Incorporating E-Readers to encourage reading...

   The Illinois middle school librarian, Kathy Parker's pilot program introducing Kindles to 7th and 8th graders was successful because she found a way to incorporate technology and great books! The SLJ article Librarian brings Kindles into the classroom (5/1/2010) describes ideas which could be used with any e-reader and potentially with upper elementary to high school students.  I am hoping to to create just as much enthusiasm and interest in my high school with a similar program because I believe e-readers do encourage student readers, especially reluctant readers to read.  I wish the article went a little further--sharing some of her experience addressing the challenges of making these programs work in schools--e-reader policies related to book accounts; uploading, theft and lost of devices, etc.  However, I could "tweet" Ms. Parker to get a conversation going which might answer some of these questions since the author made a point of including her Twitter name.  The price of e-readers is "coming down" so this is a wonderful project to begin with a relatively small amount of funds.  :)  

Challenge 2: Google Reader, RSS Feeds and Twitter

Using an aggregator is a wonderful way to organize information of interest to me and share it with others!!  I used Google Reader to keep up with feeds to CNN, WRAL, Durham Public Schools and Room to Read--an international organization whose mission is to advocate for a quality education for all children and a few others.  I see this as a way to avoid "clogging" my inbox and taking time to "travel" to numerous websites versus checking Google Reader to stay abreast of updates, news, etc. 

I have had a Twitter account for a few years.  It took a while for me to get used to this social media and I know I do not "tweet" as much as many of our students and many of my colleagues.  One of my favorite Twitter followings is Kiva, an organization which offers very small loans to empower people all over the world.  Check it out at www.kiva.org .

Meet Kimmi , my Avatar!  She has a message for you.  Click on her name to meet her and hear the message.  (Click on  the BACK arrow to return here.)

Riverside HS Pirate Graduation 2011

Congratulations to the Riverside High Class of 2011!  To view an Animoto (2-3 minute movie) of the graduation exercises, click on Riverside HS Pirate Graduation 2011 .  Enjoy!

The DPS Technology Challenge...

I did it!  I created my first blog and made my first post a few minutes ago!!  I just heard about the DPS Technology Challenge and I was excited about the opportunity to learn and practice social media (and web 2.0) skills I can then share with students and teachers.  Challenge 1...check!  What's next?!

Most inspirational book...

   We all have a favorite children's book...,Share that one children's book and tell what memory it holds for you (or...why it is a favorite).