tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39114851739224507972024-03-05T05:55:28.676-05:00Bloggin My Way AroundAdam Duggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245064299398319341noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911485173922450797.post-6965612509126278632013-10-09T18:21:00.001-04:002013-10-10T05:33:53.007-04:00Been a Long Time... From the Mouths of 4th Graders<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> It has been a long time since I have written in this blog, but a friend and colleague persuaded me to tell this tale. I'm not looking for answers, but they are of course welcome.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> As I embark on another school year, I can’t help but be a bit nostalgic for the days gone by. I’m by no means a newbie to teaching, but I’m not a seasoned veteran either. My career only knows the NYS tests in some form or another. I can’t think back to a time when teachers really drove curriculum and catered student instruction to student needs, but I can think back to more freedom and project-based learning to really extend concepts beyond the classroom. I am now my sixth year of blogging with my fourth graders, and this is one of the few learning tools that I simply will not give up without a fight. To teach them how to use the Internet in a good, responsible way and to teach them to actually use technology really makes me feel good. Nobody is born into this world tech-savvy despite when people tell me that kids are ‘naturally good with it.” That simply is not the truth. We must show them the way through cyber-morality lessons within their digital citizenship. But I digress.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> A lot of what we do in fourth grade centers around vocabulary. We teach vocabulary. We teach how to figure out vocabulary whether through context clues, or a dictionary; both online and print. In every year since I have started it, I have assigned a blog assignment that asks students to use one word to describe fourth grade so far this year, and I typically assign it in the second or third month of school. I like to see their impressions and to see which students challenge themselves with more sophisticated vocabulary. In the past 5 years I have gotten words like “exciting”, “rollercoaster“, “great“, “adventurous“, and “unnpredictible. “ It has been called “amazing“, “fun“, and “brilliant.“ On several occasions it has been referred to as “awesome”, and “super.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> My class this year, while still using words like “awesome” and “fun”, has used additional different words to describe their fourth grade experiences. Words like “busy”. “time consuming”, “constantly working”, and “</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">challenging</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">” are now in student blog articles. Those are enough to concern any educator, but the two that seem to raise flags more than any of the others are “overwhelming” and “</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">intense</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">”. They mention how there is little time to transition from one activity to another. They feel the pressure constraints that we as educators are feeling, and to be honest I feel terrible about it. I have always tried my best to shield my students from the pressures of the state tests while getting them ready, but with the onslaught of Common Core and cut scores that put many students in failing grade categories there is more pressure than ever. One of my students is writing a realistic fiction story about a boy that is worried about failing the state math test? What are we doing?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I’m glad that parents are questioning the new curriculum and assessments, and they should. Their children, our children are our most precious, prized things in all of the world. We must question what is happening to them. I don’t want my students, or my own children, to look back at their elementary school years and recall the intense overwhelming time that they had. I want them to remember the awesome, fun times. I want learning to be meaningful and challenging instead of being “time consuming” and “constantly busy.” I just want to teach.</span>Adam Duggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245064299398319341noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911485173922450797.post-77279077537058068362011-11-20T07:33:00.005-05:002011-11-20T21:40:01.388-05:00A Loss of Inspiration<span style="font-family:arial;">As teachers and as citizens of this country, we face uncertain and tumultuous times. Economic recovery is still something that we are all hoping for, and there seem to be too many fingers pointing at education. I am all for education reform, but it seems that politicians are trying to redo everything in a matter of months instead of making truly educated decisions that was transform learning institutions for the better. </span><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;">Nonetheless,</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> unions have been under attack as those from the private sector have found a nice scapegoat. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;">Let's put all of that jibberish aside for just one blog post. I must admit something that I am not proud of. Up until recently, I did not feel</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> invested in my union. Sure... I paid my dues, and I never missed a meeting, but in my heart of hearts I did not feel like I was really part of it. I did not feel like I had a personal stake in it. As the events of the last two years started to unfold, I would look more towards my union as a source of strength and solidarity. My timing was actually perfect, as a new force of leadership was about to emerge. Enter Craig Lagnese. He was a science teacher at the High School that was our new district union president. He had passion in his voice, hope in his heart, and a smile on his face. Through his words I found inspiration. I started to become more involved in union discussions. Even if I was not talking, I was listening.. really listening. If i would ask him a question or email him, the answer was quick, complete, and respectful. In the past few months, I have gotten to know Craig a little better, and I feel that I am better for it. The funny thing is that he was younger than me. Usually you think that those that inspire you so much would have their wisdom from eons of more experiences, but perhaps he lived more in his years than most do in twice the time.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">It is with deep sadness when I say that Craig lost his battle with lung cancer just yesterday. It gives me chills to think that only two months ago he was standing in front of a group of us at a meeting as if nothing was wrong. Three weeks ago he had been diagnosed. I feel very fortunate to have known him. Even in our last emails just eleven days ago, he wrote that he had still so much to do. That's the kind of person that he was. I am also grateful that I was able to express to him my sincere gratitude for inspiring me and for everything that he had given us.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">He was truly a great teacher, colleague, leader, friend, and mentor. We will try to press on in his honor as he would have done. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">In Unity. Rest in peace.</span>Adam Duggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245064299398319341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911485173922450797.post-35229548600122284862011-08-06T09:44:00.003-04:002011-08-06T09:50:18.210-04:00Wake Me Up When September EndsWhat a great song, but it is also how most educators feel. Each year brings a new class and this means a whole new set of challenges. Our district also has a few new curriculum initiatives that will surely bring an onslaught of changes and challenges. Add to this APPR, changing state and federal assessments and standards, media and political agendas against unions and teachers in general, diminishing financial support from the government.... wow... looking at it at face value it seems like a total nightmare set up.<br /><br />On the other hand, it is another opportunity to start anew. I anxiously await meeting my new class and facing these new challenges. As every September approaches, I get just as nervous and excited as I did when I was in elementary school myself. The few nights before school starts will not have too much sleep time in them for me, but that's just the way it is I guess.