Industrial Change in America

Above is a Venn diagram demonstrating the differences between the cottage industry and factory system. This model is significant in explaining the extraordinary change as America moved toward a more industrialized society in the mid-1800s. (graphic created using ABC SnapGraphics 1.0)

MD400 - How the Chips Fall

Above is a visual representation of the grading precentages for MD400-02, using ABC SnapGraphics1.0. The program itself took a little getting used to, but it brought back nostaligic memories of Windows 3x.

Standards to Examine

Here's a few possible standards I'm going to attempt to explore throughout the course.

Historical Thinking
Students will develop historical thinking skills, including chronological thinking and recognizing change over time; contextualizing, comprehending and analyzing historical literature; researching historical sources; understanding the concept of historical causation; understanding competing narratives and interpretation; and constructing narratives and interpretation.

a. formulate historical questions based on primary and secondary sources, including documents, eyewitness accounts, letters and diaries, artifacts, real or simulated historical sites, charts, graphs, diagrams and written texts


Local,United States and World History
Content Standard 2:Students will use historical thinking skills to develop an understanding of the major historical periods, issues and trends in United States history, world history, and Connecticut and local history.

a. demonstrate an in-depth understanding of major events and trends of United States history (e.g., the American Revolution, the Civil War, industrialization, the Great Depression, the cold war)

Reviewing the Eight Social Sciences

In my social studies class, the unit which begins our year is understandingthe eight social sciences included in "Social Studies". Other than the usual history, geography and sociology, several other sciences are included in this large umbrella. For your viewing pleasure are three sample pictures from a collection I have just created representing all eight social sciences. These three are (in no particular order) economics, geography, and anthropology. Some of these photos are a bit abstract, but I want the students to see how each of the eight sciences can be found within their own lives.

I think I might use this assignment with my students at the beginning of next year rather than doing the ol' collage from magazines. Taking personal photos has made it much more personal and fun.

eTIPS Article (S.Dexter) - You can lead a horse to water...

I found Dexter's article to be quite thorough involving what is needed to have an effective technology program in the classroom/school. I can see this becoming a useful tool in helping to weigh the cost/benefit when deciding to incorporating new technology into a system.

As a current educator, I agree with many of her important points. I found myself focusing and rereading the sections involving teacher support and professional development. As much as most districts would like to have the technology be effective and aligned with their school's goals and standards, I feel the emphasis must first be placed on helping the teachers have access to technology and then support them in their implementation. The quality and effectiveness of the technology is moot if teacher's are resistant or frustrated by it.

Once teacher comfort and education have been established, the most difficult part I foresee is the integration of technology. So many schools have loads of technology, but it is still being used as an "add-on" to the daily activities of the classroom. Effective use should be seamless; not a treat or special occasion for the students.

As technology continues to provide us with seemingly endless possibilities, we must keep in mind that quite often, the most stubborn creature on the planet is not the new student, but an experienced teacher.

First Day of MD400

If you happen to have a few minutes of your life you don't want to get back, feel free to keep reading.

It's the first day of "Introduction to Ed Technology" and so far, things are going well. As if you couldn't tell from the name of the blog, that's my name.