what the Digiteen Dream Team has been doing with their efforts to "Keep Lively Alive" they have posted some options for readers of their blog. Check the Digiteen Dream Team blog and read their updates. They have connected with a class in Hong Kong and provided links and suggestions that meet the needs of their blog readers.

So what can you do?

Check out the Cool Cat Teacher blog. Vicki Davis has posted a variety of projects created by her students from letters to videos. These posts include her support of the students and the actions they are taking about something they learned in school and connected with the real world, globally.
Sign the Keep Google Lively Active online petition.
Join the Facebook group of Livelyzens.
Share your succes feedback/opinion with Google
Check out the Livelyzens blogs in Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, Portugese, and English
Download Lively and create an account and join the protest room.

This has been a valuable learning experience for all the Digiteen supporters and their blog readers. For all of the bad news spewed about children and the Internet, Vicki's students are learning, practicing, and teaching younger students about Digital Citizenship.

Parents...check out the Cool Cat Teacher's blog post titled, "A Little Digital Citizenship Parent Brainstorming: Share Your Thoughts" on 8/8/08.

There are still too many adults that could use a course in Digital Citizenship in order to set the example for the people they influence. We can all learn something from the Digiteen Dream Team. When is the last time you took a stand for something you believed passionately about that didn't include a majority?

Continuing to empower students

Wow! I feel honored to be mentioned on Vicki Davis' Cool Cat Teacher Blog.

Empower - To equip or supply with an ability; enable: "Computers ... empower students to become intellectual explorers" (Edward B. Fiske).
empower. (n.d.). The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Retrieved December 09, 2008, from Dictionary.com website:http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/empower

I believe empowering students is what we should all do. In the real world, people learn from us, with us, in spite of us, or just because of what we do, whether you are a parent, an educator by career choice, a Sunday school teacher, a teacher of any topic or subject at a community center or a member of a community. So what do you do with the new knowledge, skill, attribute, or information? Do our students just hoard everything they learn then celebrate their 18th birthday and announce they are legally empowered?

A few years ago, I remember a debate amongst my own classmates (non traditional adult students). We were analyzing information gathered from a variety of stakeholders...and I brought up students. I stood my ground and will continue to support students as stakeholders in a school system because they are the primary mandated users. Teachers, administrators, counselors, and support staff...they will come and go...but without students...there is no need for the teachers, administrators, counselors, support staff and teams.

We have three top rated magnet schools in the Richmond County School district. People rent apartments in the district just to have their students apply to these top rated schools. At Thursday's monthly RCBoEd meeting recognition will be given to the following schools:

A. R. Johnson Magnet School will be presented awards for the following: Improvement in Biology on the End-of-Course Test, Achievement in Algebra I on the End-of-Course Test, Achievement in Biology on the End-of-Course Test, Achievement in Language Arts and Reading on the Georgia High School Graduation Test, Achievement in Mathematics on the Georgia High School Graduation Test, Achievement in Science on the Georgia High School Graduation Test

Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School named in US News & World Report's Best High Schools-Gold Medal List #89 out of 100. A.R. Johnson makes the Silver list of the US News & World Report

Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School is named 2008 School of Excellence

C.T. Walker Traditional Magnet School is awarded the 2008 Single Statewide Accountability System's Highest Performance Silver Award for Outstanding Student Achievement

A.R. Johnson Magnet School is awarded the 2008 Single Statewide Accountability System's Highest Performance Platinum Award for Outstanding Student Achievement

Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School is awarded the 2008 Single Statewide Accountability System's Highest Performance Platinum Award for Outstanding Student Achievement

Lake Forest Hills Elementary School is awarded the 2008 Single Statewide Accountability System's Greatest Gain Platinum Award for Outstanding Student Achievement

These schools deserve the recognition, accolades, and awards and should be recognized publicly...but when a sex scandal breaks out involving a principal, teachers, former public safety officer, graduation coach...no one remembers the awards, the good stuff, the proud moments of our students. Why not teach the students to empower themselves? To be better than those in the bad news of their school system?

Dr. Dana Bedden apologized to the students of Spirit Creek and the community. Thanks for the apology Dr. B...but you inherited this district. Parents, educators, students, and community partners have attempted to inform you of the additional issues that you are uncovering and will discover as you work to improve this district. We know that you cannot do it alone but there is a breach of trust and a restrictive filters in the effective communication process.

The former public safety officer in this investigation had been assigned to my daughter's high school prior to being reassigned to Spirit Creek MS. WRDW reports and tweets on Twitter: Inside the Spirit Creek Sex Scandal Investigation Spirit Creek sex investigation closed, 7 implicated From the Augusta Chronicle: School's staff implicated in sex scandal From the Metro Spirit: Spirit Creek Scandal

Butler High School went through sex scandal when the Band teacher was arrested and then in June 2008 when Mr. Shelton was indicted by a grand jury.

As we explain to our students...bad news sells...to people who buy it. We have to teach our students that it is OK to make their own news. With Internet access and smart phones students have the capability to send a news clip to any media outlet, including starting their own blog, website, or piece of cyberspace. If their club or out of school organization is doing something great...people do want to know about it and the media release doubles as an external document of the community efforts.

