Monday, April 08, 2002

Speaking of NetGens, Classrooms Need Upgrades, Too "Schools have made progress integrating computers and PDAs into the classroom, yet one design firm believes that more drastic changes are needed, so they created a prototype of what a future classroom may look like.... The three-part technology system consists of an interactive PDA called the GooBall, a backpack and a removable flexible LCD screen for each student. Students can sit, stand or lie down when using the devices, and are not confined to desks.... The GooBall is an interactive communication device containing six layers of learning software. The device monitors a student's heart rate and body temperature with a bioread function and uses GPS to track where they are. It includes instant messaging and a compass, watch, and topic-specific alert system that directs a student to relevant articles and books about whatever they are studying. Students can choose an animal icon to represent their personality. The backpack houses the main power supply for the system and holds any personal items. The pocket keeps items locked tight with a fingerprint security zipper. The portable flexible screen functions like a laptop, providing wireless Internet access and streaming video. It has a touch-screen interface.... 'I can't see where people are willing to put more money into advanced ideas when there are some really basic things that people aren't willing to pay for,' said Rozanna Bejin, a seventh-grade English teacher at DeLong Middle School in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. 'There's just no money for schools. We have to have referendums for people to make the payrolls and fix the roofs on the buildings.' " [Wired News] [The Shifted Librarian] 9:59:47 AM    comment []

I always wanted to try something different, and I think Driving from Boston to Alaska would certainly be different.  Philip Greenspun runs a Photo net site. It has a lot of good photography information that I find myself going back to often. 7:31:03 AM    comment []

First Wave of Homeschoolers Comes of Age. "Legal in all 50 states since the 1980s, homeschooling has often been criticized as a paranoid practice of right-wing religious fanatics that stunts children's emotional growth. But as that first generation of homeschoolers settles into young adulthood, the criticism is proving unfounded. If anything, some experts say, the homeschoolers are proving to be better prepared for adulthood than their traditionally schooled peers.... Many homeschooled teens supplement their education with community college classes, taking over the direction of their education much earlier than other kids their age. Whether that is good or bad remains a subject of debate." [FoxNews, via LIS News] This should be a group of kids that appreciates and values the library (not that others don't). We need to keep reaching out to them and supporting them as adults. [The Shifted Librarian] 7:17:33 AM    comment []

Pierre Corneille. "To win without risk is to triumph without glory." [Motivational Quotes of the Day] 7:13:19 AM    comment []

Here are the prayer requests from April 7, sent out by Gene Williams.   Greetings, May that Lord continue to bless us as we give Him praise for all the good that He does for us and honor Him with our prayers.  He hears the prayers of those who honestly seek him.  PRAYER REQUEST April 7, 2002   Heckels, John and Jonda Praise, guidance, and safety for their friends Dan and Amy who leave on April 8(Monday) for Columbia to adopt a child.   Richards, Pr. Mike and Dani Continue to pray for Dani's mom and the situation with her niece Jordan.  Pray for Jordan, that she'll be able to forgive her mom (Dani's sister) & heal.   Firnstahls, Jim and Emily  Prayer for Jim's sister Teri's family - help to place daughter in permanent home as she is severely disabled. Pray for Jim's business sale, for God's wisdom in structuring the sale and negotiations. Prayer for new work for Jim, which job does God have for him? Pray for peace in the Middle East - reduction in spirit of Chaos's power.   Bartos, Michael and Diana Praise that Stacey Knott's back surgery went well, and continue to pray for her recovery.   Prayer for friend Bill who is having surgery.   Oeltjenbruns, Mark & Sue Prayer for a safe return for Sue's parents Roger and Verlaine Sandberg who are driving from Florida to Shakopee this week.   Eggan, Bob & Sue    Praise to God for our safe travels during our 4 week journey. Pray for Sue's sister, Merry Ellen, as she undergoes an angiogram on her brain this Wednesday to rule out a tumor.   Tanners, Bob and Judy Prayer for Bill, Judy's brother-in-law, he is having surgery Monday for nose cancer.  Pray also for renewal in his and Jan's marriage.  Pray for neighbors who need the Lord; Maria and Beto, John and Bev, and Melissa at Cost Cutters.  Pray for Bob as he travels for the Billy Graham Association.   Williams, Gene & Judy Pray for pain relief for Judy, through the Physical Therapy and possibly more spinal injections. Pray for safe travel for the Geers as they deal with Sam's mothers home. Praise for a happy birthday for Sam on Monday.   Love in Christ, Gene Williams      6:59:53 AM    comment []