<br /><br />After the first day is complete, it's like we never left. We're back in the routine and long, hot days at the pool are a distant memory. The only thing that drives me nuts is that the "Back To School" sales don't have to start the first week of July! Enjoy the rest of your summer.Adam Duggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245064299398319341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911485173922450797.post-34396978578574112792011-03-30T20:06:00.003-04:002011-03-30T20:11:17.584-04:00An Incredible Thing Happened Today...Today was the last meeting of my fifth grade math club. During this last meeting, a student came up to me and thanked me. He said that he really enjoyed being part of it, and had a great time. I then thanked him for being part of the club, and I thanked him for allowing me to get to know him, as I did not have him in fourth grade. We both smiled, and it was a sincere smile for both of us. It was a bit bittersweet, as we both genuinely enjoyed getting to know each other. It was an incredible moment that I will hold on to in order to get through the tough times.<br /><br />This is why I teach.Adam Duggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245064299398319341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911485173922450797.post-52918231214980911422011-03-28T20:42:00.003-04:002011-03-28T20:47:37.943-04:00It Is What It Is....Sometimes it seems that no matter how hard we try, we can't make our point. Teachers layoffs are happening all over the country, while mandates and standards are putting more and more of a strain on our education system. I wish that I had better news to speak about, but sadly, I do not. Perhaps in another few months things will be better, but for now I can't see the education system improving as a result of losing so many great educators and putting even more pressure on those of us that remain.Adam Duggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245064299398319341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911485173922450797.post-62866786673964276772011-03-06T09:26:00.006-05:002011-03-06T10:30:05.032-05:00You teach? Seriously?Turning on the television or news website and the latest "media attention" seems to be teachers. Several state and local government leaders have targeted unions as the evil force against the suffering middle class and, if you want to get to the more specific scourge, educators. Teachers make too much money. Administrators make too much money. They all have part time jobs. They don't work hard. They only take the job to have summers off. They are untouchable once tenured. Seniority ensures that we will always have terrible teachers and newer, more capable teachers will never have a chance to get into the profession. Each of these stereotypes (and outright lies) are disgusting, yet too many people allow them to continue. The only reason to perpetuate these (in the media no less) is to encourage (manufactured) jealously and push attention to this issue and distract us from other (really) important issues. It's either this or what is happening with Charlie Sheen. Politicians such as NJ Governor Christie, NY Governor Cuomo, and NYC Mayor Bloomberg come to mind as those seeming to try to build up the "tough guy" image by attacking teachers.<br /><br />How can we stop this? If you look for a list of professions that absolutely require a postgraduate degree, there are not many. I'm not talking about how having an MBA helps in the business world. I am talking about needing the degree to get and keep your job. Is that not enough to be treated as a professional? Taking the education of our children seriously and making it a priority begins with giving educators the respect that the profession deserves.Adam Duggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245064299398319341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911485173922450797.post-37270412741644046752011-02-09T07:53:00.005-05:002011-02-17T11:05:12.467-05:00Tenure: Right or Wrong?Ordinarily I would shy away from subjects like this, but in these economic times when the public needs not only a scapegoat that they can blame, but one that they can vote on. Tenure has become one of the things debated, and I recently had a discussion with a buddy of mine on a recent train ride to the city...<br /><br />Now here is an intelligent person that often makes informed decisions, yet I find that in this area of conversation he was misinformed. If your life and career was outside education, think to the setting of your own experiences. First of all, let's assume that you went to public, not private school. Next, I assume that your school experience was quite a few years ago especially if you're talking about elementary education. Things have changed and I don't mean just computers. Federal and State mandates are placing more into our curriculum. Educators and administrators are also placing more in to meet the demands of the 21st century. Many teachers introduce even more material simply because they are passionate about a subject or perhaps there was a teachable moment and his or her students wanted to do 'more'.<br /><br />In any event, the classroom has changed and we have had to change along with it. This is a good thing in many aspects, but it has its disadvantages too. In any event, Mirriam Webster defines tenure as "a status granted after a trial period to a teacher that gives protection from summary dismissal". This means that your boss cannot fire you simply because he or she wants to. It cannot be done hastily, and there must be reasons for your dismissal. Police officers have this same right. It is not a 'job for life'. It is not an entry card into the lazy, do-nothing hall of fame. It is simply protection against hasty termination. Add to that the fact that the person has to prove themselves for at least three years.<br /><br />Working in the private sector has plenty of advantages, but the one thing that is not afforded by most is that same due process. If your boss doesn't like you personally, or he/she wants to move you out of a position or job to bring someone else in, all he or she has to do is terminate you. There is little that you can do short of bringing a civil suit. Due process offers you protection from this. It must be proven that you have not fulfilled your responsibilities or broken the rules. Isn't this something that private sector employees would love to have? In the corporate world, you are just a number. In a school, you are a member of a family. Yes, there are some businesses that are like a family, but they are disappearing as more and more companies care only about the bottom line.<br /><br />I hope that schools are never run as businesses. Yes, we are in the business of educating children and helping them to grow into the best that they can be, but this is not a cookie cutter factory that produces widgets. This is not a financial institution that invests money for its customers. This is not a vendor that sells products to its customers that use pretty packaging and a slick advertising campaign.<br /><br />We are teachers that are given the gift and responsibility of playing a role in the lives of the students that enter our classrooms day after day. We face challenges from their lives, our own lives, state and federal curriculum mandates, state and federal funding (or lack thereof), proposed tax caps (Cuomo are you kidding me???), district initiatives, time constraints, public perception (New York Newsday just loves to blast schools and the police - tune the hate out!), and other things. <br /><br />The key to redefining education and making sure that our children are ready for the challenges of tomorrow requires informed decision making. It will not be easy, but I'm pretty sure that the solution is not cutting funds and laying off teaching staff. We all know how tough the economic times are. People are losing their homes, and many of are struggling to pay bills the best they can. Teachers live here too, and we are also facing the same things. The government can write a huge check for banks, but when it comes to education and our children, it seems like the wallet is empty. <br /><br />I love my job, and I am grateful that tenure offers me protection from wrongful termination after I have proven myself. Perhaps the private sector is jealous of this protection. I think they should try to incorporate it into their jobs instead of eliminating it from ours. I think it would be better for everyone if we were all treated fairly instead of unfairly. What do you think is most equitable?Adam Duggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245064299398319341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911485173922450797.post-43467829055040422282010-12-23T07:12:00.004-05:002010-12-23T07:33:07.906-05:00The Pioneers of the Digital Landscape<div>One way that I disagree with some educational technology theorists (and some colleagues) is that I don't believe that only our students are digital natives, and we are 'digital immigrants'. I am older than some, but younger than many and I have been immersed in the wonders of a digital life since when I can remember. Does the basis for this label have to be the Internet itself? If so, read on. If not... well keep reading anyway.. Do you have anything better to do right now?</div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>I was 5 when I received an Atari VCS (not the 2600... I mean the original 3 button on each side VCS). Oh, how I loved hat wonderful box even down to the woodgrain trim. I spent many a day defending the Earth from space invaders, asteroids, slaying dragons and blowing up tanks. I remember when my buddy John got Colecovision.. Wow! Donkey Kong at its finest! I remember Intellivision at my buddy Rick's house. Wow.. Video games FTW. I still have that in the basement in a box. