Back to School – for fun!

August 22nd, 2010

So it’s just about back to school time – for me also. I’ve decided to take a few courses in the Electronic Media grad program at Kutztown U this fall. I’m not sure I’m going to do another full-blown Masters, but figured I’d take a look for fun. I’m hoping the first course won’t be too dry – “Electronic Media Research” sounds like it could be. We’ll see soon enough.

I pondered a doctoral program, but just wasn’t enthused about 5 years on “Educational Leadership” (is that bad?) I decided from now on if I’m going to take courses it will be my choice of topics – and topics that I really enjoy. I did enjoy the Philly U Instructional Design program while it lasted. Tim McGee and Russ Pritchard were two of the best profs I’ve had the pleasure to study under, along with Mike Peres, Tom Zigon at RIT, Ron Talbott at HACC and Ted Mannino in HS. And of course my Dad and Mom. (I’m sure I’m forgetting someone.)

Fact is, these folks were instrumental in making learning fun and interesting for me from HS to higher ed. Maybe I’m weird, but I WANT to learn more when it comes to media and what better way to push myself than to take some formal classes?

So perhaps this post is to remind teachers and students out there as they return to school: find a way to make learning interesting and FUN. Some times you need to forget about the test and just let kids ‘go deep’ into something they enjoy. You’ll make a difference in their lives if you do.

Thanks Ted, Ron, Mike, Tom, Russ, and Tim. You made a difference in my learning – and in my desire to learn more.

Happy back to school everyone!

Away from the blog…

August 18th, 2010

Wow, didn’t realize I’ve been away from here so long. I’ll have to get posting again as the new school year approaches!

Quality Sacrificed for Quantity?

January 13th, 2010

Is it just me, or does it also amaze you that some folks expect things to work with just one short run-through and no other practice?

I’m guessing that most people wouldn’t try to take a drivers test having only practiced driving a car just once, 12 hours before the exam. Why do folks think they don’t have to practice using simple pieces of technology before a major workshop or presentation? Then when things don’t work, they of course, blame the technology.

Is it a teacher mindset? Is it over-confidence? Are they hoping that it will fail so they can say: “Look, I tried, but the tech doesn’t work — so I’ll never try it again!”

Sure, there are times when you have to ‘wing it’ – we’ve all been there, have had to do that. But if you have a month or more lead time, is it simply procrastination that leads to this sort of behavior? Are we so busy and bombarded that we give up quality for quantity so easily? It really drives me crazy at times.

Ok – rant over – thanks for letting me get that off my chest.

Quickie for the day…

October 21st, 2009

bored kid

Saw this on my Starbucks cup today:

“I wish grown ups could remember being kids.”

Think about that the next time you start a long lecture with your students.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/foreversouls/5778963/ / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0