Whose future is it any way? It is OK for them to be involved, to be the practitioners, to be the decision makers. You can rest easier when your students learn to make decisions in a timely manner, take the responsibility for their actions, learn from their actions or inactions and apply it to their life's folder of lessons learned.

Don't wait until the new year to make a resolution...start today, have your digiteen share something they have done on the web, a new technical skill, or community project...eventually we will all be replaced...it is the circle of life. Do you need a visual reminder? Watch the Lion King.

So to all the Cool Cat Teachers and the digiteens and digitweens...keep up the great work. We know you will incorporate lessons learned from your experiences and continue to improve the world, whether it is in the edublogosphere, connecting globally, and continuing to take the high road and the path less traveled.

Empowering students

Vicki Davis aka Cool Cat Teacher blogged about Empowering students...Is it wrong to let students try? Is empowering kids the WRONG thing to do?

Empowering students is a responsibility that adults have to our students, or anyone in a generational gap. Vicki's students have been working with Lively, blogging about their actions, what they have learned, mentoring elementary students, and now conducting a virtual protest to get Google to keep Lively alive. They are conducting themselves professionally along with providing solutions rather than posting complaints.

Vicki posted a simple request on Twitter requesting some comments to the Digiteen Dream Team blog to incorporate into the classroom discussion. Today she posted some responses from adults who only read one post or just skimmed the surface of the blog.

Check out her blog post where Vicki addresses some comments which I have heard mentioned by high school educators, administrators, and parents. These students also mentored elementary students, "Using Woogi world we taught fourth grade children the importance of safety, balance, and respect on the internet".

Regardless of how parents, teachers, and administrators feel about the Internet, they need to be involved, listening to their students, and learning something new every day.

I hear requests about incorporating teacher training...I am all for it but the educators need to be participative and partake in some independent learning. Even FBI agents have been "schooled" by teens when they were learning about chat room language and behavior (June 28, 2005). The FBI agents claimed they were stumped by the tests given by the teens.

I see too many students, teachers, and parents who are involved, learning independently, learning in virtual groups...while it is not the majority there are programs that work...but that is a topic for another post.

I support what Vicki is doing with her students and the Digiteen project as well as the Flat Classroom project and the many other projects she is involved in. She is an inspiration and many of us wonder how does she do it all....because she cares. When you care about something...when you are passionate about something...you work tirelessly to support our students.

I don't know her students personally, but out of the four states my daughter has attended school in...I can tell you she has not had the opportunity to be a digiteen with a school group. She has a mother who was technical in the Army (Telecommunications and Spectrum Management) and now back working with Network Managers. Rather than sitting on the sideline griping and complaining about the lack of opportunities I decided to do something about it. There has always been a computer in the home to today when gadgets are much a part of life that it is painful to revert to paper and pencil. Granted there is always room for paper and pencil...even during hurricane season. If I don't teach my daughter and her friends about empowerment....when do they learn?

When the students graduate...if they do graduate...they don't inherently become "real world" smart. We are all humans...we only know what we know...so why not challenge yourself and learn something new today...and for the rest of your life. Use the brain like you do your heart...the more you use it...the less likely you are to lose it. If you have a special skill to share and the school networks are filtered and blocked...check your nearest library.

For all of the critics of Vicki Davis' Digiteen Dream Team project, I have to defer to Abraham Lincoln's quote, "He has a right to criticize, who has a heart to help.”

Just because you didn't grow up with the Internet in your school is not an acceptable excuse on restricting information to your children or students on becoming digital citizens.

You might want to start with reviewing your ISP's Terms of Service (TOS) and Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). How ready for the real world are they when they are using networks that restrict and block everything in the real world. Error management should be incorporated for all users, so computer users maintain a coolness under stress and realize everything can be overcome in the world of data.

For those of you who question what Vicki is doing, she is a passionate, caring teacher who states, "Yes - we talk about terms of service and have discussed it. I stand behind what we're doing and to them, this is important. I will certainly take any blame for problems that happen, however, putting kids in super sanitary environments teaches kids that things always go right and computers always work, and that certainly, isn't the real world of struggles and problems that I'm preparing them for.

Vicki...keep doing what you are doing and don't sweat the small stuff. Your students are incorporating ISTE standards where some students do not even know or have ever heard of ISTE and why they have standards. They understand the components of being a responsible digital citizen and will end up being the leaders in their fields, whatever field that maybe.

Continue to empower your students and encouraging them to try, they are the future leaders.

Thanks WRDW and Workshop follow up

The scholarship workshop in the computer lab went well. Parents, grandparents, and students were in attendance.

WRDW, the only local news station that also uses Twitter (@WRDW) sent out a reporter and a camera man.

I still cannot break the stigma that these workshops are for everyone who can maneuver through the Internet and not just for juniors, seniors, and adult or non traditional students. Scholarship searches and applications must start at a younger age.