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I remember the green and black screen of the Commodore Vic-20 in my school's library. My fourth grade face lit up both from the reflection and the possibilities. Wow! I remember using my Commodore 64 computer with its HUGE 1541 disk drive and 5 1/4 floppies (and my TV). I remember learning BASIC programming at 10 to create my own Dungeons and Dragons type 'choose your own adventure' with all conditional statements. Granted, these were all text-based games, but they were something! I remember using a similar programming language and a computer voice synthesizer to have my computer sing "Happy Birthday" to my Poppy. Ah.. Pop I still miss you. I remember the machine gun like sound of the dot matrix printer printing away.</div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>Yes.. I still have my C64 too.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>I remember using my Timex Sinclair (remember those cheap things?) and watching the black and white screen to see if that was any better than my C64. Sadly, it really wasn't, but it was much smaller.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>I remember the many handheld video games that I spent more countless hours saving my girlfriend from an evil monkey, trying to score touchdowns and block the pass, and shoot space aliens. This was a great way to relax from just dropping much of my inheritance at the local arcarde.</div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I remember being in high school learning to type on a computer (C64 again - Bank Street Writer) instead of a typewriter. I remember using Apple IIs, IIcs, and IIes, in computer lab. In college I remember first using the Internet and searching for stupid, immature stuff with my buddy Joe just to get a laugh. We had no idea how it would change everything.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Of course through my graduate studies, technology has been a big part of learning, creating, and communicating. I remember using my 14.8 and then 28.8 modem to download the latest version of Netscape. I would start the download before going to bed and then waking up to see that it had finally completed. Ahh.. the good old 486 days. Things got faster and faster, more and more capable, but the underlying principles (at least to me) have remained the same.</div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>All of these experiences have helped me to never, ever fear technology in whatever form it manifests itself. I don't believe that I am an immigrant. I feel like I was born into a world of technology, and I do not know any different. I don't feel like I was 'digitally naturalized', nor do I feel that students of today are any more apt to embrace technology than I was at the same age. I sometimes hear from adults that 'kids are just so naturally good at it', and that quite frankly is a load of crap. Humans are naturally good at many things, but using an artificial tool is not one of them. They are definitely more exposed than many adults were in their childhood, but that it not an inherent attribute. </div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>What brought about this whole post, one might wonder? I found my old Nintendo Donkey Kong handheld. It was mine when I was in 5th grade. It was part of their "Watch and Game" series made in 1982. It didn't have the battery door, but I have masking tape for that. A quick trip to the store for batteries was in order. I held my breath as I fired it up. It works! I played about 4 games laughing like a 10 year old, and I didn't even have to have my passport stamped.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 450px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 450px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://retrolution.dk/images/wp/dk52.jpg" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div>I can't wait to show it to my students. Happy New Year.</div>Adam Duggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245064299398319341noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911485173922450797.post-38080801513767249282010-12-22T18:55:00.009-05:002010-12-22T19:35:34.211-05:00Let's Hear It For Learning!<span style="font-family:arial;">For the past four years, I have made music videos with my class. They are all rooted in some part of our curriculum. They are fun, but they are a good amount of work. After 4 of them, I can honestly say that they are worth it.<br />When students now come to me, they know that I like to do them. They are excited about what lies ahead, but I am sure to tell them that they must 'earn' it and that it won't be easy, but it will be worth it. This year, I asked my students what they would like to 'sing and dance' about. Before I tell what what they chose, let's take a look at what previous classes have done...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >1) Class of 2007-2008</span><br />June 2008<br />It is based off of the song "Crank Dat" by Soulja Boy, but we used what we were exploring in multiplication.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/OAqSQlth298?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/OAqSQlth298?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="385" width="480"></embed></object><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >2) Class of 2008-2009</span><br />January 2009<br />It is based off of the song "YMCA" by the Village People, but we used what we were exploring in long division. This time we added the lyrics to the video.<br /><br /><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hQhUjxEQPjw?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hQhUjxEQPjw?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="385" width="480"></embed></object></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >3) Class of 2009-2010</span><br />January 2010<br />It is based off of the song "Empire State Of Mind" by jay-Z and Alicia Keys, but we used what we were learning through our Social Studies exploration of New York State. Once again we added the lyrics to the video.<br /><br /><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2ae9_itRYeE?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2ae9_itRYeE?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="385" width="480"></embed></object></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">That brings us to good old number 4. As I said before, I asked the class what they wanted to do a music video about, and they chose almost unanimously "crayfish". The study of crayfish is our fourth grade life science unit. So there I was... faced with the incredibly daunting task of figuring out how to sing and dance to a crustacean them.<br /><br />First, we brainstormed vocabulary that we could use for the song. We had a digital word wall on the Smartboard, and we would update it whenever we found something. We chose the song "Tik Tok" by Ke$ha. At 5 am one morning, the chorus came to me. (I know we shouldn't think about work but teachers know this can't be done!) I told my class those lyrics, and they loved it. Later that night, it all just came together. The song was done.<br /><br />I gave the lyrics to the class, and they loved it. They practiced during snack and recess. They practiced so much at home that I embedded the instrumental version of the song on our class blog to make it easier for them.<br /><br />Next were the scenes. I experimented with some stop motion photography using a model crayfish I had made our of paper towel rolls and construction paper. They liked that. We shot the singing a few times along with some scenes they came up with. Ultimately, a few hours with Windows Movie Maker and Audacity and it was all together. I am very proud of this song and our class.<br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><br />4) Class of 2010-2011</span><br />December 2010<br />It is based off of the song "Tok Tok" by Ke$ha, but it is based off of our knowledge of crayfish. The lyics are again there for the viewer.<br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/etnKqTjR5wQ?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/etnKqTjR5wQ?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="385" width="480"></embed></object><br /><br />Will I do one again next year? Only time will tell.. but I am pretty sure that I will. Why? I had fun, and the class had fun. On a side note, the grades on this year's crayfish unit test were MUCH better that past years. Does singing a concept work? Does memorizing lyrics really help? I don't know.. but I can tell you that I remember every word of the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution because of SchoolHouse Rock.<br /><br />I wonder if I can sing the Common Core Standards...</span>Adam Duggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245064299398319341noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911485173922450797.post-86765910700465872382010-11-07T09:54:00.008-05:002010-11-07T13:07:39.026-05:00Metamorphosis is a Magical Time<img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/172/458359900_888ffb83ea.