Bragging

I am going to take a few minutes to brag on Christina. She took over Globaloria at Randolph Technical Center when I became state manager. I try really hard to leave her along but sometimes I just have to step into her class and interrupt. She takes that all in stride. (Or at least I hope she does.)

First semester she had success stories and a few kids who weren't successful. But those kids who were not successful at creating a game still learned to blog, edit a wiki page, learned what a keyframe was in Flash etc.

Christina has started her second semester class of Game Design II and I already see the confidence she has gained. The students are going to create some great games this semester.

I challenge you to brag about someone you know in the program. Someone who has helped you or you have used their work. Tell about it.

Christina, you are doing a great job! Thanks!

Catching up

I have not blogged in so long and I have to admit that I missed it. After spending time with everyone this weekend I realized several things.

1. There was not enough time to talk to everyone.
2. There are some super talented educators in West Virginia.
3. Educators are not used to learning independently.
4. Educators are VERY willing to help each other.
5. Attitude is everything.

Being in this program I have got to know several people and I did not get a chance to talk to all of them this weekend. I never got called Barbara by Melonie and I didn't have a chance to steal Donna's purse.

Walking around the room and helping people let me see the talent of the teachers in West Virginia. Even teachers who did not think they were doing okay were doing great. It was super to see them work.

I have had a classroom for some many years where I had to keep learning new things on my own. I got so used to that, that I forgot not everyone can learn that way. Many individuals would like more guided learning. I have mixed feelings about that. We need to teach our students to be independent learners regardless of their learning style so we need to experience it to help them.

I lost count of how many times I heard one teacher asking questions of another teacher. Teaching others also reinforces skills. From a planner of the academy that was wonderful sound.

Watching individuals this weekend I can really see how "Attitude is everything." Educators who approach the training/program with I can do this, I am open to change, I will ask questions, are the educators who were learning the most during the training. Also it is their classes that are having the most success. I know everyone in the program can do it. I just want you to believe you can.

It is a privilege for me to be part of this program! I love working with all of you!

My Culture Education

Recently I made a trip to New York and saw all the cultural activities available. Most of these things I have never experienced. Growing up poor in West Virginia did not allow for many cultural experiences such as plays, museums or library visits. As I was on this trip I thought of the differences of growing up in New York and Ellamore, WV where I grew up. The cultural things I did growing up was swimming in the river, playing softball in a field with friends, learning how to quilt, reading, reading and reading some more. I can garden and can vegetables. I can cross stitch. I can change a flat tire. I know how to cook deer meat.

Every place as their own set of culture. A few weeks ago I was in Wisconsin and their way of life is different than New York and West Virginia. So was Texas when I lived there.

Not everyone can live in New York or Chicago or Dallas or Ellamore. Not everyone can learn what I did growing up. But the one thing that we call need to learn is to read, read, and read some more. Reading is power and can give us all a shared culture. Have you read lately?

Teachers blogging

This morning I took several minutes to add myself as a follower to all of the educators' blogs in the Globaloria program. This was long overdue but I look forward to reading your thoughts about the program. That being said, it is important that you blog. Your thoughts and ideas are what help shape Globaloria. Your successes will be celebrated by us all and your frustrations may be overcome with advice you receive. So please continue to blog and share so that I have your imput.

Interns

One of the best things about my new job is working with the interns. I am so exciting about the work they have been doing. They are doing a host of different jobs and doing them well. In the photo is Carl Nelson who went to Cameron High School to help the Globaloria class there. Corey Leef and E.J. Bennett have also went to other classes to help. What a great experience for them and what a great experience for me to be involved with this aspect of Globaloria.

Settling In

As I switch roles in Globaloria I am learning as I am working. The past few weeks have had me working in an office with little contact, other than the phone and email, with others. That is a big difference from working with 10-25 students each block. It is a challenge to make this change. The challenge is I have no idea what I am doing. In many ways it is like being a beginning educator all over again. But like all the educators in this program I like challenges and I like seeing educators challenging their students. So challenge away and let me watch.

Getting Close

There is a date on the calendar and it is growing closer. It seems to be moving in a much quicker pace the closer it gets. Sweat is starting to develop on my brow and my hands are shaking as this date approaches. Sleeping becomes impossible and binge eating to relieve the stress is the norm. My eyes are popping out of my head from looking at the screen so long. Thank goodness August 10 is close at hand or I might not survive.

I hope that is not how everyone feels because I am looking forward to seeing what the teachers have created. Be ready to impress us!