Even the FAFSA site has a site dedicated for middle school students . As they state, "Sure, you can wait for your parents or teachers to provide this info. But why wait on others to learn what’s best for YOUR future?"

The shared document and presentation can be accessed by anyone on the net reading this blog. Just click on the links in the previous sentence. The documents were created with Google Docs and Presentations.

One example of a scholarship open to students with a minimum age of 13 from DoSomething. DoSomething.org has teamed up with Mountain Dew to offer six $5000.00 scholarships. Applications are due December 12, 2008 and winners announced in January.

For more information visit the DoSomething.org website to see some awesome opportunities for our youth from grants to support their cause to

Apply For Your $5,000 Scholarship!
Eligibility
All applicants must be 13 years old or over to enter, a U.S. Citizen, and, most importantly, awesome.
The scholarship money can be used for any advanced education, be it college, graduate or vocational. Applications will remain open until December 12th and winners will be announced in January.

The students checked their Internet impression by conducting a Google search of their name and viewing the News, Images, Maps and the search results. After the Google search, they entered their names in cvgadget.com and saw how their piece of cyberspace can be viewed by others. The point was made that if they apply for a job, a scholarship, an internship the pictures they put on MySpace or anywhere else on the net can be found even by library patrons.

We discussed a few social networking apps, everyone acknowledge hearing or participating in MySpace...but Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn had the heads shaking in a negative fashion.

Everyone was encouraged to apply for their free credit report through the Federal Trade Commission's site. You do not have to be an adult to be a victim of identity theft.

We discussed resumes, scholarship application letters, finding a minimum of 3 adults outside of family and friends that can write a valid letter of recommendation.

Then we stepped out of the computer lab and ventured over to the Reference section where the paper copies of the FAFSA applications and the many reference books about scholarships and colleges are available for those who want to read books that did not leave the library. Then over to the aisle with the 370 series of books where they can get books to check out which ranged from how to study, how to survive your freshman year, scholarships, PSAT, SAT, MCAT, LSAT study guides.

Back to the computer lab for more practical application, accessing GAcollege411 and searching for your Internet appearance.

I look forward to next week's workshop. I challenge our students to spread the word about what they learned to their friends, younger brothers and sisters, and yes, even their parents.

When a student has to fill out a FAFSA, parental information about taxes is required and many students have never filed taxes and may not be sure how to discuss the subject with their parents.

Other topics discussed encouraged the students to empower themselves, look into dual or joint enrollment while they are still in high school, qualifying for free and reduced lunches qualifies the student for free or reduced SAT fees and allows the student to apply up to 5 colleges with fee waivers.

I reminded them not to by into the media hype, they can Do It! I asked them all to spend as much time as they do surfing the net, working on their MySpace page, and invest a little time in themselves by registering for GACollege411, checking out the many links compiled in the shared document and if they needed assistance they knew where I would be for the next 3 Wednesdays.

If we do not invest time, interest, and concern in our youth...Who will be rocking your rocking chair in the future?

The DD in Augusta

The Augusta Chronicle like many online news sources conducts daily polls on subjects ranging from A to Z. I use an RSS reader to subscribe to blogs, news, and tailored Google alerts.

As a military retiree who has moved in and out of Augusta, which coexists with the home of the Signal Corps, Fort Gordon, GA I am perplexed that this is the only city where I see growth in the population as well as the expansion in the digital divide...digital disconnect...digital separation.

I have blogged about living in a digital divide with a daughter who is one among many of the gadget girls growing up digital and a mother who is learning something new every week from listening to podcasts, texting, subscribing to blogs and news, working out with the Wii Fit, and many other learning objectives achieved while learning a new gadget, a new technique, or understanding a technical perspective.

Working with my daughter's high school and reviving BHS PTSA I saw an opportunity to connect teachers, students, parents, and community partners with no budget and created a newsgroup, a blog, website, and a MySpace. Like many parents of high school students I wanted to be involved without being labeled a helicopter parent and improve the negative press and statistics. I also understand that our young people will grow up and into the leaders of our communities, states, and global corporations.

I understand that this image below does not represent all computer users in Augusta. The informal poll demonstrates the participants use of social networking or as Vicki Davis, The Cool Cat Teacher, challenges us to rename it to educational networking. The Augusta Chronicle puts their spin on their media as any media organization does, but on any given day, you can see comments to articles referencing taxes, racial issues and there will be thousands of comments to an article. One positive article and maybe a parent or teacher will post a comment.

I understand that negative press sells but I also believe that inside everyone is the ability to resolve an issue by doing something. So as we reflect on our accomplishments of 2008, what have you done to improve your community? Practiced a random act of kindness? Said a kind word? As Ghandi is quoted, "Be the change you want to see in the world" and Aesop, "No act of kindess, no matter how small is ever wasted". As we all want, "Everything to be fine in 2009", what will you do to be one part of the solution to making things fine in 2009?

I have created a Ning to connect parents, teachers, students, community members as a collaborative web space. So if you would like to join, participate in discussion boards, share knowledge and experience, provide positive information, ask questions just request access to the RCSS Backchannel.

Poll from 11/21/08 Augusta Chronicle.