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><br /><br />In my first year of teaching, I taught third grade. We explored butterflies, and one of the most magical part of the unit was actually being a witness to a larvae spinning into a chrysalis. Even though it appeared to be spinning without any reason except to make itself dizzy, it put itself into position for an incredible change. A big change that would alter nearly everything about itself. It would soon emerge transformed into a beautiful and graceful entity ready to dance on the breath of the wind itself.<br /><br />Not all larvae are able to complete this change. Along with the strength of the larvae itself, one much consider factors in the environment that can help or hurt the potential for survival and success.<br /><br />As teachers, we face a myriad of new challenges. Some of these are emerging from within our classrooms. Parents and families are struggling through this economy, and more responsibility is falling onto our collective plates. We find ourselves teaching right from wrong, courtesy, societal values, and generally things that good citizens do. I do not shy away from this at all. This is one thing that I take very seriously in my profession. From saying "good morning" to every one of my students, to holding the door for them, to saying "please" and "thank you" and "excuse me", I try my best to model all that I expect and hold them accountable for doing or not doing it.<br /><br />The other challenge comes from outside our classroom doors. Government agencies are dropping initiatives on the shoulders of schools in an effort to refine eduction. Perhaps instead it needs to be redefined, but that is a topic for another post. Governments, especially our state government, cannot get their act together enough to get policy proposals or budgets completed on time, but they are telling us how to 'make the grade'. Learning standards are being changed so often it is difficult to view progress towards them,. People are calling for teacher accountability based on something that they cannot define, districts are looking for any kind of solid data numbers to appease the quantitative number crunchers that need a line graph to see how our kids are learning rather than really look into our schools and see any qualitative growth, etc.<br /><br />How can we keep 'our classroom' while playing by their mandates? I don't know. I am exhausted after every day, but I cannot see myself doing anything else with my life. I love what I am. I love being a teacher, and I wouldn't trade it for any other profession out there. My rewards come not from my administrators; they come from my students. Professional awards are good for some, but give me a kid walking in a 8:25 with a smile on his or her face ready to learn, ready to feel empowered and excited to take the journey with the rest of us. That is my trophy, and I get to see 22 of them every day.<br /><br />Getting back to the butterfly, my optimistic side is hoping that this feeling is akin to the dizzy feeling that the larvae might be experiencing as it builds the chrysalis. It undergoes the task sure that it will survive, and sure about completing the change. My realistic side is tired of all of this spinning and is hoping that the environment is conducive to the growth and change that should happen. My pessimistic side is worried that the environment has grown too cold to support such a beautiful life, and that if the metamorphosis has not demonstrated adequate progress it will be stopped because it is simply not worth the energy.<br /><br />I hope I get to fly.Adam Duggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245064299398319341noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911485173922450797.post-79780620825205961842010-09-18T11:44:00.006-04:002010-09-18T12:04:32.828-04:00Overcoming Bad Parenting aka Because I Said SoOkay.. so this post is not directly related to education, but I was so disgusted I had to vent somewhere.<br /><br />So I decided to go to a local costume store to get something for "Crazy Hair Day". I love participating in our school spirit week, and as I waited to get to the counter, a boy at the tender age of about 4 or 5 caught my eye. as his mother was with the cashier, this young cherub was yelling "I want candy! I want candy!"<br />I am thinking to myself, "the last thing little angel boy over here needs is more candy." The mother tells him that he cannot have it now, but maybe later. Baby new year is still not so politely requesting candy. Once again, mom says no, but there is doubt in her voice, She has begun what I will call.... "the negotiation." This goes on for about another minute, with sunshine walking a 20 foot exploration around the vicinity of the cashier looking for different candies and submitting them for approval. Finally, spineless mommy asks the cashier how much the two candy items are and agrees to purchase them. She looks at me, we lock eyes, and she realizes that I have been watching the standoff. I mumble the word "shmuck" to her... and I can feel her embarrassment as the looks to the floor. They leave, and junior has triumphed.<br />He has learned to manipulate. He has learned that Mom is not an absolute authority. He has learned that he can be indulged if he continues this behavior. He has learned that he can have and do whatever he wants.<br />When angel boy walks into a classroom, he might not find these lessons hold true. This surely may cause him frustration, social concerns with other children, and criticism from his teachers. I know that if he comes to my classroom with that, it will be dealt with so fast he won't even know what's happening.<br />Parents often ask me "How do you get Xxxxxxx to do what you say? He/she always gives me a problem!" I tell them it is because I am not mom or dad. There is no negotiation. I am the authority and my rules apply. I urge my students to speak up when they disagree, but they must do so in a respectful way. Growing up, my mother would often say to me "because I said so", and you know what... that was a good enough reason. I did try to negotiate much... for if I did, there would be consequences. <br />As a parent, I am sure to follow through with consequences as a result of my kids' actions. These can be both good and bad. My kids know that if I say I will do something, I will do it. Good or bad.<br />As a teacher, we are being asked to do more to mold the character of our classroom population. This is not a knock on parents as a whole. Our lives often demand dual income families, single parent households, etc. Having said that... we as parents must make sure that the time we do spend with our children presents a positive model for behavior. If we show our kids that a behavior is okay with a reward (even if it is cute!), they will grow up doing it.<br />Sometimes the right thing to do is inconvenient, and sometimes it is okay to let your child scream bloody murder in a store so that he or she does NOT get their way.<br />Why? Because I said so...Adam Duggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245064299398319341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911485173922450797.post-85066672534435154002010-09-16T20:08:00.006-04:002010-09-16T21:15:38.709-04:00Making the Grade as a TeacherI remember my dad as a Little League coach. I don't think our team was that great, but it didn't matter. It was all about fun. We would practice drills and techniques, and all became better players through the activities.<br /><br />Today there is so much talk about teacher accountability. It sure does sound great on paper. We rate high schools based on their performance on state tests, graduation rates, and the percentage that go on to college. Why do we do that? It's easy! It's quantitative. It makes sense numerically. You can even plot it on a line graph.<br /><br />If we rate schools, some want to rate teachers. My question is: How? When the state changes the cut scores for who knows why making year to year comparisons inconclusive? How about when your classroom population (and thus performance levels) change year to year?<br /><br />If we base the measure of an educator solely on the numbers, we miss out on the qualitative attributes. A child that learns to feel good about himself or herself because of that teacher. A child that believes in themselves because of that teacher. The child that makes a great deal of progress but is still below grade level. The child that opens up socially and begins to make close friends. The child that learns to work as a team with his or her friends or classmates. The child that smiles and looks forward to school. I could go on and on. Those don't show up on a data report, and you would be hard pressed to crunch them in a data warehouse, but they are as valid as any other performance indicator.