Day 5 Blog #5: Google Earth

On my site, I linked Google Earth to show the students how to share directions to an event.  Google earth is an excellent way for clients to locate your event.  In addition, the user is able to view the location without having to physically visit the site and eliminates unnecessary questions.  I especially like that google earth is more than an image or a simple map.  It allows you to enter the map and navigate neighboring areas and links you to websites related to the location.  I also like that you can email the location to others.  In addition, their is a layers option which allows you control of the view and you can see the map with or without roads, associated photos, 3-D buildings.  You can even view the weather in the area before you make your journey to the physical location.  Borders function in layers will show you what towns and places will show you what's near by your location.  the benefit of using google is that you can easily move the earth info to google maps and is very useful when traveling.  All smart phones have free apps which allow you to navigate to your location on the go.  Google earth is a must have.  Throw away those paper maps and conform to googles program.  Remember it's ok to be their robot because their motto is don't be evil.

Day 4: Blog #4: Custom search

Custom search can help simplify your life both personally and professionally.  Once you become comfortable with the steps, it will enhance the searching ability of the user.  At least, it will narrow and control their search.  For classroom use, I recommend custom search to narrow the sites which the students can explore.  This will eliminate wasted time searching, it will provide access to quality sites, while limiting their access to undesired sites.  In addition, it will limit distractions such as, video games and music video or music sites and facebook.  Also, I appreciate the safe search function which can be applied to custom search choices.  I appreciate the control which will benefit all students, especially those with organizational issues.  I also believe that it will increase productivity, as well as, creating a quick start time for the lesson.
Professionally, the educator can create custom searches by following the steps provided.  AN adjustment period is necessary.  So, prepare to be patient and watch several how to videos on you tube or follow your friends google+ link to comprehend the maze of options.  I was learning to add a custom  search to my google sites page and had difficulty with online instruction.  Before I quit, I requested a hangout with my professor.  He viewed my screenshot in the hangout from a laptop that he was using in his backyard.  He was able to guide me through the steps.  I identified the mistake and wish that I would have utilized the hangout option earlier.  It would have saved several grueling hours My next attempt will take only 5 minutes, now that I am familiar with the process.  In the classroom, I believe that the benefit of using custom search will outweigh any other method.   After using a controlled custom search, I believe that it will be an irreplaceable tool in your teaching belt.  Use it wisely and don't give up.

Day 3 blog 3: Outta Sites

After reflecting on all the hours that we have put into schoolcenter, I feel cheated. Google sites blows schoolcenter out of the water. My first reason is simple: help links. As you probably know,the help links are hyperlinked on the edited page, located exactly where you would need them. Simple, direct, done! The second reason is that everything is google related. Once you have and account, everything connects. Google keeps you within their brand because each offering is exciting, user friendly and free. No gimmicks, costly upgrades or tricks. The third reason is the speed of Google when loading Pics, Video or text. Let's not begin to speak about Schoolcenter. I do not want to be negative. I am greatful for Schoolcenter and thank them for a great foundation for educators. But, Google has improved life for the global educational system. Google has become a great educational tool and we should honor its founders of Larry Page and Sergey Brin alongside Alexander Graham Bell for their contributions to communication. Google has accomplished so much in such little time. I am uncertain of what the future may hold for technology and education. But, I guarantee that Google will be it's leader.

Day 2 Blog #2 Excuses Are For The Useless

Thanks to Andy and Erins class, I forced myself to spend the time to create a sample website for a group called Old Fart Soccer. I used google sites to create this comical site. But it can be applied in the classroom to help our students grasp the concept of google calendar to organize and sync it to the families cell phones if financially possible. It is an example of how to create a site intended on announcing events or organizing groups of people. I intend on having Art Tech students create a google account and create a circle of classmates. We will discuss cyber bullying in advance as well as appropriate consequences. Using the help functions will increase productivity and reduce questions for the teacher and allow the students to be independent thinkers. The possibilities are endless and I look forward to continued exploration of it on a professional level. The title Old Fart Soccer refers to people who have aged beyond their youthful days and enjoy playing the game of soccer without "all that running." It's for those who appreciate the finesse and tactical aspects of the sport. Old Fart Soccer refers to athletes who want to avoid the hacking and shin kicking experienced in soccer leagues. Perhaps, they haven't played because their day jobs are important to them or they have kids to chase around and an injury in a competitive league would be a catastrophe. The name Old Fart refers to someone who talks about getting into shape and thinks about it all day long, but is too lazy to get off the couch and exercise. Forming this group allows the Old Farts to play a game that they know and love without the pressure of full, 1/2 or even 1/4 field running. The games are small sided and the goal posts are orange cones with no goalies. The emphasis is on passing and movement. This group evolved from years of hearing multiple Old Farts talking about the old days when they played the game of soccer and great it was back then. Eventually, the conversation became a looped recording, without anyone organizing the events. Well, here it is you Old Farts: an entire website dedicated to your interest. Now, all you have to do is quit making excuses because I've heard them all. The following are some excuses that were used before and should be avoided in the future: 1. I have to work (no human works 24 hours a day. We'll schedule around your needs) 2. I forgot that I have this prior engagement (use google calendar because it will show you if you've double booked. It even has an alert) 3. I had a rough day at work (once you start moving on the field you'll forget about work) 4. My kid has to go to blah, blah, blah. (most parents drop off their kids and rush off. No one stays anymore. If you've got the kids, then you should bring them. Show them what outside looks like) 5. I don't have cleats (bring sneakers or whatever you walk in and stop being an Old Fart. Kenyan runners are known for running marathons barefoot) 6. I'm an Old Fart. (You are only as old as you allow yourself to be. I once danced at a wedding with the grooms 95 year old grandmother and she wanted my wife and I to take her to the club afterwards. To make a long story short, Excuses are for the useless. Live to the fullest and stop kicking around those extra pounds which prevent you from making the most of your life. Balance your time and remember that giving yourself time to exercise and socialize with friends will help you be a happier person. If you have a family, you probably have forgot about yourself and your interests. Work on yourself and you will feel complete. Your family will benefit from this new you. Plus, you will be apart of a group. Helping others is the most beneficial aspect of human nature. So, don't put off until tomorrow, something you can do today. You Old Fart!