Presentation for Scholarship Workshops

Presentation for the Scholarship Workshop - Feedback is encouraged.

Recommendations, links to blogs, people to follow on Twitter are welcome. The workshop is open to the public and will be held in the computer lab at the local library.



A shared document is provided. This document is a collection of sites, tips, links, references from previous workshop participants. Please add your favorites to the list as this is the shared public document.

If anyone would like to participate in the back channel conversation, please join us on 12/3, 12/10, or 12/17. During the workshop we take a break and venture through the reference section and the 370 series book shelves for those who prefer the books over the computers. The audience ranges from traditional students and their parents to the rest of us who are considered non traditional students.

Scholarship Workshops in December

During the month of December, I conduct scholarship workshops at the local library in the computer lab.

This workshop is not limited by age, student grades, or any other screening factor our students may encounter as they age out of the school system. If parents come with their student, the student gets seated at the computer, parents and guardians sit behind their student. This workshop is about empowering the student. No parent is excluded, participative parenting is encouraged. Sometimes parents return to college at the same time as their young adult student.

After our introductions, we review the presentation using Google Docs, discuss creating a MeFolios, GA College 411, answer questions together, then go out into the library to the reference book section about colleges, scholarships, certifications, internships, and apprenticeships. We also visit the 370 series where books can be checked out and taken home to read for those who prefer to avoid the computer and have a library card.

This year the Scholarship Workshops will be held at Diamond Lakes Library on Wednesdays in December. December 3, 10, 17 2008.

People ask, "Why in December"? Why not? The holidays are here, school breaks are in December...but only for those residential F2F (face to face) schools. You see...I am a non traditional online graduate student and a parent. Looking for supplemental college funds is just another part of our lives, whether school is in or out of session. There is not one particular time of the year that is better for us, but I remember wishing someone would have provided this opportunity for us. I have sat in scholarship workshops where some adult read the FAFSA form to me, read a PowerPoint presentation to me, or limited my participation because of my daughter's age. I decided to create a participative computer workshop. The public schools wouldn't let me in or the ones that would blocked Google docs and other sites we needed to visit, so I found a fit for everyone...our local library. Wi-Fi is even available at this library, so when the computer workstations are full as they usually are, Wi-Fi is available for everyone with a smart phone, a net book, or a lap top/notebook.

Another reason the workshops are in December is to encourage our students and parents to discuss taxes. Students apply for scholarships and colleges. When they fill out the FAFSA, online or print version, there is a section about parents' income. Parents be real with your young adults. They may have qualified for free or reduced lunch while in public school and while maintaining that status in high school also provided free or reduced SAT testing fees and waived some college application fees but it is time to be real with your students.

Students in high school today need to know about insurance (medical, dental, life, auto), what happens when they turn 18, what do they do if something happens. While our young adult's age may put them in a legal adult status so they are can apply for student loans, fill out credit card applications, vote, and/or join the military, turning 18 doesn't make you wise beyond your years...it just makes you legally responsible for your actions. For some young adults turning 18 brings on the real world school house, the school of hard knocks, or a gateway to military freedom. So parents, guardians, grandparents...take the time to connect with your young adult, share your lessons learned and listen to their concerns.

So if you are in the area...stop by the library. And if you are not in the library, you can stay at home, register for the workshop by calling the library and we will share the presentation with you as a dL* participant.

If you have lessons learned that you would like to share, please do. As usual, your comments, suggestions, recommendations are always welcome.


*dL - Acronym from the Army for distrubutive learning with an emphasis on the capital L for learning and less focus on the transition of the d from distance to distributive.

Thanks Google

I am a Google girl, a Googler, or whatever Google jargon you apply to those of us who do everything Google. I don't preach Google, I just incorporate it into everything I do...including today during the massive block of all USB connections on the army.mil domain (NIPR and SIPR). The network admins were/are on massive random scans, my materials were readily available. So again I have to say "Thanks Google" for allowing me to continue supporting our service members.

From Teyana Taylor's song and her Google Me Official Music Video on YouTube to the many school assignments created on how to implement Google products, Google labs, the Google blogs to share information, to teach a computer skill, to teach others how to communicate using gmail to chat to gmail video chat to the available products through the Google Store from wearables to accessories. There are many more items to be thankful for as Google has been a source for demonstrations and writing assignments during my online schoolwork.

As we move into the week before Thanksgiving (in the US) and we take stock in what we are thankful for...don't forget the Google Docs holiday templates for your holiday documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. As Google celebrated 10 years this year I am thankful for Google, the Google philanthropy, Google's corporate philosophy, the Google blogs, the products and labs that allow me to share knowledge with others as we bridge the digital divide, one person, one group, one net, collaboratively, individually, and all the other ly words we use.

So as you prepare your annual Thanksgiving Gmail, with the newly added Themes and emoticons, send thanks, be thankful, and make the most of The Dash between your date of birth and your date of expiration.

From the many Google Doodles and Logos

From the titles of Google products: Search, Explore and innovate, Communicate, show & share and Go Mobile. Take the time to say "Thank You"...you will be surprised how 2 little words can make a person's day.

