Finished my paper!
I hadn't written one in a little while. I had writers block getting started. Had thoughts and general outline notes rolling around in my head but when I got in front of the computer I went blank.
It helped to review my references. When I organized the references in the order of my outline things began to make more sense and the words began to flow. Finding objective reviews of the software application I was writing about was a bit difficult, however.
Finding a place online to post my paper was daunting. I used every search term I could think of in my quest. When my terms were general I got eighty-bajillion non-relevant responses and when I tried to be more specific I got no responses at all.
I did finally find a couple of sites accepting articles, although they have to be reviewed before they are actually posted. Hopefully I'll get a response back in a day or so.
Anyway, I'm not feeling so overwhelmed as I was earlier in the year. Everything was beginning at the same time: Teaching, second job, this class. I am beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel, although I'm not certain what will be expected for my capstone. I have some ideas but my advisor has changed a couple of times already.
More to come!
Friday, September 26, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
Remember All of Them
Regardless of your stance on our struggles in the world, this poignant video reaches all...
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
ETC 558...The Journal Begins
I’ve decided that I’m going to do OK in my ETC 558 course…I haven’t yet figured out exactly how I’m going to accomplish that goal, however. The discussion areas are not only stimulating but they seem to make the most sense. It appears most, if not all, of my classmates are educators and share many of the same educational frustrations as do I.
I do find it difficult to keep all of the various and sundry assignment straight. It seems I am continually finding a piece of information I previously overlooked. I also, with two jobs already and the start of school, am finding it difficult to put more than an hour or two together at one time – save for weekends.
I suppose I do get a bit frustrated when “life” interferes with my schooling. I would like nothing better than to have one day a week I could do nothing but work on the class.
So far, in my Ed Tech program I have managed, despite often overwhelming odds, to maintain a 4.0. That, for me, was previously unheard of. I did not “do school” well. I often remember the help my late son, Tim, gave me in the early days of my graduate endeavor. He remains an inspiration even now.
I’ve heard it said that online learning is more difficult. I would concur with the proviso that, despite the workload, being able to set my own hours helps. Even though it is difficult to put two hours together at one time I find that I can squeeze some learning into whatever time I can find. Online learning does have its advantages, especially if one is computer savvy.
I do find it difficult to keep all of the various and sundry assignment straight. It seems I am continually finding a piece of information I previously overlooked. I also, with two jobs already and the start of school, am finding it difficult to put more than an hour or two together at one time – save for weekends.
I suppose I do get a bit frustrated when “life” interferes with my schooling. I would like nothing better than to have one day a week I could do nothing but work on the class.
So far, in my Ed Tech program I have managed, despite often overwhelming odds, to maintain a 4.0. That, for me, was previously unheard of. I did not “do school” well. I often remember the help my late son, Tim, gave me in the early days of my graduate endeavor. He remains an inspiration even now.
I’ve heard it said that online learning is more difficult. I would concur with the proviso that, despite the workload, being able to set my own hours helps. Even though it is difficult to put two hours together at one time I find that I can squeeze some learning into whatever time I can find. Online learning does have its advantages, especially if one is computer savvy.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Inertia can be a drag...
The new school year... a fresh start and a chance to try out new teaching techniques. One problem, though: Inertia.
I am have trouble getting out of first gear. Perhaps it's this way every year and I have simply forgotten. So much to do right out of the gate: Getting instruments assigned to students, endless meetings, new policies to endure, and a new schedule to get used to. AAUUGGG! I guess it takes a while every year to get into a rhythm (pun only slightly intended) and a routine.
I have what appears to be a pretty good crop of 6th graders this year. Of course I won't know for certain until later in the year - when they come out of their shells. I will look forward to helping them progress toward mastering their respective instruments. It's always a wonder to watch a kid come to class not knowing a thing and by the end of the year making some decent music.
We'll see what happens in the coming weeks...I have a class to take on top of teaching and conducting the CCC orchestra. I'll be glad when this semester is concluded.
For now, I'll just grab hold of the handlebars and hang on...