Day 1: Blog#1-Kids: Better with technology than old folks?

  Kids are better with technology than old folks! It's only partially true. I had to get your attention with a strong title.  Kids are very distracted for the most part.  They become easily bored and hate to follow written instruction.  Video tutorials on youtube make learning easy for the visual learning style of the younger generations.  I have used the Google sites hangout function with a screenshot to get help from friends.  Thus, I can imagine that kids get help from friends in this manner.  Adults see them on the computer with friends and conclude that they are playing games, (which most are) instead of searching for help.  Kids learn differently than most adults.  They tend to dislike structure and steps.  I have witnessed them clicking around a screen to find answers.  Even toddlers will click wildly on the screen of Ipads.  They have no fear.  Their generation is the disposable generation.  Plastic molds are created for every item and is easier to discard than to fix.  Thus, navigation and trying new technologies are easier to grasp.  Plus, they need to move fast and enjoy Orkut before it is replaced with the newest Google creation.
  Old folks, generally, like to follow a set of steps and dislike to deviate from them.  They want to see it in writing because they came from the generation which primarily used books (remember those heavy things)  older folks have a tendency to work in a fearful manner.  They may have grown up in a time period when things were valued and if you lose something, then it can not be replaced. Thus, they are afraid to lose material or take chances.  Frustration occurs after the older user masters a program or app and a new one is created.   The individual will either quit or finally become sept up by the positive flow of technology .
  My Grandfather is the exception when referring to old folks as technologically inferior.  He's 90 years old and plays video games, joined Facebook, sends texts and still drives. Plus, he wears his pants low to show off his colorful boxers. No, the last part is untrue. But, he does shake his head in disapproval when he sees a young mans boxers exposed because of sagging pants. The fact that he disapproves and can not relate to the teen creates a gap and limits him from seeing from the kids perspective. Many elders seem to have a problem understanding the culture of our youth. Although the same Grandfather bought a fast car and painted flames on the sides. Kids loved it and thought he was cool. They didn't judge him. When he pulled up to a conservative church on Sunday he was met with cold stares. He was able to see the world through the eyes of a kid and was not limited by the judgement of adults. He doesn't know how much longer he'll be able to drive, so he chooses cars as if they are his last and doesn't think about the long term implications. Kids also think this way. They want instant gratification. That's the reason that technology meets their needs. Instead of judging them, elders should appreciate life from their perspective and join in. If my Grandmother would use Google + and join a hangout, she wouldn't have to struggle to understand the description of my daughters new Japanese anime drawing over an antiquated telephone line. Being old is a state of mind. A greater connection would exist if the elders would practice tolerance and remember that participated or wanted to participate in youthful trends. I am sure that they were denied things by adults during their youth. My father was very liberal minded and encouraged me to get a mohawk and wear parachute pants, but he did not like the style of wearing my shoes without laces because I could get injured. He knew that I was an athlete and didn't want me to be on the sideline as a result of poor fashion sense. This concept makes sense. Low riding pants with boxers exposed make me sick to see, but who or what is it hurting besides our eyes? In the 1960's people who wore blue jeans were considered to be troublemakers. In modern times, blue jeans are the style for middle aged people on Saturday afternoons. This especially refers to technology. Kids love to socialize via texts. My father refuses to text. Adults criticize kids for not reading and writing well during texts because they shorten words. Our elders did the same thing because language evolves. Example: Romeo, Romeo where for art thou..you get the point. Language is acknowledged when it is practiced by the masses. Adults are fearful of these changes and get stuck in their ways. Adults can learn from kids if we only took the time to listen. Kids determine what's cool now because they did not experience the past. Ultimately, kids keep open minded old people feeling young.

Sol, Is Also Spanish For Sun

Today, I went to the funeral of a former co worker who defined the term gentleman. He would begin with a firm hand shake, look you in the eye and ask how are you? By the way, he was not just being polite,his interest was genuine. Each conversation was important and he would guide the conversation with a balance of listening and questioning? He taught me that being present was about sacrificing oneself to understand another. He made many people feel like they were his children or grandchildren. I acknowledge the loss that this family must endure, but at the same time I am happy for these awesome people that he has nurtured because of what remains even after his death. Many strive their entire lives to experience the unity this family has gained because of this man. Today they lost their rock, but in reflection they have gained much more.

Mr. Frog