Monday, April 29, 2013

Technology and Warfare Presentation

Here is the link to my presentation on Technology and Warfare that I used in Mrs. Harming's class.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1bZLysRac9NUPZd47EKREBQAliMbANqpSuocPjDio4x4/edit?usp=sharing

Please don't be afraid to let me know, if you would like me to come in and talk to your classes on technology  issues.

Some Possible Ideas are:

  •  History of Technology in School
  •  Technology tools and tips
  • Digital Citizenship
  • Internet Safety
  • Using Social Media
  • something that some "smart" teacher comes up with, that I didn't think of!
Please let me know if you are interested in having something like this.

Thanks!

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

New Technology Resoure: Free Technology for Teachers Blog

I'm here at TIE and listening to speaker, Richard Byrne.

He runs a very excellent blog for educators.

http://www.freetech4teachers.com/

Feel free to check  it out!  Lots of good stuff on there.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Lake Benton: Adding a new printer

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The new office printer is installed!  However, it will need to be installed on each of your individual computers.

Thinking I could "save a few steps" I'm putting the directions in this blog post.

I was able to do this just fine on two lab computers, with the student login...so you should have no trouble.

  1. Click on the Start Button 
  2. Select "Devices and Printers" from the Start Menu
  3. Select "Add a New A Printer" From the top menu
  4. Select "Add a Network Printer"
  5. Select "Ricoh Office" and click the "Next" Button, on the bottom right...
  6. The Computer will start to install the Printer
  7. It will tell you that you've successfully added RICOH Office...CLICK NEXT
  8. It will tell you again that you've successfully added the printer.  Please make sure that the checkmark next to "Set as Default Printer" is checked (if that is what you want as your default printer).  THEN...Click FINISH! 
 
HOO-RAH!  You have successfully installed the new office printer on your computer!
 
If you have any questions or problems with this, please let me know.  I'm only an e-mail or phone call away!  mark.harming@k12.sd.us  



Laugh with Mr. Bean

Since the weather forecast looks horrible again.

Is this really April?  What the heck?
I thought we could use a little humor.

Does anyone remember Mr. Bean?



Have a great Wednesday everbody!

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Tuesday Teacher Technology Tidbits: April 16th Social Media and Major Events

First item today, is to give a shout out to all the first responders and emergency personnel in Boston for their heroic actions in response to the bombings yesterday at the Boston Marathon.

Every time there is a tragedy like this, I am amazed at the bravery displayed.

The events of yesterday were tragic, and horrifying.  As I was sitting down last night watching the news, I figured that I'd check what people were saying on twitter.  It was amazing.  I pretty much completely ignored the television the rest of the evening, and read the various stories and posts that people had linked to their twitter accounts.

It's such a tremendous change in culture.  Social Media has become almost equal with the television in how people view events.  And amoung younger users, it has probably moved ahead.

Think back 10 years ago, and it seems inconceivable that people would ignore their television screens for their computers or cell phones.  Yet there I was scrolling down my twitter feed on my phone.... looking for new articles, new information, first hand accounts... whatever I could get my hands on.

The Elkton School Twitter 'Feed'.

The immediacy and ability to link to first hand accounts, has enabled social media to "leapfrog" the television networks.

I just thought of this, but last weekend I found out that Kobe Bryant injured his achilles on Twitter.  I then clicked on the link to the story (on my phone) and as that page was booting up, I turned on Sportscenter for confirmation.

Just consider that for a second.  The television wasn't the place that I heard the news, the television wasn't the place that I went for information... the television was the place I went for confirmation.

Strange Days indeed.

Imagine what the world will be like in another 10 years, when today's teenagers are in their 20's and have spent their entire formative years with social media (facebook, twitter, etc...) at their fingertips.

For those of you 'resistant' to join social media, I'm not going to tell you that you "HAVE TO" or "NEED TO" sign up for these services, However, I do think it is important for you to realize that this is the culture and world that our students are growing up in.

This is how they relate to each other, how they get news and information, how they communicate.  If you voluntarily are choosing to not participate... well, you are voluntarily choosing to 'close' your ability to understand your students.  That may sound harsh...but it is true.

Monday, April 8, 2013

Wisdom... in Pictures

If you've come by my office, you'll notice I like motivational quotes, sayings, and pictures.

In order to save a little printer ink, here are a few that I really liked, but didn't print off.

I took each and every one of these from my Google+ Feed.

Haters are gonna Hate...and they are everywhere!

I may have posted this earlier this year, but it's still true.

For the runners out there.

Good Advice from Kermit.

I like this one, because it speaks to me.

Let's hear it for Standardized Testing, Everyone!

The Buddha is Wise.