EDSS 521 - Michelle

Hi - just wanted to give you a head's up to the the latest from Michelle on WebCT. There are instructions to be done before class. This is part of her announcement:



Her class meets on Tuesdays 5:30-8:30 Academic Hall 407

If you are in her class - see you later!

Hat tip Paige:

"Attached is a transcript from a live chat on advice for first-year teachers. It's kind of long, but there are some good pieces of advice throughout."

MICROSOFT STUDENT 2006

Well Microsoft is at it again - this time with a new package: MS Student 2006. It is an interesting concept - I have not evaluated it yet, but it is released. Here is the link:

Again this is shared so you are aware of the tools out there - the calculator stuff looks powerful, but the rest I don't now - I like to say, "I'm from Missouri - show me!" This might be just a lot of hype.

VISUAL THESAURUS

There are some programs that improve with age - like a good vintage wine. Visual Thesaurus is one of these jewels. Innovative in its design they have now added other languages, but not only other languages, it is how they implemented it! Very cool! This ought to prove a jewel for those in BCLAD classes, and actually English and language arts classes.

Here is an example - I looked at the word: "wonder" which is difficult to translate if you use it in the sentence: "I wonder...." The Spanish concepts of that sentence is tricky to translate but it is easier to do it with this picture:

Is that cool or what?

But not only that, you also get to hear the word pronounced (Listen you teachers that are teaching second language learners!) You can also e-mail this graphic to others if you wish, Then they have a "Teacher's Corner" to help teachers use the tool in their classrooms.

You can subscribe to the service or else buy the desktop version of the program - the cost is nominal really - two Frapuccinos' worth!

Here is the link:
Have a great time!

WHAT DO STUDENTS THINK?

Check this out:

"A surprisingly high number of teenagers fear for their safety at school, believe teachers don't care about them and feel their classes lack demanding challenges, according to an Indiana University study to be released today"

Find the full article at: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050817/NEWS01/508170483/1006/NEWS01

CSET III - PASSED!

One month later I got my notice via e-mail:

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Examination: 116 CSET Social Science Subtest III
Status: Pass
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Nice, very nice, all my testing is now complete: CBEST, CSET I, II, and III, BCLAD Oral & Written.

Today is also my wedding anniversary to boot! Time to celebrate - dinner at the Del is in order for my beautiful bride - don't you think?

KEVIN IGASAKI

Wow! What a shock to receive the e-mail from school about Kevin. He passed away last week.

It was incredible sad news. Dr. Kevin Igasaki was in charge of the Language Learning Center... it was but July 28th when he administered my BCLAD exam. He was a kind individual always supportive of the students - he will be missed I am sure.

We are lifting his family in prayer.

EDUCATION OUTSOURCING

I am not sure if you are aware of the trending within industry to outsource professional jobs out of the country - India in particular. They have a very well educated population with an powerful and extensive High School and University program that has created a tremendous workforce of engineers, system analysis, mathematicians, etc. That talent pool is hired by many companies because 1) it is cheaper and of higher quality, or 2) the talent is not available in the U. S. or is in short supply.

Well guess what? They are beginning to outsouce teaching jobs bacause of the shortage of math an science teachers.

"Close on the heels of their successful handling of Business Process Outsourcing and call centres, Indian firms will now provide private tuition facilities to British school children in mathematics and science over the internet. "

Check it out at the following link:

Times of India

What do you think?

PURCHASING BOOKS

Well due to the great connections of a mathematician friend in the education business - he got my attention to the following site:

Best prices on books...! Check it out.