Thank You for taking a moment to read the blog post!!!

Online learning through cell phones

On 10/30 I blogged about Liz Kolb's book available through ISTE and Amazon, Toys to Tools: Connecting Student Cell Phones to Education. You can now register for her webinar scheduled for Tuesday, December 16, 2008 (1 pm Pac/2 pm Mtn/3 pm Cen/4 pm Eastern).

On November 12, 2008, Jordan Blum published an article, Classes to be offered via cell phone in 2theAdvocate.com. As an advocate for dL, not as a mandate but an option, I applaud Louisiana Community and Technical College System, or LCTCS for offering 21 general education and business courses for students using iPhones or Blackberries. Tuition for courses offered by LCTCS Online is $63 per credit hour, and financial aid is available for eligible students. There are no additional fees, and the tuition is the same for both in-state and out-of-state students.

I understand this is not the first choice for everyone, just as distance learning is not for everyone, but for those who wish to continue their education without sitting in a lecture hall, this is a great opportunity. I posted the link and article snippets in the high school newsgroup...I am trying to imagine myself as a teenager in an education system where cell phones are banned and then discovering an opportunity to earn college credit using the banned device. My daughter said she might try one course but she likes the social aspect of attending school even though she hates lectures.

But for my peers who are always doing something, from being deployed as a service member to trying to do 48 hours of activities in a 16 hour day, the smart phone courses would be the perfect fit. Again...I am somewhat biased...I love the online learning environment, I love facilitating in the online environment and I despise having someone read a presentation to me. Time is a valuable resource to me...I am still busy trying to make the most of the dash that will rest between my date of birth and death.

So Louisiana Community and Technical College System...you get a hat tip and a round of applause. I know many institutions will be watching as you employ the adage by John Burroughs, "Leap and the net will appear." Check out the courses here. Once there click on the Mobile Content to see the 21 courses offered from English Comp I and II, US History, Macro and Microeconomics.

Tuition for courses offered by LCTCS Online is $63 per credit hour, and financial aid is available for eligible students. There are no additional fees, and the tuition is the same for both in-state and out-of-state students. Registration for online courses begins 1/5/09 and classes begin 1/26/09.

This opportunity offered by LCTCS also demonstrates collaboration between the LA Board of Regents, AT&T, Pearson, and LCTCS.

Want to work for President-elect Barack Obama's administration?

CNN's article titled, White House job application leaves no stone unturned has people conducting personal inventories. While many people cringe about filling out a form or application like this, any one with a security clearance will tell you 7 pages, 63 questions...no problem.

Article highlights:
· Would-be presidential appointees must fill out 63-item questionnaire
· Questions cover resume, affiliations, finances, personal relationships
· Vetters want to know about Web pages, blogs, links to mortgage giants
· One section devoted to domestic help, a trouble spot in past administrations

It also asks about writings, speeches, testimony, online communications and even personal diaries.

This is a great time to create a "Me Folio" and teach our children how to document themselves, promote digital citizenship, and personal e-responsibility.

I give a participative scholarship workshop at the local library. One of the first activities participants conduct is to Google themselves and review the search results, images, maps, and news.

Some participants are surprised about the information that is available, some find people with the same name different state or country, and others have even found information on family members. If someone has no information available, the next activity has them entering names into CVGadget.

I also encourage our students (young and adult) to create and write outside of course assignments which allows them to supplement what we refer to as their "Me Folio".

I encourage them to build a collection documenting every accomplishment from the 1st grade perfect attendance, best reader in 3rd grade, news recognition, spelling bee awards, years selected to honor rolls, student council positions to community services. The workshop requires students to use the computers to create, share, and modify Google Docs, share knowledge on scholarship search engines, and explore opportunities from corporations, local agencies, and personal networking.

Keeping documents available through Google Docs allows the participants to quickly access information if they are completing applications for extra-curricular activities, college, and job applications. Over time they learn to review their personal writing styles which allows the students to see how they improve, self assess, and with Google Docs sharing capability an opportunity to have mentors and community leaders to provide assistance. I encourage participants to build their "Me Folios" so when they are given that one question that many people choke on during interviews, "Within one minute, tell me about yourself".

So whether you are applying for a cabinet position in Obama's administration or applying for a volunteer, job, or college position, be a master of your data.

Essay Contest - Being an American

The Question: What civic value do you believe is most essential to being an American? Trace the enduring importance of this value throughout the American story by discussing: a Founding document that reflects this value; a figure from American history who embodies this value; and ways you can personally put this value into practice.

The Prizes: 180 prizes will be awarded totaling nearly $200,000. Top prize winners will win $5,000 cash and a trip to Washington, D.C. for an Awards Gala and Weekend! The two schools with the greatest percentage of eligible students participating will receive a full set of Bill of Rights Institute curriculum. This prize will be based upon the number of eligible student participants per school as noted during the essay submission process. The retail value of this prize will not exceed $450.

Submitting an Essay: Our teacher-only submission of high school student essays began on September 2, and ends December 1, 2008. For detailed rules, click here. Essays are limited to 750 words and a sponsoring teacher is required to submit the student’s essay for him or her.

