Classroom Blogs Around the Country

This blog comes to us from Noel, Montana. Mr. C's Class Blog, as it is titled, is one of the most elaborate blogs I've ever seen. It has dozens of links and applications on the right and left sides of the page. It is very interactive. Each student in his class even has their own blog and he has the links to thoughs as well. It is a very impressive blog and I think that it is very benifitial to the students. http://mrcsclassblog.blogspot.com/

This blog is from Waukesha, Wisconsin. This blog was created by Kevin Kais, a teacher at the Beautiful Savior Lutheran School. This is a very small private christian school in rural Wisconsin. Mr. Kais teaches all subjects to 6-8 grade students. He uses the blog to post homework assignments mostly, and other activities that are going on in class. He also has links to the main school website. This school is run by the Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church and also has a link on this blog. This seems to be a very helpful was of assigning homework so that the students can keep up with them, and also the parents. http://www.bslc-lcms.org/blogs/kais/2008/09/world-history-ch_29.html

Actual Classroom Blogs

Fizzics
Mr. Mackenzie
This example of a classroom using a blog comes to us from the UK. Mr. Mackenzie teaches high school physics. This blog is used to post notes, grades and other resources for the students to use in his class. It has a numerous amount of videos to enhance the learning of his students. He also has many links to educational websites that students may use to learn more on the subject of physics. It is a well laid out blog, and seems to be a really good resource for his students.

http://mrmackenzie.co.uk/

The Fischbowl

I guess that in our arrogance, we Americans still feel that we are the best and the brightest. This video by Karl Fisch really makes you think. It makes you question the idea, that probably all Americans have, that we're somehow superior to all other countries. Not to sound non patriotic, or to overlook the progress that we've accomplished, but after viewing this video, it seems that we're declining in today's world.

Maybe declining isn't the correct word, but maybe not keeping up is? Maybe India and China really are passing us in this global race of power? The statistics in the video seem to support this idea, that we really are being passed. I don't know about you, but that is a pretty scary scenario. Although, the statistics in the video, like all statistics, are probably a little skewed to prove the point that he creator had. India and China had more college graduates than the US because they have a bigger population in general. Either way, it seems that it is up to us, the future educators of America, to do something about it.

My Presentation

Directing Links That Do Not Work

The four most important reasons that links do not work are:
1. The link is not correctly spelled. For example, I misspelled MY NAME in a link earlier today. Silas caught it and did not believe me when I said it was intentional.
2. Nothing is placed between the two parts of an a tag. I will demonstrate this to you.
Apple's Web Site, which you may find interesting.
3. You forgot to include http:// in the address. It must be included.
4. Sometimes Google doesn't like a / after the address. Try removing it

ACCESS Program

The ACCESS Program stands for the Alabama Connecting Classroom, Educators and Students Statewide program. It is and initiative by the Alabama Board of Education. This program provides high school students with a greater chance to take advantage of AP, or Advanced Placement, courses and other classes that they may not have access to otherwise.

According to the Alabama Board of Education, the ACCESS Program has six objectives. Two of which involve providing access to advanced diploma courses and advanced placement or dual enrollment. In my opinion, this is a great initiative put on by the state. Giving high school students the chance to gain college credits be for they actually go to college is a great idea. This program simply enhances students chances of utilizing these great opportunities to advance their education.