Technology Big Dog Blog

March 1, 2014 ~ As I made the cold morning trip to Gahanna this past Saturday with my friend Cheryl Cronbaugh,@midohioesc, I was excited, nervous, and dang happy we could car-pool. See, if I'd have had to come alone, it would have been easier to argue the point to stay home.  We've both planned big things before but from what I'd heard, this was going to be DIFFERENT! First things first.....the organizers.....AMAZING! It didn't hurt to have a wonderful facility, although the WIFI could have actually worked. Interestingly, no one was not adaptable. That was a pleasant surprise. The welcome-ness of everyone there made this a risk free environment to enjoy, learn, and be opened to new ideas! Next, great lunch choices, so nice to be able to pick and choose to suit the palate. So onto EdCamp itself. The day started off with a wonderful conversations, followed by a brief introduction from Toby.  I was so pleased to reconnect with Becky Rice (@reric...

As a veteran Director of Technology for an Ohio school district (18 years), I have had the pleasure of watching Wikipedia grow. During that growth, it has been much like raising our child. Many disagreements, some frustrations, but more than anything, smiles of pride and sharing of joy for the accomplishments. Your site has become a value-added asset to our students, we appreciate the effort, energy, and willingness to improve all the time. THANK YOU!!!

WOW, it has been a long time since the last post. Tons has happened but I'll start in the present. Joey has been accepted to Bowling Green State University and Tiffin University so far! We are waiting on word from the University of Akron . This is an exciting time and a fearful time. I never paid much attention to others comments about how it goes so fast......that is an understatement. Joey is a young man now, heading towards an unbridled future. Exciting for all of us but there are worries as well. Our household is busy as ever, with much going on having a senior in the home. We continue to geocache and chase Sadie around the yard with the frisbee. She is truly an amazing dog!

Digital Storytelling Tools ~ by Özge Karaoğlu (http://techlearning.com/blogs/39440) With the coming of the 21st century, technology has added a new twist to our traditional storytelling. Beyond the scope of pen and pencil, we can now easily tell and share our stories digitally with mobile phones, flip cameras, recording our voice or using free web tools. There is no doubt that today’s students are more motivated and interested in using digital storytelling just like any other multimedia. It offers us, educators, a new and a very 21st century way to captivate students’ attention, facilitate learning, reach shy students and increase collaboration and community in a classroom. It’s a great way to give voice to ourselves and our students in an out of the classroom walls. Audio Tools http://www.littlebirdtales.com/ LittleBirdTales is a tool that lets you capture yourvoice; create an online book using artwork, picturesand words. You can scan your pictures, upload themfrom your computer or yo...

Working in the fall of 2010 at Shelby Schools! We have been busy with the day to day tasks. The new opportunities of Web 2.0 comtinue to push us to support staff and learning. Much to read, learn, and implement! This job never lacks for reasons to be learning continously!

We have a new puppy! Saturday, January 30, 2010 we have become the new family of Sadie Marie Wiegel Rittenhouse !

I am now in a training about Google, iGoogle, and a bunch of the apps available!

UPDATE ~ Monday, April 27, 2009 we had the horrible decision to make by having Goldie put down. She had lost all ability to support herself and seemed to be suffering. For friends who knew her and our love for her, we are filled with sorrow in our loss, and joyous in her new life. We're sure we'll see her again. Goldie, WE LOVE YOU! (We'll have more photos later!)

I'm in training called, "NEW TECHNOLOGIES, I NEED A CLUE" !! It is fun, and I expect a bunch of requests after this training!

This is the time to go crazy! Back to School gets more insane each year. I start to think it might improve, but NOOOOOO! Folks wonder why I can't 'do evertything', 'be everywhere', and basically 'know what needs done before they ask'? Simple, I'm human too!

We are in the process of prepping for the largest vacation in our lives. A trip to Alaska! Fun, to be sure, BUT ....the demands of all the necessary things that must be one are overwhelming. Work things, home things, clothing needs, film, cameras, batteries, planning excursions, passports.... How much money to take? Will it ever end? Will we ever be ready? Just what will we forget? All this and Science Fair project completion to boot. Sixth grade wasn't this tough when I was back in Urbana at East Elementary! The years have demanded more. Oh well, at least I'll know exactly how much water content there is in Apples, Bananas, and Oranges! (BTW, dried oranges stink!) More later!

Every heard of Geocaching? It is quite fun and something my family and I are getting into!

What the heck is going on? Spring is here and I'm looking out the window at a white-out! Snow everywhere, 3" or so right now and more on the way. I understand weather simply happens, but even I, proclaimed lover of cold and snow is tired this winter. I have fired up that snow thrower so many times, it has given me a name. Oh well, grass will be growing soon and then I'll have that time to spend mowing. Have any of you heard of the craze called Geocaching? ( http://www.geocaching.com/ ) This is a great family activity and sure beats video games and gets the kids out having fun with Mom & Dad! We have begun this and are having a ball. If you have interest please comment so I can share additional information.

WOW, the first entry in my blog. I feel a tad pressured, I should be writing valuable content.....each word should make them want more.....everything should be viable and excellent. I wonder if I should have waited? No, that would be way to easy. It's time to step up, share thoughts, opinions, take a chance and risk. Nothing every comes without risk. Hopefully, I'll have time to post and build some consistent thoughts about technology & education from my perspective and it might assist others. If nothing else, it will allow me to chronicle my adventures down my professional road.