Mac fans probably know that MacWorld is underway and they are watching to see if any new products emerge (still no tablet). There was a cool new music product (Garage Band) that some may find useful. I did not see anything that I felt every educator would immediately have to purchase, but you might want to watch the MacWorld Keynote and draw your own conclusions.
The Educational site of the day (and perhaps week) has to be NASA’s description of the Mars Rover Expedition. The graphics are great and there are lessons for learners of all ages.
Ironically, Cindy reports the Grand Forks Schools’ filtering software prevents access to the site.
Henry Jenkins has been writing an interesting series of articles in Technology Review concerning the importance of parents and educational institutions taking responsibility for developing media literacy. These articles discuss some important issues and offer some useful suggestions.
CNN offers an description of rock star David Byrne’s experimentation with PowerPoint. Article considers limitations and opportunities.
Happy New Year!
I have commented previously on the role of the Internet in this election. Here is a new opportunity – Dean Election Game
Here is a fun activity. Create your own Mr Picassohead. This is kind of a self portrait:
I was just thinking about how things have changed since I was in college. When I had a late final, I would leave for home without knowing what grade I would receive. The letter with my grades would be waiting in my campus mail box when I returned after break. That was just the way it was and it was not a matter for great concern.
Things are different now. I finalize grades and everything is posted online. As a faculty member, I now have to take time during the half time of holiday football games to get on my email and explain to students why they received the grade I awarded. It is difficult to explain everything in email. I use a system that weights the lecture grade 75% and the lab grade 25%. Students see the two scores and cannot figure out how I arrived at the final number. I should save a file with my explanation so I do not have to keep entering it in multiple emails. Multiply your lecture score by 3, add your lab score, and divide the sum by 4. Have a happy holiday.
Back to the game.