Eligibility: The Contest is open to all United States citizens or legal residents who are students (1) in Grades 9-12 attending public, private, religious, and charter schools but who are no older than 19 as of the end of the Contest Period (December 1, 2008), (2) enrolled in a GED or correspondence school program but who are no older than 19 as of the end of the Contest Period, or (3) attending a home school program who are no younger than 12 as of the beginning of the contest period and no older than 19 as of the end of the Contest Period.

I give a participative scholarship workshop at the local library and encourage our students (young and adult) to write outside of course assignments which allows them to build what we refer to as their "Me Folio". I encourage them to build a collection documenting every positive accomplishment from the best reader in 3rd grade, years selected to honor rolls, student council positions to community services. The workshop requires students to use the computers to create, share, and modify Google Docs, share knowledge on scholarship search engines, and explore opportunities from corporations, local agencies, and personal networking.


Keeping these documents available through Google Docs allows the students to quickly access information if they are completing applications for extra-curricular activities, college, and job applications. Reviewing their personal writing styles allows the students to see how they improve, how to self assess, and with Google Docs sharing capability an opportunity to have mentors and community leaders to provide assistance.


Being An American Essay Contest Rules and Regulations

Flunked the Movie

Has anyone seen this movie?

The United States is living on its past. Among the oldest group in the study (those aged 56–65), U.S. prose skills rose to second place. For those attending school in the 1950s, SAT scores reached an all-time high.As the years go by, the United States slips down the list. Americans educated in the sixties captured a Bronze Medal in literacy, those schooled in the seventies got 5th place in the race. But those schooled in the nineties ranked 14th…

FREE FLUNKED SCREENINGS

Wichita, Kansas Flint Hills Center for Public Policy
Wednesday, October 8th 5:00 pm
Orpheum Theatre 200 N. Broadway Wichita, KS
Admission: 1 School Supply
RSVP: 316-634-0218 or www.flinthills.org

Previous Flunked Screenings:
Harrisburg, PA - October, 7th
Tempe, AZ - October, 6th
Washington, DC - September, 23rd
Jackson, MS - September, 16th
Scottsdale, AZ – September, 9th
Boise, ID - August 26th, 2008
BCIFF, Houston TX – August 9th, 2008
Albuquerque, NM - July 31st, 2008
Spokane, WA - July 23rd, 2008
Excellence In Action Summit- Orlando FL - June 20th, 2008
Sacramento, CA - June 12th, 2008
Portland, OR - May 28th, 2008
Denver, CO - May 21st, 2008
Seattle, WA - March 18th, 2008

Veterans Day

As we come out of celebrating USMC's 233rd birthday, we migrate into Veterans Day. To all of my fellow veterans...Enjoy your Veterans Day! There are many things we can do to celebrate Veterans Day throughout the year.

iCasualties - Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)
iCasualties.org - Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)

Take a moment and send an email, provide pet foster care, send a care package, donate blood, donate frequent flyer miles, pray, or volunteer in your community.

eMom (e mail our military)

America Supports You

US Department of Veterans Affairs

US Army

US Marines

US Air Force

US Navy

Operation Military Pride

Xerox provides a Let's Say Thanks campaign badge, grab one for your space

Armed Forces Network (AFN)

History Channel's Take a Veteran to School Day

Most of the links provide supplemental information for teachers and parents to teach children more about the day and how to say, "Thank you" to the many veterans they see everyday

A few more ways to honor our heroes this Veterans Day:

• Write a veteran a thank-you note, or send a letter to an entire VFW or American Legion post.

• Write a letter/Send an email to a Soldier currently serving in Iraq or Afghanistan.

• Talk to your children about who veterans are, what they do and what their service means to our country.

Thank you Veterans! We will never forget.

What special way do you remember your veterans?

David Warlick's Big Ideas - Bring Education back into Focus

David Warlick is collecting your ideas...so gather your thoughts, whittle the characters down to 140, and submit your action statements.

From the site: Big Ideas - Bring Education Back into Focus

The project features four phases.

Phase 1 (Starts 11/9/08)
Instructions - Think about the basic priority actions that might be taken by a new Department of Education that would promote shifts in education that are relevant to today´s students and their future.

Scroll down the page to see statements already posted.

Compose a statement that succinctly describes that action using no more than 140 characters. Be clear and to the point.

Type or paste your statement in the textbox to the left, no more than 140 characters. Type your name and click [Submit]

Spend about two-and-a-half days composing and posting clear and succinct (140 character limit) priority actions for a U.S. Ed Department aimed at promoting and empowering a system that better prepares today’s children for their future.

Phase 2
The Big Ideas web site will change, consisting of a list of the items that were posted. We, will collectively match up similar items into the basic foundation topics. Nothing will be deleted, only linked.

Phase 3
The basic topics that emerge will be listed, with associated items linked in, with a request that education bloggers and micro-bloggers post their insights about specific topics of interest.

