Sunday, September 16, 2007

I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

We are fortunate in Mt. Laurel to have much of the latest and greatest when it comes to technology in our schools. We are hoping I can connect with Harrington students through iChat while in the Galapagos Islands. There is a camera built into my laptop that will allow me to videoconference with my students. Mrs. Barbara Ahr, the technology coordinator in the district, is trying to help make this possible. We just don't know exactly what technology the islands offer. So let's keep our fingers crossed in hopes I can bring the Galapagos Islands into our New Jersey classroom!

Do you want to be published? Read on!

I just brainstormed a list of questions and topics that I thought you (students, colleagues, family, and friends) would like to know about the Galapagos. Actually when I mentioned the trip to my classes, some of you asked me questions... “Where are the Galapagos Islands?” “What animals live on the islands?" "Is Mr. Edwards going on the trip?" (Many of my students had Mr. Edwards for 7th grade science.) In one class, we briefly discussed the endangerment of the tortoises, and one student asked, "Is anything being done to help them?"

I want to make this blog interactive; I want it to be OUR blog. So instead of me publishing answers to questions that I think you have, or publishing information that I think you should know, I want you to be in the driver’s seat. If you would like to be published, here's how:

1) Ask a question you want answered.
2) Answer questions that are posted.
3) Illustrate pictures for the blog entries (I would really love a blue-footed booby for next to the title!).
4) Find excellent resources for people interested in finding out more about the islands (books, websites, articles, etc.).

You can email me your submissions (mbarrett@mountlaurel.k12.nj.us) or give them to me in school. Please make sure you type “Galapagos Islands” in the subject area of the emails. If duplicate submissions come in, we'll have to do it on a first come, first serve, basis. Good luck!

PS Some of you may be wondering if this is extra credit. Just do it! You'll be smarter for it! (We can discuss its worth in class!)