I am have trouble getting out of first gear. Perhaps it's this way every year and I have simply forgotten. So much to do right out of the gate: Getting instruments assigned to students, endless meetings, new policies to endure, and a new schedule to get used to. AAUUGGG! I guess it takes a while every year to get into a rhythm (pun only slightly intended) and a routine.
I have what appears to be a pretty good crop of 6th graders this year. Of course I won't know for certain until later in the year - when they come out of their shells. I will look forward to helping them progress toward mastering their respective instruments. It's always a wonder to watch a kid come to class not knowing a thing and by the end of the year making some decent music.
We'll see what happens in the coming weeks...I have a class to take on top of teaching and conducting the CCC orchestra. I'll be glad when this semester is concluded.
For now, I'll just grab hold of the handlebars and hang on...
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Gore's Ridiculous Propaganda Won Out Over This Saint?
I cannot believe Algore's bilge won a Nobel Prize when this saint was also nominated. Well, as you will hear - she is now receiving her true reward. That's the one that truly counts. Al? He may not wind up with the same eternal address.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Integrity
I got out the Merriam-Webster and looked up "integrity." There was a picture of Tony Snow.
We have lost one of the most loved Washington insiders ever. "Loved Washington insider?" Is that an oxymoron or what?
I recall listening to the "Rush" show one day and hearing Tony sub for Rush. I was taken with the interesting voice and the compassion with which he spoke of sensitive subjects. While obviously conservative he nonetheless had close friends from many backgrounds and political ideologies. Even those with whom he may have had different views remarked that, while tough, he was always fair. He had a way of getting to the heart of issues while still remaining collegial.
More importantly, he loved his family. They were the most important people in his life and he wasn't afraid to say so. He evidently lived his faith. I would like to have heard more about that in the coverage today...but I have heard of his faith in the past.
But fifty-three? Ouch...we are the exact same age. It's time for me to get checked out...inside and out. I owe it to my family. After having lost my younger son just two years ago I don't think my wife and older son could handle another death in the family. Any death is tough, but we have always been a close family. My wife, older son, and I all miss Tim terribly but do hold on to the hope and promise that we will be united with him when we are called home.
Tim, despite hanging out with a lot of people "less conservative" in many ways, still enjoyed listening to folks such as Laura Ingraham and loved Sean Hannity, having met him and personally receiving his autograph on his book. Perhaps Tim and Tony are enjoying a lively conversation in heaven.
I often thought Tony and I could easily have been pals had we met. He was a great musician, in additon to his many other talents, and I felt like I was listening to a friend when he spoke. I suppose many felt that way as well. Seeing the ovation he received as he left the White House at the end of his last day there made it obvious that he was loved and respected.
Goodbye, Tony. Hope to meet you in person one day.
We have lost one of the most loved Washington insiders ever. "Loved Washington insider?" Is that an oxymoron or what?
I recall listening to the "Rush" show one day and hearing Tony sub for Rush. I was taken with the interesting voice and the compassion with which he spoke of sensitive subjects. While obviously conservative he nonetheless had close friends from many backgrounds and political ideologies. Even those with whom he may have had different views remarked that, while tough, he was always fair. He had a way of getting to the heart of issues while still remaining collegial.
More importantly, he loved his family. They were the most important people in his life and he wasn't afraid to say so. He evidently lived his faith. I would like to have heard more about that in the coverage today...but I have heard of his faith in the past.
But fifty-three? Ouch...we are the exact same age. It's time for me to get checked out...inside and out. I owe it to my family. After having lost my younger son just two years ago I don't think my wife and older son could handle another death in the family. Any death is tough, but we have always been a close family. My wife, older son, and I all miss Tim terribly but do hold on to the hope and promise that we will be united with him when we are called home.
Tim, despite hanging out with a lot of people "less conservative" in many ways, still enjoyed listening to folks such as Laura Ingraham and loved Sean Hannity, having met him and personally receiving his autograph on his book. Perhaps Tim and Tony are enjoying a lively conversation in heaven.
I often thought Tony and I could easily have been pals had we met. He was a great musician, in additon to his many other talents, and I felt like I was listening to a friend when he spoke. I suppose many felt that way as well. Seeing the ovation he received as he left the White House at the end of his last day there made it obvious that he was loved and respected.
Goodbye, Tony. Hope to meet you in person one day.
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