The Glogster Tool.

I have enrolled in a certification program called Illinois Online Network(ION) through the University of Illinois. Once I finish the program I will receive a certificate in the Master of Teaching Online. At first, I decided to participate in the program because I was able to take the courses for free and I had wanted to be a "student" again ever since I began teaching over six years ago. This was my opportunity to be a student and even better, get the courses for free! Finally! I thought to myself.

To my surprise, after completing the first introductory course I wasn't sure if the program was for me. My thoughts included: What's the point? Am I really enjoying this program? Do I even want to teach online? Most of my fellow students already teach online; I don't. What am I learning thus far?

Although these questions and doubts consumed my mind, I decided to push forward and continue on in the program through the advice of my mother. She reminded me of how great the opportunity was and more importantly, how much I had wanted to be a student again before I enrolled in the program. I had almost forgotten.

I'm thankful I stuck to the program because the second course I participated in was fantastic. I learned a lot about the content area (tech tools) and over the duration of the course, felt that the contents we explored could enhance my face to face classes, as well as online courses I may teach down the road.

I thought I'd post a link to one of the projects I completed for the course. The Module we were working on was related to the students(us) creating their own content. The idea behind this project was to "play around" with several tech tools(glogster,auidioboo,jing,screencast, screenr,prezi,etc...) and then eventually choose one of them to create our own content with, based on the subjects we teach. In my case, English Composition.

Here is a link to my Glogster Project: http://www.georgjean.glogster.com/english-101-argumentative-paper/

If you have never heard of glogster, you should check it out. It's a fun tool. It reminds me of a blog for the fact that you can insert links, videos, write journal entries, add pictures, etc... but the method in which you display these messages, links, videos,etc...is creative and definitely a bit more vivid and colorful!

Take a look!

A Night Out With the Girls Leaves Me Feeling More Mindful Than Ever.

It's been awhile since I stayed out until 1 in the morning. I mean,wow, I can't remember the last time I went to bed intentionally at 2AM.

A few girlfriends and I checked out a dance studio last night, and although we were nervous because we had little experience with "this" type of dance, these nerves transcended into a fantastic energy that left us all feeling exuberant, refreshed, and mindful.

It isn't often I feel exuberant, refreshed, and mindful simultaneously, instead, I may feel only refreshed or only mindful.

I was almost thinking of skipping the night out with the girls to settle down with my baby girl and husband right beside a warm, cozy fire (while inevitably watching Fringe-Season 3 is fantastic!) but with the guidance of a friend, I made the decision to take action; I changed into my comfy dancing clothes, applied a bit of tinted moisturizer onto my pale, blotchy face and headed out the door before I would change my mind and stay home. And thank God for this because last night, through movement and expression, I felt a kind of satisfaction with myself that I have not felt in at least 4 years!

I was once told by a spiritual guru that it would be imperative that I use the movement of dance when I did my so-called "cardio" workouts. I understand why she said this now. If I'm jogging outside or on a treadmill or even doing a typical cardio workout at the gym, it just doesn't do it for me; I get too bored and have to move onto something else.

However(!!!)in light of the therapeutic elements in last night's dance class, I think I should go back again and again and again and again.....and again...