Math, technology, education, and beyond

I knew going in to this CFF program that there was a possibility of having days like today (and last Wednesday, for that matter). It is amazing how I can go through a course on coaching that has a whole unit devoted to adult learners, yet for the last two day-long sessions through CFF, I have not seen any of the characteristics of adult learners followed! Why did I have to sit through an eMBEDDED Learning presentation TWICE in five days?

All day Wednesday I was in a presentation on the online courses that all CFF teachers have to take. I’m taking one now, myself. I could have received the manual and been off and running. Now, that’s not to say that there aren’t others who highly benefited from the training, but I feel that I could have used my time in a different manner. At least I was able to give some feedback to the gentleman who designs the training. I mean, cut me loose with the manual and have someone there that can answer questions that come up!

Today, I got to hear more on eMBEDDED Learning. I had to excuse myself to get a breath of fresh air (and an iced chai). I came back a bit refreshed, but still having to hear some of the presentation. On my jaunt, I got to re-explore the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center, as I have not actually been in the building for about two year, when I was still with HersheyPark Security.

I wish I could have written this blog earlier in the day. Unfortunately, we were not provided with power in our conference room, and I had not charged my computer. You would think that with being told to bring our computers and chargers that power would have been provided. I would have also liked to have gotten some other work done during this time as well. I am of the multi-tasking generation. I think I need to have more than one thing to do. Maybe that is why I took the chance to become the CFF coach at Annville-Cleona. The first four periods of the day are used for CFF work (which could be any number of things). Then I get lunch, teach three (different) classes, and then often use my prep time (and possibly some after school) to work with my colleagues some more. I would not recommend to anyone else to take on what I have. If you are going to do CFF, make sure you do it full time. I don’t even want to think about what it will be like when soccer starts…

Anyway, I am planning on using this blog for numerous reasons:

1) I want to be able to share math hints with my students. I want to put some of the main ideas down in here from some of the lessons I will be covering. It is my hope that they will check this blog for helpful hints.

2) I want to talk about some of the technology that I find (or am told about). There are so many pieces of technology out there. I may not be able to become an expert on everything, but I would like to learn as much as I can about that which I can.

3) I am an educator. Period. Everything that I aim to do is based off of a great need to be a part of the educational process. Whether it is as a math teacher, technology coach, soccer coach, advisor, or role model, I aim to do what I can to improve education.

4) “Teaching is your job, it’s not your life.” This was told to me by my student teaching co-op. It is probably some of the best advice I have ever gotten. I have a life outside of teaching. I like soccer and hockey and comic books and music. I’ll probably mention these in here from time to time, as well.

The fun part will be trying to add info to this page as often as possible. It’s that time thing again.