Phase 4
Finally, the main topics will be listed, with links to an aggregation of associated blogs and micro-blogs. Educators will then be asked to visit the list and prioritize the list by order of importance and logical sequence.

Visit David Warlick's blog to pick up the badge and post it on your site. Spread the word.

A full circle event-generational digital knowledge sharing

Today, I took my mother to the library. The lady who took introduced me to reading and libraries throughout my young life. She is still an avid printed book reader although she is reading more digitally because it was part of the deal. Part of the deal when she moved in with us. She was going to have to incorporate digital gadgets or sit on the curb.

A few months ago, my mother moved in with me, which put me in the Sandwich generation. People who have a student/child still at home and take in an aging parent for whatever reason. I am somewhat lucky in that my mother still works, full time at that and life has been full of learning and teachable moments for all of us.

I introduced her to the library director, some of the students who participated in the scholarship and Google workshops at the library, and she checked out 6 books, computer and some recreational reading. Computer workshops are full for November and December, so she opted for January.

I am extremely glad that my mother has the desire and ability to adapt, implement, and overcome. Sometimes...my Drill Sergeant / US Army side comes out, but in a positive way. Set the standards/parameters, be the guide on the side, and at times let the children, or even grandchildren be the teachers. OK...sometimes pushups encourage a learning point...LOL

I can say that I am proud of my mother for adapting to the digital lifestyle, one chunk at a time. Since she has been here, she has learned to text on her cell phone, subscribes to blogs and news using an RSS reader, played with at least one new Google product each week, downloaded from iTunesU, listens to podcasts, uses the Wii Fit, and keeps in touch with grandchildren and other family members through MySpace.

So wish us luck as she "Skype"s with her grandson this weekend.

Run to commemorate fallen Marines and Corpsman

At 0900 on October 19, 2008, the Marines and Sailors of Fort Gordon and the surrounding Augusta community will begin a run to commemorate the more than 1050 Marines and Sailors that made the ultimate sacrifice while serving as part of Operations IRAQI and ENDURING FREEDOM.

This tribute will begin with a brief ceremony, as the Commanding Officer of the Marine Detachment orders 21-rounds to be delivered to the firing detail that will be formed on 07 November. The first runner at that time will begin the first of the over 1050 three mile laps around Barton field. As each runner completes their lap the 21-rounds will be passed on to the next Marine or Sailor. This process will be repeated over 1050 times until a lap has been completed for each of the fallen Marines and Sailors.

The final lap will be run by the entire compliment of Marines and Sailors that participated in the event. The tribute will end at approximately 1500 hours, 7 November, when the 21-rounds will be handed over to the firing detail and a 21-gun salute is rendered, followed by the playing of taps and the singing of the Marine’s Hymn. A Marine or Sailor will be on the track running 24 hours a day for the entire 20 day duration. The run will cover over 3150 miles and will take over 450 hours to complete. We undertake this journey to remember our fallen brothers and sisters that are now part of our Corps’ history and to honor their sacrifice. SEMPER FI.

Today, roughly 700 members from all services came out to cap off a twenty day tribute. The event honors the 1,050 Marines and Navy Seamen who have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Monday is the US Marine Corps birthday (11/10) and Tuesday is Veterans' Day (11/11). Take a moment to remember those who have given, are giving, and will give to defend the United States.


There are many things we can do to celebrate Veterans Day throughout the year.

Take a moment and send an email, provide pet foster care, send a care package, donate blood, donate frequent flyer miles, or volunteer in your community.
America Supports You
US Department of Veterans Affairs
US Army
US Marines
US Air Force
US Navy
Operation Military Pride
Xerox provides a Let's Say Thanks campaign grab a widget for your space
Armed Forces Network (AFN)

History Channel's Take a Veteran to School Day
iCasualties - Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)
iCasualties.org - Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)

Most of the links provide supplemental information for teachers and parents to teach children more about the day and how to say, "Thank you" to the many veterans they see everyday.

A few more ways to honor our heroes this Veterans Day
• Write a veteran a thank-you note, or send a letter to an entire VFW or American Legion post.
• Write a letter/Send an email to a Soldier currently serving in Iraq or Afghanistan.
• Talk to your children about who veterans are, what they do and what their service means to our country.

Thank you Veterans! We will never forget.

What special way do you remember your veterans?

Net Day Speak Up 2008

Speak Up is an annual national research project facilitated by Project Tomorrow. The purpose of the project is to:

Collect and report the unfiltered feedback from students, parents, admins, and teachers on key educational issues.
Use the data to stimulate local conversations.
Raise national awareness about the importance of including the viewpoints of students, parents, and teachers in the education dialogue. Since inception, over 1.2 million students, educators, and parents have shared their ideas through Speak Up.

You can too. Participate in Speak Up 2008 until December 19, 2008.

Quantitative survey results are available to participating schools and districts, online, free-of-charge, so that they can use the data for planning and community discussion. National findings are released through a variety of venues, including: a Congressional Briefing in Washington, DC, national and regional conferences, e-mail distribution, Project Tomorrow website, and our Speak Up partners. Local, state and national stakeholders report using Speak Up data to inform their new programs and policies.

