To Be a Student Again!
Filed Under Boise State Class, Computer Graphics/Game Development, Second Life, Teaching and Learning | Leave a Comment
I was excited to hear about the Educational Gaming and Simulations in Second Life class taught online through Boise State. It was a tad pricey at $1044 with a $55 application fee, but I thought – it sounds like just what I need. I submitted my application online and awaited the registration information. When I got an email, it was to inform me that the class was full.
Bummer. Well, I kept trying; and someone dropped (Thank you!) so I got into the class I got all registered, and was given a login to their student records system, email (Novell mail), and Blackboard. I ordered my books through Amazon.com and paid the additional $13 to have the one copy available online. They came promptly to me via two different carriers.
I didn’t want to be the first to put out an introduction, but by the time I checked in again, I had 35 posts to read in the Blackboard course management system.
It is wonderful to get a fresh perspective on online learning, and taking this course has forced me to reflect on what I put my students through. Am I clear in my expectations and assignments? Can they find everything easily? Am I prompt with replies and available?
Self reflection is good, right? 
Rubrics
Filed Under Teaching and Learning | Leave a Comment
This is a wonderful tool for creating grading rubrics. It really helps you to clarify to your students your grading criteria. I find that using them makes the students excel.
Computing of the Future
Filed Under Technology | Leave a Comment
Check this out. I want one of these on my wall.
Or how about good-bye keyboard!
Girl Scout Games
Filed Under Computer Graphics/Game Development | Leave a Comment
The Girl Scouts are going high-tech in the computer game area. Here are two sites:
Girls Go Tech helps encourage girls to think about technology careers.
Cookie Games (I am partial to the Cookie Sudoku!)
If you find others, please let me know!
A Night at the Opera
Filed Under Technology | Leave a Comment
OK, not really! It is 5:33am, and I just downloaded the browser Opera www.opera.com to play with a bit on recommendation from one of my students. I really like the Speed Dial function, but could only have 9??? I guess that is enough, but mine are all full now. It also seems a bit speedier than Firefox or IE as promised, but haven’t really had a thorough test for that. Only time will tell if this becomes my browser of choice. It is getting good reviews because of its security features. What is your current browser of choice?
– netlab is not working with Opera, we use this program to schedule time on our remote routers with exercises in the CCNA curriculum
– MySpace also misbehaves