By Marilyn Hagle HighSchoolCourseExchange.org

The idea for highschoolcourseexchange.org was conceived while thinking about how to make school wonderful for my children. They are seven and ten and dyslexic. Our local school district is small and rural. The elementary school is admirable, but the high school does not have much to offer. My children could participate in nearly any athletic team imaginable, but electives and fine arts are neglected.

By John Stiles Ph.D., Ruam Rudee International School

By Laura Forish
American School of Paris

An International school is loosely defined as a school that does not require their students to learn the national or local language of the country the school is located in. These schools cater mainly to students who are not nationals of the host country, such as the children of the staff of international businesses, international organizations, foreign embassies, missions, or missionary programs.

By by Chika Wilms, Bangkok Patana School in Thailand.

Welcome to another cyberspace musing by this mind-wanderer. I've been teaching in international schools for the past 18 years. Prior to teaching, I was a student in three different international schools. So, I've already spent nearly a quarter of a century in international schools. Well, that gives me something to muse about...

By Seth Ruef, International School of Luxembourg

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There are many tools that are available for students to use in the classroom to make their (and your) life easier as they work their way through the educational process. You may want to check some of these out:

•Download Mouse Cursors, Icons, Emoticons, smileys, computer animation programs and more http://www.curser.com/eflp/computer+wallpaper/pid7332/D20657/C16437

•Virtual pencil to make math accessible. We are developing software to teach mathematics to people who are Pencil Impaired http://www.hentermath.com/

•Talking Books:
http://www.sesameworkshop.org/home

After reading the book Toys to tools : connecting student cell phones to education by Liz Kolb, I decided to see what tools are out there for the use of mobile technology in the classroom setting. Using technologies that students come to school with and always have seems like a win-win situation. Here are some of the tools I have found.

•Evernote: The primary use of Evernote is to jot notes, clip web content and capture pictures. http://www.evernote.com/
•Jott: Jott is a voice-to-text-enabled online service that lets you create memos, set reminders and send emails. http://jott.com/

I've had hundreds of conversations with colleagues about what schools should be. It has proven to be a sure-fire way to engage in a lively discussion. So, that's what this blog entry is all about. Sign up, sign in, comment on this subject and add your voice to this subject on which everyone has an opinion. Tell us what you would do if you could start your own school! Anything education is permitted: Nothing is sacred.

By Dr. Barrie Jo Price, emTech.net
University of Alabama*

By Robb Sloan, Taipei American School in Taiwan.

Laura Forish, American School of Paris

Mick Purcell was Teacher of the Year at LBJ High School in 1999 - 2000, but his campaign to remove the vending machines was a terrible failure, and he's still bitter.

By John Stiles, Ruam Rudee International School in Thailand.

Mark Twain was to have said, "I don't let school get in the way of my education." Ever since hearing that quote, the idea of how our learners are universally "schooled" impacts everything I do in the classroom. And, because I am in a classroom, I realize that despite my best efforts, I can never fully give my students an opportunity to get an education.

23 March 2009

Laptops, iPods, cell phones, brand name clothes, bags, shoes...

By Arthur C. Donart, Ph.D.
Retired Superintendent, Thomson, Illinois USA
Teacher, Prasertislam School, Nonthaburi, Thailand 2002-06