<br /><br />I also wonder about something else. I am an elementary classroom teacher, so let's say that some kind of standardized test in the subjects that I teach (see the previous blog "Generally Speaking") would be used to gauge my effectiveness. For secondary teachers, they would use state tests or Regents for their respective subjects. What about guidance counselors? Are they exempt? Are they the ones responsible for graduation rates and continuing education rates? What about special area teachers like Art, Music, Physical Education, etc? Should we see how we their kids draw, sing, and how many push ups they can do? It sounds silly, but it makes me think!<br /><br />What about support services? How would one rate the effectiveness of an ESL teacher? A reading teacher? Speech teacher? Occupational therapist? What about resource room teachers? Do they share the accolades or blame for their assigned students with the classroom or subject area teachers? Are they exempt? Too many gray areas for me. You can't just hold one group of educators accountable and not go near the others. It simply isn't fair.<br /><br />If that were the case and I was being judged by student performance, why would I want a class of anything but the higher achievers? For the past few years, I have been the classroom teacher part of an inclusion and now a collaborative coteach class. Should I not want this assignment because of students that might be performing below grade level? What about if they cannot make what some power that be considers "adequate yearly progress"??? <br /><br />Of course not. I watch in awe as my kids succeed. They do it in so many ways, and not always is there a numerical grade to show for. I don't want a class of 'high achievers'... I want students ready to learn, create, and have fun. I want them to smile whenever they walk in the door and feel valuable as they contribute throughout the day. I want students that take risks and stand tall even when they fall short of their goals. I want students that come back after they have left my classroom just to say hello. I want students that recall fondly memories and achievements that happened within the walls of our classroom. Does that show up on a line graph?<br /><br />Teaching is a great career and the rewards are so unbelievable. I get to work with some of the greatest kids out there. I get to work with some of the greatest education professionals in the world, and I am very grateful. The challenges that we face we must face together without playing the blame game. If we are to really prepare our students for the world of tomorrow, perhaps we need to finally stop pointing fingers and placing blame. Perhaps we need to start a real dialogue involving teachers, administrators, parents, and maybe even some politicians to figure out what skills are needed, what is outdated, and the resources that need to get there.Adam Duggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245064299398319341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911485173922450797.post-18029419533457343212010-08-18T16:52:00.002-04:002010-08-22T08:55:37.253-04:00Generally Speaking...Being a male teacher, people always assume I teach high school. I think I have even blogged about this 'misconception'. Well, one of the questions that I am sometimes asked pertains to the subject area. "What do you teach, Math? Science?" I usually answer "Yes."<br /><br />I was in a meeting with an administrator. That person was speaking to a bunch of us (elementary teachers) and we were told that elementary classroom teachers are generalists. We know and teach everything without specializing. After seeing initiatives at the federal, state, and local level and these panaceas for curing all of the ailments of the education system, I am convinced that we are no longer generalists. We are specialists that specialize in nearly everything. Over my relatively short tenure as a teacher, I have worked my butt off to learn as much as I can about everything I teach. I spend my summers in workshops developing new curricula, discovering new resources, learning new content, and reviewing new standards. It would be nice to be a true generalist. I would stay above the surface of a concept and not dig deep into it. It would be great to be a specialist and really know one content area as deep as possible and truly become an expert in it.<br /><br />Why do we become special generalists? (Is that a good term?) You never know when that one child is so engaged by a subject and he or she asks some really great questions that you can either answer from your own knowledge or discover the answer together using the resources that you have spent the time to learn. It might be that one child that is really challenged by a concept and he or she needs a new approach to help them understand it and the smile on their face is the reward that blows you away. It could be the intrinsic satisfaction that you as an educator feel when you really know your stuff. If you are wondering.... yes the work is worth it.<br /><br />So... does that make elementary teachers true know-it-alls?<br /><br />Discuss...Adam Duggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245064299398319341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911485173922450797.post-27826902592548027262010-07-29T09:56:00.003-04:002010-07-29T10:08:29.445-04:00Back to School Sales Scare the Heck Out Of Me!So there we were, my family and I walking through some major chain store (insert whatever name you want there), and it caught my eye. There it was staring me in the face daring me to acknowledge it. The "Back To School" display. Mind you, this was in mid July, and this is NOT Florida. In New York, we don't start school again until early September. If you really think about it, in mid July many kids are away at camp anyway.. so why rush the summer? <br /><br />So let's reflect at the halfway point of the summer, shall we? We have driven to Florida again, and it was a lot of fun. We have done a good amount of family stuff, and for the first summer in a while we have spent a good amount of time at the pool. I have even have some semblemce of a tan! I have enjoyed riding a good amount; not a whole lot but some nice distance rides. I even took the white Mustang to a car show and took third place in my class. What have I done professionally? Nothing yet....<br /><br />As we move into August, I myself move back into work mode. I am doing a subject area workshop, and I am teaching a technology course for my district. I am beginning to think about what next year will look like. The Teacher's College books that I took home with the intention of creating some really great lesson plans have not collected dust simply because I keep moving them around, but it will soon be time to crack them open.<br /><br />What will next year look like? I am back in my coteach model with a fantastic special education teacher (we worked together last year as well). The population in our classroom will present its own challenges of course. New York State seems to constantly be changing 'stuff'. Everything is so uncertain.<br /><br />Anyway... here I am watching Phineas and Ferb with my son, but I need to get moving. It's almost August and I haven't gotten the Halloween decorations ready.Adam Duggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245064299398319341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911485173922450797.post-11294495757788499142010-06-24T15:46:00.003-04:002010-06-24T16:12:28.690-04:00Not an End, but an Opportunity for a New BeginningFor two students in my class, today was the last day of school. One of them was moving, and so it truly was her last day. As I said farewell to them, I guess the reality of it all started to really sink in. All teachers know that bittersweet feeling that the end of June brings. Despite the fact that we leave so much of ourselves in that classroom every day when we go home, and despite the fact that we do look forward to the relative calmness and mental relaxation of the summer, we can't help but feel that we are incomplete without our classroom and the students that give it life. For me, it is never really a happy ending.<br /><br />Tomorrow is the last day of school. All student desks are now empty, save for the nameplates that still lay proudly on their faces. Tomorrow they will come off, and for me that is the true end of school. This class will move on, and another will take its place. The bookcases of my library are covered. They are no longer inviting my students to pick literature that they might enjoy. The math center is covered, no longer offering manipulatives and counters to help foster mental math skills. The closets are closed, and the entire top of my desk is clearly visible. It has been said that an empty desk is the sign of an idle mind, and perhaps that is why mine is so 'busy'. <br /><br />I will really miss my class, and I wish them all the best as they move towards the fifth grade and beyond. September really isn't that far away, and soon the classroom will be filled once again with hope and excitement. The process is renewed, and the opportunities refreshed. I will be spending part of this summer putting together plans for new projects and curriculum extended learning opportunities. I am excited as I look towards next year, even though I am looking forward to spending some more time with my family.