OLPC - my assessment of my project

I realize that many of you may have stopped reading blogs in light of the semester coming to an end, but I wanted to post about my project nonetheless. First, I must say that in the end it was much easier than I thought it would be. I tend to complicate things unnecessarily, and in my head, manuevering my way through powerpoint seemed to be much more of a task than it actually was. But I am so grateful that I decided to do it. Actually, I am very pleased with most of my project - the idea, the research, the entire process and the outcome. Of course, I felt a bit silly that I did not have anything directly classroom related, such as some of those wonderfully done webquests, BUT I knew that I would benefit tremendously from my project and that learning a new application (though I should have probably been more familiar with it already) was precisely what I needed to immerse myself in.

I was pleased to see/hear so many of my classmates being so interested in my topic, because the content is obviously what drew me to it. I have to give Alex credit, because he was the one who mentioned this topic to me one day in Karen's office when I was desperate for some assistance in nailing down a project idea. Since the One Laptop Per Child initiative is still very much a work in progress, I intend on following up with it and watching as the progress develops. As far as something more I would like to learn -- I realize there are endless extras involved in creating an interesting and engaging powerpoint presentation. Now that I am comfortable with the basics, I will probably experiment with some of the additional features, especially sound. If I were to add to this project I would also include more photos and if there were more time allotted (not that I am at all complaining), I would have included discussion questions to involve the audience. It also would have been interesting to focus more on the laptop initiatives that have taken place here in the states. Overall, though, I am pleased with the outcome of my research and I enjoyed the entire process since the topic was so appealing to me.

wrap up

I want to take this opportunity to commend everyone whose projects I witnessed the unveiling of in the Mac lab. They were all superb. While I may end up being ambitious enough to post individually on all of your blogs, just in case I wanted to make sure I got it out on cyberspace somehow! Each one was motivating and enlightening in a different way. I am incredibly impressed with the accomplishments we've all made throughout the course of this semester, as well as the new-found confidence many of us have established in terms of technological applications.

In addition, I also want to thank those of you who have been so encouraging and supportive in terms of everyday class issues and especially this little African venture I am hoping to plan. If it were not for this class I would certainly never think to say these following words -- I am sure that when and if I get to some country over there, I will more than likely find some way to set up a website documenting my experiences. It is wonderful now to have so many resources and contacts which enable me to feel much more comfortable in using 'advanced' (to me!) technology in my future projects, both in and outside of the classroom. So thank you all for aiding in broadening my horizon!

Interesting NYTimes article

This is an interesting article pertaining to the presence and existence of a superintendent in their schools. I am curious to hear what those of you whom are already teaching have to say about your superintendent -- do you even know him/her? Do they seem to allow your principal full reigns and decision-making, or do you think that more freedom on the part of the principal would produce benefits?
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/04/nyregion/04schools.html