Charlie Unkeless John Burroughs Middle School Technology Lab and Aeronautics Instructor Press Release Two weeks ago I received a Pink Slip along with 4500 other teachers in the LAUSD. I'm told that even if my RIF is rescinded, I won't be allowed back into the computer lab because the Principal will no longer be able to authorize my ability to teach technology. My credential is multi subject k-8, and I am deemed unqualified to teach a technology class. A Little History In 2003 I was recruited to teaching by the LAUSD District Intern Program. This program offered me a chance to become fully credentialed after a three year internship. LAUSD was recruiting professionals who wanted to bring their life experiences into the classroom. I had been a lighting designer for Oingo Boingo, led by Danny Elfman, for 20 years before he disbanded the group. I also worked as a lighting designer and operator for other artists including Barry Manilow, INXS, Debbie Gibson, and radio station ...
Our research from the field trip is almost done. The kids are editing a variety of documents and I expect to finish next week. I have uploaded the files from student's cameras and posted the photos at our Picasaweb site. Some of their group writing work is on posted on unkelwiki Other students are using power point or word documents to edit and we will make them available at the Classroom group. I have not been able to get them all G-mail accounts yet. One enterprising group has recorded a podcast This is really fun for them and I wish you could see my class. They are on fire.
I have come to the end of my class on the Read/Write web. We've covered a lot of topics in the last six weeks and I feel that I have barely scrached the surface. Everywhere I turn there is another curve or whirl that draws me hither or yon. I don't mind though. It is like the surface of my desk at school. It looks a mess but I can usually find what I'm looking for. I am excited about the possibilities of merging my math, science, and elective curriculum with new media tools. They offer greater possibilites for content, exploration, and expression for both my students and myself. I have enjoyed publishing a web page , blog, and several groups . I subscribed to a social network , news aggregator , and several other organizations that can assist me with content, grants, and other help. Will I continue to blog. You bet!!!
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