All districts and schools, in the current NCES database, are automatically pre-registered to participate in Speak Up. To participate in the survey and obtain free, online access to your school or district’s aggregated results, your registration must be activated.

Speak Up Surveys submitted as of 11/6: 18,605 Students, 2,827 Teachers, 1,929 Parents, 326 School Leaders.

This last portion reminded me of what SLA Principal Chris Lehmann stated during his presentation at Ignite Philly, "Good data costs more than we are willing to spend". What better reason to participate in the survey? For three years I have requested anyone to register the Richmond County School System. This year they did with a same day response in email. No "Yeah but"s or "No"s, just a quick email response stating it is done and the magic word. So if your school district isn't registered...parents can still take the survey, but continue to contact your school board members, the IT and Ed Techies, so the voices of the students, teachers, and administrators can be heard as well. The schools in the NCES database are already loaded...some adult in the school or the school district has to activate the survey for an individual school or the entire district.

Is your school in the news?

So the Augusta Chronicle publishes, Report ranks local schools among worst Graduation rate for black males is sixth lowest in the nation by Greg Gelpi 11/2/08. He cites the original source: Schott Foundation for Public Education report Given Half a Chance: The Schott 50 State Report on Public Education for Black Males.

The Richmond County School System has yet to make AYP in the years that AYP results are recorded and available through the net (2001). GA Dept of Ed provides data reports and AYP results. Regardless of the negative publicity, we decided to be one part of the solution, get to the source of the issue, and bring solutions and recommendations to the table.

When my daughter received her diploma in May, her school had a graduation rate of 48%. These results were updated to 60% after summer school results were submitted for the recalculation. Many people want to point the finger, play the blame game, talk the talk...but where are the practitioners?

I am happy that our school board selected Dr. Dana Bedden as the Superintendent of RCSS. He has his critics, but I challenge the critics to step forward and volunteer in the classroom/at the school, rather than throw negative comments through the online newspaper. I empathize with him as I know he did not expect to inherit a system in the shape that it was in.

The external audit of the system documented many (but not all) issues the district has from lack of technology, lack of technology skills of the people in the system, the need for reorganization, and other issues addressed in the Performance Review of RCSS. The recently updated System Technology Plan has some quirks that need to be worked out.

I have been to the school board on a couple of occasions. Initially, to present letters to each board member inviting them to the school for a Meet and Greet. Not being from here, not understanding the downfall from elementary, middle, and high schools and not exactly who all of our board members were with the district lines.

Once to present a list of questions collected from the parents I had met as I became a participative parent at my daughter's high school. To this day, half of those questions have not been answered. But the written response from the Richmond County Board of Education can be found on the BHS PTSA Accomplishments website and Part of the Solution blog.

We published pictures of the school that seemed to be left to neglect. We took pictures of us when we attempted to start the Butler Beautification project. We went back to the board to ask for the projected plans for the school because we applied for and received a Lowe's Toolbox for Education grant for $5000.

So are you doing what you can for the schools in your district? You can rely on the media and AYP reports...but at what point do you say, "Enough already, what is going on in my own neighborhood? What can I do to improve the situation?" Many people want to help but are not sure what to do. Even if you are not a parent of a student at the local school, the schools are a part of the community. We will pay for these students in the school house or in the jail house.

The recent article published by Gelpi brings out the comments, yet the article published on 11/1 titled, Students will watch action from CNN studios has no comments. The trip, arranged by Superintendent Dana Bedden and CNN reporter Soledad O'Brien, will allow the broadcast class students to experience the history-making election. The trip is being paid for by private donations.

To everyone who is making the difference in the life of a child or a group of neighborhood children...Thank you!!! What goes around, comes around and if we don't participate in the lives of the children...those children will remember when they have to make the decision about who rocks your rocking chair...after all it is the circle of life.

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?

Trust but verify

Three words that exist in my world for many reasons. Reagan used this phrase often and it is a quote from a Russian proverb. During some of my school assignments I check out technology plans, primarily from the schools that we attend (or have attended), on and off line. What do you do to encourage students to question the school’s technology plan while encouraging critical thinking and decision making skills?

Parents, students, teachers, media specialists, administrators, educational and instructional specialists…is your school’s technology plan up to date? Realistic? Was it created as a copy and paste job? Was the plan created by the administrators that report information, but have no idea about your boots on the ground experience with technology in a classroom, media center, or the school? Is the public information in the plan acceptable to all users? Believable? Accessible?

When is the last time you checked the technology plan for your school, school district, and state department of education? If you have questions about conflicting information, how do you resolve the issue? Do the links provided on the site work? What does one do when the link to report an issue does not work and the POC (point of contact) email is returned? Keep an audit trail.

Are the students aware of the Technology Plan? Do they have an opportunity to provide suggestions, make recommendations? Does your school district have a suggestion improvement plan that works?
Just because the plan is in writing…trust but verify. If your child is growing up with technology and takes issue with what works and does not work at school, it is OK to follow through. Don’t buy the media hype, get connected, get engaged…instead of enraged.