<br /><br />I like to think that everyone, both the students and myself, have become better since that first hopeful and exciting day in September. I know I have, and I thank each one of my students for letting me be a part of their lives and learning.<br /><br />Have a great summer.Adam Duggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245064299398319341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911485173922450797.post-87100175691324743992010-04-21T17:41:00.008-04:002010-04-21T20:03:24.429-04:00Teaching = Dis-Covered KnowledgeHumor me for a moment. Think back to your childhood. Let's say that in a time of great innocence, you spilled or dropped something on the floor. Now, that could have been carpeting, tile, or a wood floor. It matters not what spilled or what you spilled it on, just the fact that you spilled or dropped something. The resulting mess would no doubt get you in a ton of trouble with mom/dad/grandma/grandpa/aunt/uncle, etc.... whoever... Now you faced a moral dilemma.. what to do?<br /><br />You could:<br />1) Don't face the problem. Don't address it. Run away and hide from it...<br />2) Quickly grab a rug, book, chair, or something else big enough and cover it up. If they can't see it, it is no longer a problem.<br />3) Take responsibility for the mess, learn how to eat food without spilling it.. all part of growing up.<br /><br />OK.. enough with the fond memories...<br />The technology available to us as people is unbelievably immense and is changing every second. I just saw that Microsoft is developing something that enables you to use your palm or arm as a touch screen to dial a number or text... is this unbelievable??? Yes... it sure is. Technology doesn't slow down for anyone. It is up to you whether you choose to (or are able to) keep up.<br /><br />One resource that I have really embraced and used as a resource for learning is Youtube (which has been bought by Google btw). I upload our class's music videos to it. I favorite videos that I then use in my instruction. I can search on a moment's notice in attempt to find content that I can use.<br /><br />At this year's ASSET conference, I presented Youtube as one of the resources that educators can embrace. The participants at the workshop were excited to start working with it. I spoke about how my co-teacher and I were teaching a lesson on nutrition, and a student asked what the difference was between the various types of milks.... a search and I found this:<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/L0pHYRM8vBo&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/L0pHYRM8vBo&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />The discussion then went to how we make sure that milk is free from bacteria. Enter a video on Pasteurization:<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0OmWbRKW4K8&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0OmWbRKW4K8&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />In last week's blog assignment, my students were asked to identify which character or characters they most connected with, and them list character traits that support their choice(s). I found a great video by the Author of this book discussing challenges and triumphs of writing. I put it on the blog for the class to see.<br /><br /><object width="480" height="289"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/utElvVRZA_o&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/utElvVRZA_o&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="289"></embed></object><br /><br />In science, our class is creating Public Service Announcements for other kids about electrical safety. The project is anchored in our unit of electricity. Students are using our collaborative wikispace as a place to store the information and facts that they have gathered through their research. I won't list them here, but I have sample PSAs that my students refer back to as they create their own. Here is a PSA on nutrition by our very dear friend "Cookie Monster".<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/uclriotpbz8&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/uclriotpbz8&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />Before we even started using the wiki, I used this excellent video by Common Craft to reinforce the concept of a wiki after I introduced it:<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-dnL00TdmLY&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-dnL00TdmLY&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object> <br /><br />Look.. I could go on and on about how I have been finding value in it.. but we all know that technology is a two sided sword. As Peter Parker's Uncle Ben said: "With great power comes great responsibility!" There is a ton of valuable 'stuff' on youtube, but there is also a lot of junk. Youtube is a stage where the whole world can be an actor on. 10 or 20 years ago it would have taken A BUNCH of money and connections for your video to be seen around the world. Not all of us are named Spielberg, Lucas, or Coppola, but nearly anyone can record a quick video (flip camera, digital camcorder or even a cheap web cam if your laptop doesn't have one) and upload it for the planet to see.<br /><br />What do we do? We monitor our kids while they are in the lab or the classroom. We embed videos on our blogs and wikis so that they don't have to be in the "Youtube" site and see things like comments and related videos. We screen videos BEFORE we use them to ensure that they are appropriate for our classroom. We try our best to teach them how to use technology responsibly and to respect each other's views and opinions.<br /><br />So what can you do about this resources, its values, and its dangers?<br /><br />Well.. remember that spill?<br /><br />You could:<br />1) Don't face the problem. Don't address it. Run away and hide from it... <br />2) Quickly get an Internet filtering program big enough and cover it up. If they can't see it, it is no longer a problem.<br />3) Take responsibility for the mess, learn how to use online video correctly and show our students how to do the same.. all part of growing up.<br /><br />Now where did I put that Bounty roll? Comments welcome.Adam Duggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245064299398319341noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911485173922450797.post-46767028410194622872010-03-15T08:59:00.005-04:002010-03-15T10:10:59.860-04:00KeynotesLeslie Fisher delivered a very interesting keynote. While she did speak of technology tools that can be used in th classroom, she also spoke about tools that can be useful in life. To be honest, I am not a super tech junkie outside of work.. sure I am on teh web 20 hrs a day.. sure I check email constantly.. but I don't text, I don't surf through my phone, I don't have an Itouch (I have an Ipod shuffle though), and I don't immerse (or is it drown) myself in geekie tech...<br /><br />Here are some notes I took... I really hate this netbook teeny tiny keyboard!!!<br /><br />tripit.com plan your itinerary<br /><br />evernote.com take notes on teh web - app for mac, pc, iphone, droid, etc...<br />text recognition - write and scan... <em>I am going to try this...</em><br /><br />http://etherpad.com collaboration tool <em>I am going to try this...</em><br /><br />zamzar.com converts from one file format to another. I have some great free tools that I can use, but <em>I am going to try this...</em><br /><br />UStream.tv post videos live as they happen. I have been told that the quality isnt so great, but nonetheless <em>I am going to try this...</em><br /><br />mozy.com online backup for Mac and PC 2GB for free or $5 per month unlimited I might try this.. I have files backed up but not remotely... this (for 2GB) is pretty decent. Unlimited seems like a good deal too.<br /><br />smugmug $70 per year for unlimited photos No thanks.. flickr works great for me. There is always Picasa too, and quite honestly for that price I could rent webspace, buy another domain and ftp up and down all day long.. sure.. it wouldnt be as user friendly for relatives to download pictures, but.. well... whatever... I hate that Kodakphoto share thing.. and no I don't want a pic of your kids on my coffee mug.. haha<br /><br />Why pay for any of this stuff? That's my question. With all of the free stuff available, there is no need to go to the pay sites. JMHO<br /><br />www.zeevee.com/zinc <em>I am going to try this...</em><br /><br />livescribe.com<br />microhone to record meetings, camera to capture what you are wrtiing uploads via usb <br /><br />keyspan presenter remote<br />usb hookup<br />This little piece of hardware looked great. Control the mouse, aim a laser pointer, etc... however... for the classroom it might promote the "Sage on a Stage" performance..<br /><br />More to come.. Im starting a session on "Technology and the Special Education Classroom" now.<br />despair.comAdam Duggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245064299398319341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911485173922450797.post-61521719338720032282010-03-15T08:38:00.006-04:002010-03-15T10:02:30.434-04:00From Parent Conference to ASSET Conference<a href="http://suffolkasset.com/images/logo_with_words.