Times Are A Changin

How exciting it was to miss school for snow days last week.  For me, March 3 was my 24th wedding anniversary and I was fortunate to spend it with my lovely wife.  However, missing does create issues and many schools in our area have missed over 10 school days because of snow.  It is all fine and dandy until you start thinking about all the instruction our students will miss prior to testing events such as:  THE ACT.  Now that I have a son who needs a really good score to get a scholarship (which saves me money), it means even more.  Many teachers around the country are using video conferencing tools to stay up with their students who miss school.  Several options are at your fingertips:

1. You can make a video of instruction and put on Edmodo (which many of you already use)
2. You could use Microsoft Lync and work with up to 250 students at one time.  YES 250!
3. You could have a Google Hangout with your students
4. You could ustream
5. You could upload a video to Youtube, your Google Drive or Schoolpointe

It seems increasingly more probable that the near future will require teachers to utilize video tools like I just mentioned.  Perhaps an AP group could get a lecture or review from home while the teacher is at home or school or Panara or Starbucks or Public Library or "you get the point".  I know some of you would disagree with this approach and feel like it is just another thing for you to do.  I hope those in that camp begin to realize it isn't just something else you have to do, but it is an opportunity to work "smarter" and provide convenience and inspiration to others.  As I see what happens across our state, our country and the world, I realize we have much to do.  But it is exciting work!  Really? We have the ability to look at a computer and then send that discussion to over 250 people...Anywhere...In the WORLD.  Should you feel this is exciting news and/or you have comments or suggestions, please let me know.