Facebook changes

So with the recent flurry set forth by Facebook, this is as timely and relevant of a topic as I can find while we are discussing persuasive speaking, as well as communicating in general.

The kids read an article from The Washington Post, as well as the follow up blog by Marc Zuckerberg, Facebook CEO. They also scanned the articles regarding the same topic from Business Week and Wired.

I guess the gist of what's out there is again back to the old adage, don't put anything out there you don't want your grandmother to see. Too many people aren't too smart and don't realize that the internet is constantly creating archives, so even deleted stuff really won't be gone.

Impact of technology

Technology affects our lives in so many ways. For instance, within a matter of an hour, I received an email from my mom and a text from Hayden that told me that Brooke & Adam's new little girl, Sidney Marie, was born. Also, my brother, although a little slow, also gave me the info. (side note: Yea! finally another girl to buy for!)

So not only does technology help bring great news, but it also aids in teaching. Gone are the days of typewriters. Also gone is the need for reliance on snail mail and fax machines for communication with speech coaches. Email and websites do much of the work for us.

Baseball predictions

The Cubbies will make it to the National League Playoffs. That's right, I've said it. Now, whether or not they will win there and advance, I don't care to predict.

Josh & I are planning an excursion to visit Chicago again this summer and possibly take in a game at Wrigley.

See their June schedule here.

Challenge topic--current event

On this President's Day, current events are of importance; therefore, we will write about what is taking place in our world today. The students have the liberty to add a hyperlink to their blog referring back to their news story.

Hugo Chavez is the topic of my discussion. With now unlimited dictatorial presence in Venezuela, I predict that he will try to take over other countries. Although his socialist-like government has improved conditions for a few, most of the poor and disadvantaged in his country are worse off than what they were in the 10 years since he took office. His now unlimited power and rule over the country will have worldwide implications.

View the article at http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1879742,00.html?xid=rss-topstories.

Problem I have

I seem to have some students who continuously dribble from their mouths. Although the spill can sometimes be amusing, many times it is a bit of a huge distraction to those who are actually trying to learn and or listen.

My resolution to this is to keep them busy with extra work, as when they are busy they don't seem to talk as much. Also, students who have multiple things to do often do not multitask as much, so talking is the one item cut out. However, sometimes overwhelming amounts of work has the exact opposite effect, and all they do is talk. A happy medium is needed.