Testing Our Learning

Last week marked the end of our 1st quarter of the school year (wow! already...) and while I appreciate such milestones, it also got me thinking about the need for continuous and lifelong learning.

Our school has taken the tremendous challenge of providing both academic and vocational/technical learning opportunities for our adult and high school populations. We seek appropriate and relevant tools to assist in meeting our mission. Thus, our focus on technology and online learning has become a guiding light, of sorts. As our Principal, Jeanette Johnson, pointed out in a recent post, many faculty have stretched to incorporate wikis, digital storytelling, blogs, social bookmarking, and podcasting. This has happened, in part, to her leadership which is why she is also the recipient of the District School Board of Collier County Instructional Technology Department's Innovative Principal of the Year award for 2008!

But back to sustainability - embracing technology is not the key, of course. Teaching and learning are our touchstones. But we utilize the applicable tools (technological or otherwise) in that process. In doing so, we recognize that these tools are not just for learning in our classrooms, but in their future lives as well. Learning is the key and it is embedded in our work at Lorenzo Walker.

photo credit to GypsyRock for Untitled

Off the Shelf 0708-10

The Last Apprentice: Revenge of the Witch
by Joseph Delaney
© 2006

Just in time for Halloween - a 'spooky' story! Thomas Ward is the seventh son of a seventh son which in medieval England means you become an apprentice to the town Spook. And the job of a Spook, you wonder? It is to protect the townspeople from the ghouls, witches and ghosts that frequent the town. Tom is a bit of a character and struggles to learn the ways of his newly acquired occupation which provide the fast-paced and adventurous storyline. In addition, Tom is revealed as rather 'normal' who himself is frightened by the haunted house and who also falls victim to a young girl's temptation.

Although a bit lame in its plot, this book kept me reading with its suspenseful writing. It wasn't scary in a sophisticated sense and it's appeal may be more limited to the younger teens, but it's gore and fright kept me spellbound. In addition, the woodcut illustrations add a haunting visual throughout the book.

My recommendation: 4 out of 5 stars
Submitted by M. Coleman, Media Specialist

Off the Shelf 0708-9

If I Have a Wicked Stepmother, Where's My Prince?

By Melissa Kantor
© 2005

Providing a modern-day Cinderella story is an easy feat for this author. Lucy finds herself with a 'wicked stepmother' and two annoying stepsisters when her father remarries and moves her a new location. She finds herself having difficulty with the transition at home and at school. Then, an unbelievable moment occurs when she gains the attention of the popular guy in school - and all at once, she gains a boyfriend, lots of other friends and a whole new set of difficulties!

This light-hearted read offers the proverbial lessons about relationships (both familial and intimate), but does so with a humorous attempt. Sarcasm and exaggeration reign, while the plot remains somewhat predictable. Nonetheless, readers will likely be entertained by Lucy's antics and the lack of connectivity with her new family. The scenarios reflect modern day conflicts and issues which will appeal to those who enjoy realistic fiction.

My recommendation: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Submitted by M. Coleman, Media Specialist

Off the Shelf 0708-8

Rash

By Pete Hautman
© 2006

It is 2076 and Bo Marsten is in trouble - not a surprise, given his family history - but in the United Safer States of America, when you commit a crime you are sentenced to a labor camp! In Bo's case, he is sent to the artic wilds to make pizza! Say what? On top of that, the prison guard recruits him to play football in exchange for early release and his robotic creation is getting out of control! And did I mention that he got into trouble, in part, by creating a contagious rash that spread through the school?

Entertaining on one level and thought-provoking on another level, Rash is a bit confusing. Its basic story is straightforward, but the satire is evident when one examines the elements of the "safer" USSA. Hautman helps us consider if our current focus on safety doesn't offset the process of weighing risks and evaluating situations for balance - especially in terms of safety. He threads this theme almost invisibly throughout the storyline and it will likely escape some readers, but all will appreciate the page-turning adventures.

So put on your 'virtual reality' glasses for a view into our rather humorous dystopian future, if Hautman sees it right. It will make you think twice about some of our current day-to-day activities as well as how we can impact the years ahead.

My recommendation: 4 out of 5 stars
Submitted by M. Coleman, Media Specialist

Wikis in Action

A glimpse into the 9th grade Biology class reveals....



Using recycling as a interdisciplinary project (blogged in more detail at Principal Jeanette Johnson's blog) across the 9th grade classes, Biology teacher, Bruce Peters, puts his students to work researching and collecting information. A wiki is the selected depository for their findings - ideal for its accessible and collaborative characteristics. It is exciting to see when technology tools are used seamlessly in the classroom - and it is even more compelling to capture the engagement of students in the learning process!

Technorati tags: Interdisciplinary, Wikis, Recycling

Off the Shelf 0708-7

Marley & Me
By John Grogan
CD Audiobook read by John Grogan
© 2005

Who can resist the adorable face of an 'innocent' looking puppy? Even if he turns out to be a bit mischievous, Marley is the warm and loving pet of the Grogan household. Marley manages to endure many adventures with his family, including a chain of unsuccessful dog training sessions, a burglarized neighborhood, numerous foreign objects in his stomach, and an acting role for a feature film. This touching story about the trials and tribulations of a Labrador retriever and his family will tug at your heart and pull on your laugh lines!

The author not only captures the antics of our furry friends with a light and humorous voice, but he lays the groundwork for the real meaning of those relationships between human and animals. The bonding and unconditional love that develops among family members - including the four-legged variety. As with most relationships, there are subtle lessons to be learned and memories to create. No doubt, this book is a must read for dog-lovers!

My recommendation: 4 out of 5 stars
Submitted by M. Coleman, Media Specialist