Reflections on the Golden Google Ticket

Yes, that's exactly what was going through my head as I walked through the Googleplex. I had received the 'Golden Ticket' and was wandering around the Chocolate Factory.

Google had this aura of creativity, fun and magic running through it. Exactly the feeling I want in my classroom. And it wasn't due to the hi-tech toys or heaps of food, it was the attitude that everyone is valued by their thoughts and contributions. Employees were respected for what they add to the mix. As were we. And for that, I thank the Google Teacher Academy and can't wait to start working with all those amazing GCTer's. (gotta come up with a better name:)

Just a note: There were some of us looking for more detailed answers about Google than were provided by our tour guides, (like how many worldwide employees - 19,156 as of March, etc.) so for those looking for more details, check out The Google Story. I read it before I went out and it put an interesting angle on the day.

Google Teacher Academy

To kick off my summer personal/professional development I'm headed to the Google Teacher Academy. I have high hopes for the conference and look forward to what I'll learn from the experience!

iPods in Education

This is part of the presentation on the educational use of iPods for staff at one of our year-end workshops. The district is providing iPods for teachers to sign out over the summer and to become familiar with them. (and do some professional / personal development in the process.)

The Osprey of Sebasticook

Early last month the students and I set up a live web camera on an osprey nest near the Sebasticook Valley Middle School. To check out the webcam click HERE.



We also created a photo book of the experience. Click HERE to see it in full screen or to purchase the book.

The Osprey of ...

By SVMS Tech Club

Book Preview

Student Technology Showcase

Our Fourth Student Technology Showcase was a great success. We had well over 100 students, parents and teachers. Students showed their parents some of the technology that they use in school everyday. For more information click: Student Technology Showcase

Channel 5 Story on our 2008 Student Technology Showcase

"What's in a Name?"

This weekend the Nokomis Regional High 2008 graduating class received their own name as a web address (or domain) that they would control. It's reserved for one year at which time they can purchase it, transfer the address or let it lapse, it's up to them. It is the equivalent of their 21st century business card and now they need to be active managers of their digital identity.

You can see the information that the students were given, here:

http://msad48.googlepages.com/welcome

This is the video students were shown giving them ideas on the benefits of the gift.