Holidays and Class

Another week of frustration in the world of graduate classes. I was struggling trying to get Powerpoint 2007 onto my home computer through a variety of ways but only after 7 days of trying I said to hell with it. First, I thought I had 2007 on my computer but I didn't. Next, I was told that I could download it from the Intranet. Several unanswered calls to IT at Concordia, I settled ordering it from school. They were going to ship it the next day. Two days later and no CD's and I also found out that I can't download programs from school to my house. Thanks for telling me from the start! Thanksgiving arrives and I am out of town and not able to work on my mounting homework. No worries, I will crank it out when I get home and have my new CD's to work from. CD's do not arrive and still have not arrived. My blood pressure is surely through the roof.

Podcasting Hell

This week my email in-box was jammed packed with questions about podcasting, technology and what the heck to do. I am in the same boat but maybe I am not as resourceful as to ask my fellow students what to do instead I just sat in my office and freaked out all on my own. I suppose I am lucky in that I don't have kids, dogs, cats, or any other real responsibilities. I do have a very supportive girlfriend that just chuckles when I am weaving a tapestry of swear words. I found this weeks assignments in both my technology class and my ESOL class a bit stressful, challenging and I am really looking forward to a break.

Blogging?

I really enjoy writing. Normally I write short, humorous true stories from my real life experiences. Recently, I was told by several people that I should pursue finding an outlet that would publish some of my ramblings. I suppose it might be possible to get published but like any artist sharing your work with the world is a scary proposition.

As much as I like writing I really don't like blogging. I feel like I am writing stuff to write stuff and unfortunately it isn't good stuff. Is anybody really reading this drivel? I suppose for some people this blogging crap is a good way to vent about what is happening in their world, classes, and lives. I know blogs have become one of the favorite modes of communication. Writing whatever you want about whatever topic you think is important might be theraputic for some but I am reluctant.

My aversion to writing this blog is maybe a manifestation of my own insecurities about exposing myself, wait that doesn't sound good, to the world. Maybe I need to be a little more open minded about blogging. Boy, the more I think about blogging I feel myself just wanting to keep writing and writing. However, before I start to bore anybody who is reading this I should stop.

Teaching at Valor

Greetings:

Today is Sunday and I am getting caught up on some homework that I need to do. I am a bit behind in my ESOL class and our class just got a message from the teacher that our life will be a little slice of hell if we get too far behind. Ouch!

I only have kids three days this week with Tuesday being a holiday and all. However, I do have to facilitate a 1/2 day workshop for the entire staff tomorrow. This wouldn't be too bad except I have yet to coordinate everything to my likings with the principal because he was gone most of last week. I am good at off the cuff so I am confident it will be fine.

I am also excited that I am done with my Learning Theory class and don't have to drive from Woodburn to Concordia until January!

Classes

I am currently taking 3 graduate level courses; Learning Theory, Ed Tech and ESOL for Special Needs students. All 3 classes are going well and have direct impact on my teaching every day. Learning theory is interesting because of how different age kids grow and learn. Ed tech is interesting and a bit new for me since I am definitely not a digital native. Lastly, I work with special needs students and most of them are ELL's. Learning how to differentiate between difference and disability will be hugely important for me as I go through this year of teaching.

Using Blogs In The Classroom

When the internet first became available to me back in the mid 1990's I was instantly drawn to the idea of being able to communicate with people instantly. The people I was initially interested in talking to were my friends and family but I soon realized I could communicate with anybody. I rememember going to a couple of chatrooms early and I was a troll. I liked the idea of being able to say anything to anybody, annonomously and have zero reprocussions. I felt that the internet was a place where one could go and be somebody they weren't. I would have never had said half the things in real life but it seemed okay online. Soon however that interest faded away and I was able to communicate civily.

My first reaction to the article was that having students blog and discuss online would degrade, straight to the gutter in a matter of minutes. I like the fact that there are websites like MOOse Crossing that help young students realize that typing is just like talking. As you know, putting emotion, inflection, feeling etc. into writing is difficult but by having students work at it civily it may make them better writers in the end.

I liked Mr. Harbeck's use of his blog to keep his kids on track on a daily basis. I am sure his students think it is pretty cool that they get to logon to get their assignments and to see what's going on elsewhere.

I currently teach 6th-8th grade special education and I can see how blogging might help my students express themselves better. I have quite a few students that may go the entire year without uttering a word in class but they might let me into their world if I allowed them to blog. If I were to introduce blogging into the classroom, I would do it as an online journal/diary. Give my students 10 minutes to write in their blog about what is happening in their world. It might be therapeutic for them and as stated earlier give me a glimpse into their world.

American Pronghorn

My name is Jason M. Hobson and I am hoping to teach middle school science. I currently teach middle school special education in Woodburn, OR at Valor Middle School. My favorite animal is the American Pronghorn, commonly known as antelope. The pronghorn is one of the coolest animals around and here's why. The pronghorn is the second fastest land animal in the world, has no known relatives, can't jump (very well) and makes a living in some of the harshest environments in North America. Those are just a few of the traits that make pronghorn my favorite animal.