Vodcast vs. Podcast

When people think of videos the last term that they usually think of is "vodcast". I personally think of the word "youtube" or "video"...why do we need to complicate things? I mean...honestly...if you're going to make a video to teach, make it interesting and fun to watch!!! I do not want to watch a video that I could easily merely listen to. This is what I thought a podcast was for. When I think of a podcast I think of radio or some kind of recorded speech being given. I use podcasts to research information...not to be entertained. I use videos to be entertained...not informed. So, next time I have an option to make a piece of media to use while teaching, I think that I will choose the material based on what I want the students to do. Do I want them to learn on their own or do I want them to be interactive? Podcasts are meant to enforce learning, while videos are meant to guide learning. Vodcasts and podcasts are both useful tools in the technological world, but I personally think that one is greater than the other...and it's based on how students learn!

Limited...or Resourceful?

Imagine this...
You walk into class on the one day that you need technology to work. But...much to your surprise...the technology that you so badly needed is unavailable yet again.
We've all been there...as a student or teacher...the question is: what are you going to do about it? How are you prepared for such a catastrophe as this?
So many teachers simply give up and give the student's a different task or even a day off or break in their learning. I think that this is why every teacher needs to know how to work at the best level with the least quantity of technology. Now, I'm not saying that technology is not important, but that teachers need to know how to integrate it in simple ways.
So...the next time you or a colleague has to adapt or change a lesson because of a mishap with technology...ask yourself am I limited or resourceful?

Welcome to Colorado

On Monday morning I woke up to a fresh coat of beautiful snow outside my window. Now...most people would be beyond thrilled, but, as a commuter, I was actually quite upset. Snow may be beautiful as it falls, but...let's be honest...it is a hot mess in the aftermath. This makes life very difficult for your average commuter. Anyways...the snow was beautiful AND it didn't stick to the roads....but as I got closer to my destination the snowfall became less and less evident. In fact, when I got to campus no one had seen any traces of snow. My point...Welcome to Colorado! The only place where the weather is extremely different within the same city. Despite the bipolarity of Colorado weather, I honestly would not want to live anywhere else....I mean who doesn't want only two seasons all year long...right?

But Really...

The Lost CAN Be Found

As October has come to an end, I have chosen to reflect on what the month has brought to the people I love most and to myself. It was not an easy month at all...in fact...it was a month of extreme trials and tribulations. But...my friends we made it through. It was not because of something we did...or didn't do...but only by the power and grace of God alone. If October taught me anything, it's that I am not alone in any way. No matter what I am going through...death, heart ache, being second best...God will never forget nor forsake me. The same is true for every single one of you. Life is not fair...for sure...but it doesn't matter because we have a God that is greater. As we venture ahead into November, let us look to God to guide us away from the past and into the beauty that lies ahead.

Read Psalm 27 when you find some time and reflect on what it means to you.

I hope that November is full of happiness and joy...even if there didn't seem to be a lot in October.