Assault on Serendipity
Do you enjoy random conversations with strangers on airplanes? Or do you prefer to keep to yourself, catch up on some reading, and maybe snooze a bit? I fall somewhere… Read more Assault on Serendipity →
Multitasking is Overrated
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 →
On Leisure and Boundaries
At Belmont University in Nashville this past weekend, my fiancee told me just about everyone was on his or her cell phones during the graduation ceremony. Not talking, but browsing… Read more On Leisure and Boundaries →
w/o my phone or internet, I’d die.
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. →
Students Create 100%.
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%. →
Caine’s Arcade
If you haven’t already watched this short documentary about the creator of a cardboard arcade, please do. It’s inspiring on many levels. From the perspective of someone who teaches digital media, it’s such a well-crafted piece. I showed both my English classes and my UDS class the film, and we can only hope to someday find and produce stories half as good. Most public schools do little to foster creativity and innovation. I truly wonder where Caine received his spark of inspiration. One of my students, a soccer player and… Read more Caine’s Arcade →
It starts with people.
Roughly two years ago, Steve Kertis of Kertis Creative and I launched our digital storytelling elective class at Fern Creek. We had little equipment, except for a few flip video… Read more It starts with people. →
Teenagers, Immediacy, and Interpersonal Skills
The same bubbly, outgoing student who texts and tweets her way through the day sat face to face with a client at a homeless shelter in downtown Louisville. The man recalled his poignant story of struggling to overcome multiple drug addictions and incarcerations, but every time he said something remarkable, the student froze. No follow-up questions. No reacting to cues for further probing. Granted, for many young people, being asked to interact with strangers to create a short documentary is an intense and possibly overwhelming learning experience. But her performance… Read more Teenagers, Immediacy, and Interpersonal Skills →
Paul Barnwell 