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 850px; height: 141px;" src="http://suffolkasset.com/images/logo_with_words.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Last week ended with parent teacher conferences. We spoke about how each student has grown and improved over the last marking period. We also spoke about our hopes and concerns for the remainder of the school year. Fast forward a few days and I am now sitting in a large room at teh Huntington Hilton waiting for the conference to officially begin. They keynote speaker this year is Leslie Fisher. When I attended two years ago, Rushton Hurley was the speaker, and he was excellent. I expect that she will be just as inpiring.<br /><br />The vision of Educational Technology is focused and optimistic, but in these tough economic times they will be scrutinized. Technology hardware is always impressive, but it is gathering dust it shows its true importance. By the same token, technology much be used to create learning opportunities that might not be possioble otherwise. As a professor told me many years ago; "What an exciting time to be a teacher!" If you watch the news, you see talk of laying off teachers and cutting services. Technology will be a tough sale if those events come to fruition.Adam Duggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245064299398319341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911485173922450797.post-5524829127965294952010-03-13T13:20:00.002-05:002010-03-13T13:52:45.541-05:00I Tube... Do You Tube???I have found myself using Youtube.com more and more in my classroom. From explaining Pasteurization to vandagraph machines to simply putting music on in the background of collaborative activities, the sights and sounds of multimedia can add another dimension to the learning experience.<br /><br />An unfortunate side effect of this dynamic resource is that it is always changing. In the past, I had been using TeacherTube, as it is more 'school friendly' and easier to be trusted, but the sheer size of YouTube's arsenal cannot be ignored. I always make sure to screen every video that I want to show BEFORE I show it. That is common sense, teachers. You don't want to find that movie of the monkey peeing into its mouth instead of the Schoolhouse Rock video you expected when it is in front of your class. (yes that movie does exist)<br /><br />To help us combat the inappropriate (insert subjectivity here!) Google, the parent of YouTube, has introduced Safety Mode.<br /><br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/gkI3e0P3S5E&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/gkI3e0P3S5E&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /><br />It will filter out what has been deemed unsafe, and won't allow those results to come up. It will also shut comments off unless you choose to view them, and it will edit out 'foul language'. How nice! There are some gliches, of course, but this is something that I will be using in my own classroom from now on.<br /><br />I will continue to screen vids beforehand, of course.Adam Duggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245064299398319341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911485173922450797.post-82025164315282306942010-02-04T07:23:00.007-05:002010-02-04T12:19:47.117-05:00Digital Accountability and Our Own StupiditySee if you can visualize this exchange:<br /><br />Friend 1: "Hey (name), do you remember that crazy thing you did in (insert college, high school, middle school, or even elementary school)??"<br />Friend 2: "Yeah.. that was crazy.. and stupid.. I can't believe I actually did that!"<br /><br />We have all been there in some capacity. Whether it was a boy running through the girls' locker room in his underwear or doing a silly dance at a classmate's party, random acts of stupidity surrounded by immaturity and the lack of accountability have plagued us all, even the best of the best. <br /><br />Today's 'youth' (am I really saying that word??? I am not really old yet!) are sharing many of the same experiences with some slightly different attributes. In the end, stupidity and naivety run rampant. The difference is digital accountability.<br /><br />At a recent faculty meeting, a member of our staff expressed their displeasure of the connections that the Internet provides. I must respectfully disagree. Should we have told this person that as a child they should not have been permitted to use the telephone? Of course not. Connections are what help us to grow intellectually and socially. Connections are what makes literature come alive while we explore it. Connections help us to reach outside of ourselves to experience all there is to offer. <br /><br />Unfortunately, this includes both good and bad. I am amazed at how many of my 4th and 5th graders are using social networking sites such as Facebook. I will not look down upon them, as I use FB myself. It is not the tool, but proper use that concerns me. There are even interest groups for students from my school. This would surely shock many of my collegues. A few of my students have You Tube accounts as well. While one of my kids makes informative videos about his interests, the other seems to be posting flamatory (downright inappropriate) comments on other people's videos. I was very disappointed, as I view You Tube as a great resource for learning. I am not only worried about this student potentially harassing another student, but also the unstable older student or adult that might pay him a visit to harm him because of his words if he is 'dumb' (for lack of a better word) enough to give out some personal information.<br /><br />These students need to know that they are accountable for their letters and words on the Internet just as much as if they had written if in their notebook or said it in person. Digital audio and video are accessible in the palm of our hands. So many students have cell phones or Flip style cameras. How will these actions affect their future? Acceptance into a college? Future job prospects? Who knows...<br /><br />Remember that exchange in the beginning of this article? Try another one in a few years...<br /><br />Friend 1: "Hey <name>, do you remember that crazy thing you did in <insert college, high school, middle school, or even elementary school>??"<br />Friend 2: "Yeah.. that was crazy.. and stupid.. I can't believe I actually did that!"<br />Friend 1: "Me either. Let me pull it up for you to see!"<br />Friend 2: <covers face> "Oh c'mon.. not again...."Adam Duggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245064299398319341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911485173922450797.post-73891862280079334742009-11-03T15:56:00.006-05:002009-11-03T18:59:45.913-05:00Everything Old is New Again...When I saw a commercial the other day, I nearly couldn't believe it. ABC is remaking the "V" series that brings reptile like alien creatures to Earth in an effort to conquer and extinguish the human race. I remember that show as a kid, and I really enjoyed it. Take a look around Hollywood for the past few years... What do you see? Transformers... GI Joe... Iron Man... Spiderman... Fantastic Four... Star Wars... and I just heard there will be a remake of The A-Team next year! Look at the return of the American Muscle. Looking at the latest Mustangs, Camaros, and Challengers will throw you back to the late 60s and early 70s with a new millenium flair.<br /><br />Education is not supposed to go 'retro' but we do look back to the practices of yesterday. For the most part, our instructional model is based off the same methods of 200 years ago, but the delivery methods are different and the approaches have 'matured' and 'evolved'. We strive for individualized learning approaches and opportunities within the confines of tight quarters.<br /><br />New methods and models are created, introduced, implemented, and find their way into classrooms all over the world. Will the world of education ever return to the ways of yesterday? Will we one day have "teacher in the front and rows of students" in classrooms with technology all over the place? That is extreme, but you never know.<br /><br />I'll tell you one that thing that must never change; communication. An open dialogue between teachers and teachers, teachers and administrators, teachers and parents, and teachers and students. Remember that communication must be both ways, not just listen to the teacher or the teacher listening to others. <br /><br />Yesterday I received an email from a student (keep in mind that they are 9) saying that she did not have the reading homework assignment. I explained what might have happened to it, and I pasted the text from the assignment to her. She then emailed back that she understood and thanked me. Wow! How awesome is this? Now, before you think that email communication should be required, keep in mind that I am nuts about checking my email(s). This email was sent hours after school had ended. If we are require teachers to check their email after hours, we might as well give out home and cell phone numbers.