“A student urinated on my floor when I was out in the hallway. On a day I was absent, students jettisoned textbooks and graded papers out my second-story classroom window. A computer monitor was smashed on my floor after a rage-filled overhead toss. I witnessed a basketball player punch another student in the face before school, stay in class all day, and then suit up for the afternoon’s game. No consequences.” When I reread the following essay I wrote over eight years ago about my first-year teaching in 2004-2005, I’m… Read more Nothing Compares to Being a First-Year Teacher →
This past year, I heard–and saw–many students shift from using Facebook regularly to embracing Twitter. I caught students constantly checking their accounts, sending mostly inane and sometimes shockingly inappropriate messages… Read more Notes from a Twitter Newbie →
My recent essay in Education Week Teacher titled “Why Twitter and Facebook Are Not Good Instructional Tools” has generated a ton of discussion and debate. In the article, I argue… Read more Author’s Response–Why Twitter and Facebook Are Not Good Instructional Tools →
But I’ll finish my work! I have a good grade in here–what does it matter? Come on Mr. B, it ain’t bothering anyone! Students–and many adults–believe they can efficiently work… Read more Multitasking is Overrated →
My colleague Joe Franzen recently recalled a meeting, during which he learned of a supposed Emerson quote: “You don’t save souls in bunches.” I googled the quote, and I found a… Read more Saving Souls in Bunches →
If all of a sudden cell phones or internet access disappeared, what would you do? Several of my musings have explored possible effects too much digital communication is having on… Read more w/o my phone or internet, I’d die. →
Have you used Prezi? Or Wordle? How about Xtranormal? Somebody recently posted the Wordle below about their affinity for cell phones. It looks cool, I’ll admit that. But are these the types of technology applications that are truly useful, and worth employing in classrooms? I’ve personally tested out these Web 2.0 programs, and I’ve also attempted to use them in room 137. While they can be used to create products that are pleasing to the eye, or perhaps engage students, the level of thinking that’s required is debatable. Plus, as… Read more Students Create 100%. →
“You’ll never catch me riding the TARC,” one white student proclaimed this morning during first period. “There’s nothing wrong with riding the TARC!” a black girl responded. “You’re right, there… Read more Riding the TARC →
When he “raises” his voice, it is inaudible. His voice couldn’t even be classified as a whisper–we can usually understand a whisper if we move close enough to the speaker. Yet he has a pleasant demeanor, as do most of the mentally disabled students in my digital storytelling course. His eyes light up when he greets me at the door with a fist bump. He then shuffles to retrieve his notebook and folder, and I’ll inevitably go 70 minutes without hearing him utter a single word. Could you speak louder? … Read more That’s What I’m Talkin’ Bout! →
Paul Barnwell 