learning – O's Bureau of Scientific Investigations

The InBetween

There was a new show back in the spring (yes I realize that was almost a year ago) called The InBetween about a woman named Cassie Bedford who sees spirits and helps solve their murder cases so the spirit can move on from the in-between. But the idea of being trapped in the in-between isn’tContinue reading “The InBetween”

Another semester…another writing group…and the dreaded proposal defense

Well, we are almost at midterm of the Fall semester. My dream of having my proposal defended by this point is shot or rather pushed to the end of October. I have made significant progress on my proposal (which is the first three chapters of my dissertation) and I am definitely in line to makeContinue reading “Another semester…another writing group…and the dreaded proposal defense”

Here we go!

Today is the last day of summer break. And this summer I really did take a break…I only took the required three hours (and that was my writing camp that was only two weeks long). Though I did still work. I worked on my research for my possible dissertation topic, I wrote a couple ofContinue reading “Here we go!”

From the Fire

From the fire, I emerge, molten and malleable. Your breath gives me shape and form. I grow, shift and change as you spin me round and round. Stretching toward the light, higher still to glory, and change, to fill the world with beauty and purpose. But just like gravity, you keep me grounded, feet firmlyContinue reading “From the Fire”

Thoughts at the Midpoint

Well, I have made it halfway. Two years down, two years to go. As I think back over the last two years, I think about how much I have learned and how I have grown as a teacher, scholar, and person. In such a short time, I have gained so much, as well as whittled awayContinue reading “Thoughts at the Midpoint”

ISTE 2014- My First ISTE

Wow…wow, wow, wow. It’s the first day of my first ISTE conference and I am overwhelmed, and overjoyed to be here. I scope out the schedule, find way too many things that I want to go to, and try to remember the helpful hints for a great conference that ISTE was kind enough to sendContinue reading “ISTE 2014- My First ISTE”

Gamification and the Great XP Race

Well, I did it. I jumped in and made my class a game. I wrote the game to my theme of an FBI type agency that is over scientific investigations. It is called the OBSI, Oramous’ Bureau of Scientific Investigations. The game levels are based on the leveling system of moving through the ranks fromContinue reading “Gamification and the Great XP Race”

Late Work and Grading

After my webinar last night (on Sophia.org, awesome resource by the way), I have decided to change my late work policy. I am going to accept work up until the end of the six weeks…no matter how late and in any form. I have to have some kind of deadline, because I have to putContinue reading “Late Work and Grading”

Genius Hour and we are off…

I am going to introduce Genius Hour to my high schoolers on Monday and Tuesday. I really like this presentation (Genius Hour Prezi) and I think I am inspired to make one of my own. But that means learning how to make a prezi…so we will see if I can figure it out in a fewContinue reading “Genius Hour and we are off…”

Critical Writing in the classroom

Today we had a half day of staff development today about Critical Writing in Content Classes. We were given five really great strategies to use in our classroom. And I’m pumped to try them out in my room. I know my kids can write but it is difficult to help them write and communicate effectively.Continue reading “Critical Writing in the classroom”