<br /><br />I don't know what the answer is, and I certainly don't know what the future holds, but I am glad that I will be a part of it.Adam Duggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245064299398319341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911485173922450797.post-75541843106535370272009-10-19T16:26:00.002-04:002009-10-19T16:58:37.373-04:00Is the Grass Really Greener or is it Artificial Turf?Oh.. the joy of being a classroom teacher.<br /><br />We are generalists in out duties, but we immerse ourselves in every subject in an effort to become specialists in all that we explore with our students. We are told that something is a top priority, along with 100 other things that are as well. We explore new educational strategies and instructional models in an effort to give our students the best learning environment in a sincere effort to reach all learning styles and both engage and challenge every student at all times through all subject areas.<br /><br />To be honest, I sometimes feel like a professional juggler. Having said that, I wouldn't want it any other way. I love the rush and the unpredictability of the classroom, BUT.....<br /><br />The technology projects that I also love to do are getting tougher and tougher to tackle with my students. The pace of the day and the limited time I can work and devote to them can suck the life out of many things. I have started to blog with my students as of last week, and they are really loving it. As a matter of fact, I am anxious to see their articles this week. My mind has been racing with music video ideas and how I can tie one to a curriculum area that we are currently exploring. (My last 2 classes have made such videos, and they were incredibly motivating and fun reteaching opportunities. They also help me to gauge what other projects my students would like to tackle.)<br /><br />Lately I have been looking at the role of a technology teacher, and to be quite honest there is much that interests me. A technology teacher has more freedom to interpret the curriculum and create projects that leap "off the page" so to speak. They also must collaborate with the classroom teacher to ensure that it is anchored in curriculum. I am sure that it is not all smiles and bubble gum though, as there are some tasks in the role that might not be as rewarding. My main concern is the connection that I wrote about in my last entry. When you are a 'specials area' teacher, is there less 'ownership' of a class? I hate to definitively say "no", but from my point of view there would have to be. You are seeing almost the entire student population and not just those 23-26 kids that you are the primary person responsible for. That connection (for me) is one of the biggest rewards of teaching. I wonder how things would feel different if I was not their classroom teacher.<br /><br />I'm not going anywhere, but it doesn't hurt to wonder. I'm just wondering aloud I guess.Adam Duggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245064299398319341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911485173922450797.post-57828190596017133292009-10-06T16:46:00.003-04:002009-10-19T16:26:32.625-04:00Connections: text to self, text to text, text to world, class to selfMy class has been exploring the characteristics of good reading. One of the things we learn that good readers do is make connections to literature to make what they are reading more meaningful, more relevant and to enhance comprehension.<br /> When I think about what is the best about teaching, the connection with the students is one of the first that comes to my mind. We spend so much of the day with them, and we become partners in what we learn, explore and share. We model for learning academic skills, acceptable behavior and social interaction. It is the connection with the classroom and my students that makes teaching truly fulfilling.<br /> I am also lucky enough to keep in touch with some of my students after they leave me. I do see my kids when they are in 5th grade, but now as my former classes get older, they move into middle and high school.<br /> One rather touching moment was my birthday. I received a few emails and cards from students that had moved on from the walls of room 25. That really touched me. I am honored to played a role in their lives, and I thank them most graciously for doing the same for me.<br /><br />Cheers.Adam Duggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245064299398319341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911485173922450797.post-19748388123292023102009-09-26T17:06:00.003-04:002009-09-26T18:46:10.346-04:00New Year, New Challenges, New OpportunitiesHere I sit three weeks into the new school year. I am just a few days from introducing the concept of blogging to them, and still I am reviewing and approving entries that are still being created by the students that I had last year. If that isn't encouragement to keep blogging, I don't know what is.<br /><br />As I get to know my class both as learners, as a team and as individuals, the ideas flow like a waterfall around me. What will we be able to do? How will we be able to grow? What strengths and interests do they possess that will steer us in some new direction? How will I keep things moving and interesting/fun for them?<br /><br />For back to school night, I used my Flip camera to have the students tell their families the curriculum instead of hearing it from me. I went with a Star Wars theme for the movie, called "Grade Four", and it came out really nice. It also told me that filming in the second week of school might be too soon for these kids. They were not used to such projects, and they weren't even used to me yet. Last year's kids... well they were ready but we were doing videos later in the year.<br /><br />Call me insane, but now I sit here taking a break from making a new music video detailing the scientific method, which is what we have been exploring lately. As I rummage through song after song looking for that perfect beat that can be used, I still wonder if my timing is too aggressive.<br /><br />Yesterday, I told my class that we might be doing a music video. They have all no doubt seen or heard about the videos that my last two classes have made, and they seemed very excited. As I did with the DMSB video, I asked them to brainstorm vocabulary and concepts pertaining to the scientific method. They went through their notes and worked in collaborative groups for about 10 minutes, and you could feel the energy in the room. We collected our words and created a class wordle that now sits poster sized in the front of the room.<br /><br />Scientific method is an important part of our curriculum. It is used throughout the year embedded in the units that we explore. I know this will be fun for them, and of course I know that I will be busting my butt to get it done. I do worry that they still might not be ready, but hey.. this is the fourth week already. Let's get moving!<br /><br />Happy school year to all of my fellow educators.. less than 10 months to go! :)Adam Duggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245064299398319341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911485173922450797.post-82487129730934248082009-08-08T10:52:00.002-04:002009-08-08T11:02:25.655-04:00August Already?Back to school sales? Are you kidding? I first saw them in early July and I was floored. How about seeing Halloween decorations in late July? Why are they rushing us through the summer??? Oh, and what a great summer so far! Even though there is still half a summer left, the teachers out there will understand that the seed of school has already been planted in our brains. Even if we have no set foot in our classrooms yet, our minds are already racing with lesson ideas, goals, state assessments, class personalities, and the challenges of a new year.<br /><br />I have just recently completed my second masters degree in Educational Technology, and I have passed the NYS Ed Tech certification test (YAY!). As I spend another few weeks soaking in those accomplishments, I must remember that in the real world classroom they are worthless unless the skills that I have leared are applied.<br /><br />If you are a regular reader of this blog, you know that I love incorporating technology as both an extension of curriculum and just 'for fun'. I have been blogging with my classroom for 2 years. I have used collaborative wikis for two years (but last year was my first true successful year with it in my opinion). I like creating multimedia projects with my kids, and last year's class was able to truly take the video bull by the horns and create some great movies. <br /><br />I am hopeful for this new year, as I usually am. I hope to be able to do more with new class both with and without technology. I will be working with a teacher that i really respect and that I am proud to call a friend. The state assessments seem to have moved along the calendar, so there will be challenges there as well.<br /><br />Lots of challenges.. but who wants to be bored, anyway? But, no matter what the advertising executives tell you.. there's a whole lot of summer left.Adam Duggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245064299398319341noreply@blogger.com0