...call it a comeback?

Thinking about it...we'll see how I feel tomorrow.

EDCO 524 Assignment

Hello Professor Gilbreath,

As you can tell I haven't "blogged" in a while but I'm happy to post my assignment.

"Being a Tech Leader"


For individuals to more ready to use technology at my worksite I believe the solution can be narrowed down to one concpet-training, training, training. To steal from my former professor, Brian Jones, if teachers do not know how or are afraid of the technology, they won't use it. For a long time my son was afraid for this toy:

but now that he knows how it works and how to use it, let the fun ensue! At our school there doesn't seem to be a huge need for a equipment but rather the ability to know how to use it. Further more, just because something looks cool, makes funny noises, or has flashing light does not mean it is better. For example, some teachers have been resistant to using electronic gradebooks. This is out of fear of losing information, the learning curve involved, and let's face it using paper and pen for grading some is lighter than a computer or laptop, if you lose your information at least you know it's your fault and not a dumb computer, and no learning required! Technology should provide convenience and new and better way to do something.

It making products such as presentations and handouts I need to keep in mind to keep things in a low context so that users can access the information and it be applicable. Teachers are very busy people and nothing worse that sitting through a long in-service about methods or technologies that cannot right away. If I am speaking to teacher who either has a solution to problem that they like, I have to present something new that help them do their task easier, faster, or at least it contribute some added functionality to their present program. If a teacher is afraid of the computer already, I need to be careful not to scare them off.

Valentine's Day (the remix)

It's been a while since I have written but had to report on the small interesting things that happened today on love day.

First:
Since Military Recruiters have not been shown any love lately, they have lowered their standards. When applying to enter the military a background check is made and things like crimes one has committed can prevent you from entering. Now, certain crimes can be waved. For more info click here.

John Krazy

So people are upset over John Kerry's comment regarding our involvement in Iraq. I think initially John Kerry didn't mean to make it sound like only dummies are in Iraq but wanted to challenge these young people (in the audience) to push for higher education and to challenge people to vote. If one is listen to the speech in its entirety, it is easy to see that Kerry was criticizing the Bush administration. Bush in turn took the statement and pointed toward the troops. Many called for John Kerry to apologize and like many who would not attest to doing something wrong, did not feel it was necessary. John Kerry ended up apologizing for what he said for what seemed for mainly political reasons. I am saying this not because I don't believe he was insincere, but his point was that if we do not know what-is-what than we will make decisions like that of George Bush, (I am actually still waiting for Bush to apologize for a few things while we are at it). Interestingly enough there is a lot of truth to what John Kerry said. Although there are many who volunteer to go join the military, many people color and who are economically challenged believe that they will see the world, get college paid for, and have a pension. The sad thing is when opportunities like college or a well paying jobs are available, a uniform, food, and some cash sounds like a good thing. The only thing is when you sign up you are, as one of my friends who was studying law said, "bound to the military as if being married, and you just don't quit, it's like getting divorced." The sad thing is will our young(he I am still just twenty-six) troops be able to see the world, go to college, and have a pension? Not if they die in Iraq. Also, how do we as Christians ponder the idea of sharing the gospel with a people group who are scared, upset, and angry due to what may in the Arab world believe as a prolonged occupation? I believe that the troops need supporting like the hundreds of bumper stickers say but sending them Bibles and pop stars would not be as great as being surrounded by Bibles, pop stars, and their families here back at home. John Kerry was partly right, if we all don't get educated, we will all be stuck in Iraq. Now it seems that most people in America have voted to say the same thing.

The Return of Black Jesus

Recently there have been a few pieces of media addressing the issue of African ancestry and Jesus. Click here to read up on a new movie that features a Black Jesus. A few days ago I downloaded Pigeon John's "Pigeon John and the Summertime Pool Party" album. There's a track called "As We Know It" which is comes after a skit called "A Black Man on a White Horse." The song is Pigeon John voicing his frustrations with Jesus but ultimately finds solace in Jesus's comforting understanding and grace. This song has been truly worshipful to me. You can find it on emusic.com and/or itunes. Check it out, let me know what you think. Lastly, this book "Afrocentric Sermons", I have really enjoyed. Itwas written by a professor at APU, Kenneth Waters. It highlights Black themes in the Bible and helps folks reclaim their ethnic/cultural identity through their faith.

Enjoy!

Mexican Homer Simpson

Maybe you're like me and you know you could lose a few pounds. You lose your breath when tying your shoe laces, you put on the air on full blast when everyone else is freezing, you're worried about the notches in your belt, there's a lot between you and your loved one (and I don't mean hard times), before showering you look down and wonder how reproduction is possible with doing a backbend... These were somethings I experienced when I was a little over 250lbs at one time. Last year my wife and I went to weight watchers and I lost about 30lbs. Since our pregnant and our son's birth I have gained about 15lbs. So I am trying to lose some weight but I don't feel as bad as this one guy. He was one of twelve illegal immigrants who had to rescued from a pipe. He was stuck inside because according to some, due to a puffy woolen sweater he was wearing. I sure his compadres aren't to happy with him right now. Better cool out on the pan dulce y chorizo homie!

I don't know

It has been said that "sometimes the question is more important than the answer." Where this came from, I don't know. Recently, I have found different situations where either I or others around me have had to respond to a question or two, "I don't know." The reason why I believe that a simple "I don't know" is important because it keeps a person honest. In Christian Evangelical culture, apologetics seem to be the hot thing in protecting the faith against the world. The problem is that in our day to day lives debating is fine but often you find yourself with a winner and a loser. In our lives there things that we are certain of but sometimes we don't know. Or sometimes we have to recognize that we were wrong. The problem with being wrong is "losing face" or honor and to be wrong is to be of point of humility. Maybe we need to be humbled every once in while to bring us back to earth so that we are reminded that we are living this human experience. At the point of humility is where Christ can really get to work.