Thursday, February 09, 2006
Moodle...
We started Moodle today. So far so good.
Rachel had the best reaction. "Really?" while her eyes popped wide open. She has every right to be excited because now the computer will tabulate Bests for us. No more sitting and counting for hours for her.
I posted a few forums as tests to see how it goes. I figure we'll reevaluate at the end of this issue. I hope they like it. I figure I can post the final exam stuff there and deadline calendars too. I just hope it's useful and doesn't become just one more thing for technology's sake.
Today is also the second deadline. It's not looking a whole lot better than the first, but there are a few bright spots. Tami got an interview with Ed O'Neill at Forest View. I think that's her first "real" interview all year. She's been writing briefs all year because they are easy. I'm really proud of her for challenging herself. And Elizabeth is being very helpful and patient with her too. I think it will be a good experience for both of them.
Sarah is having a good issue too. Not that she's not struggling, but it is a struggle that will make her grow. She is reporting on the MMI program at WHS. She has observed for two days and today she is interviewing the head of the program after school. We looked through her questions and she is very prepared. I can't wait to hear how it goes.
Finally, there is Elizabeth and her debate story. After waiting to talk to the coach because she was getting conflicting ideas from two team members, she finally sat down and interviewed the coach today at lunch. She walked into the English office practically jumping up and down as she walked. The interview went well. She's going to the tournament this weekend to observe and she is excited about it.
One other big thing happening in the journalism world is the IHSA Journalism tournament. I started picking the team today. So far, everyone I have asked seems excited about it. I was a little worried that a journalism team would be too far over the geek cliff for them, but they seem to be excited to compete with others who do what they do. That, and I think they are ready for some recognition.
Rachel had the best reaction. "Really?" while her eyes popped wide open. She has every right to be excited because now the computer will tabulate Bests for us. No more sitting and counting for hours for her.
I posted a few forums as tests to see how it goes. I figure we'll reevaluate at the end of this issue. I hope they like it. I figure I can post the final exam stuff there and deadline calendars too. I just hope it's useful and doesn't become just one more thing for technology's sake.
Today is also the second deadline. It's not looking a whole lot better than the first, but there are a few bright spots. Tami got an interview with Ed O'Neill at Forest View. I think that's her first "real" interview all year. She's been writing briefs all year because they are easy. I'm really proud of her for challenging herself. And Elizabeth is being very helpful and patient with her too. I think it will be a good experience for both of them.
Sarah is having a good issue too. Not that she's not struggling, but it is a struggle that will make her grow. She is reporting on the MMI program at WHS. She has observed for two days and today she is interviewing the head of the program after school. We looked through her questions and she is very prepared. I can't wait to hear how it goes.
Finally, there is Elizabeth and her debate story. After waiting to talk to the coach because she was getting conflicting ideas from two team members, she finally sat down and interviewed the coach today at lunch. She walked into the English office practically jumping up and down as she walked. The interview went well. She's going to the tournament this weekend to observe and she is excited about it.
One other big thing happening in the journalism world is the IHSA Journalism tournament. I started picking the team today. So far, everyone I have asked seems excited about it. I was a little worried that a journalism team would be too far over the geek cliff for them, but they seem to be excited to compete with others who do what they do. That, and I think they are ready for some recognition.
