This blog is a patchwork of practical tips, tricks, and tutorials for real-world writing and educational technology.
Recently, Ball State University launched an app to increase student motivation and retention through engaging students in activities outside the classroom. Will this work? Although gamification is a trend that cannot be ignored, opinions are divided. Since student success initiatives seem to drive educational trends, it’s easy to find tech-focused educators who hope that incorporating […]
Currently, I’m enrolled in an a course on open source technology. I’ve just finished reading Gabriella Coleman’s Coding Freedom. Her text is something that I can relate to because it defines OS as complex. These are certainly the feelings that I had about open source software when I enrolled in the course. I’ve always considered […]
Gabriella Coleman’s Coding Freedom is a layered discussion on Free and Open Source Software – My favorite part, is that it connects software to language production. Coding has parallels to language production beyond free speech and free software. Certainly, I’ve found value in the free software that has allowed me to complete my software projects […]
While there were many things that stood out to me over the past few weeks, there are three things that resonated with me. The three I found to be most interesting and useful were that Open Source is a bridge for access to technology and innovation that did not exist before the turn of the […]
Personally, I am a bookist – Give me the careworn pages of a book any day. Let me take a deep dive into the material, themes, author’s thoughts, and critical connections. Consequently, I was thrilled to discover 2009 web article by Mark Bauerlein. Bauerlein’s “Books Can’t Compete” points out an accurate picture of the challenges […]
If I were attempting to master the art of writing the longest, least marketable title, I might have just won. Still, the topic is worth discussing. Why should anyone care that the field of Instructional Technology exists? Let me ask you a question. Have you ever taught a confused student who still didn’t understand a […]
You can foster multimodal literacy too! Students don’t need complicated design software like Gimp or Photoshop to develop informational sequencing skills. Check out the tutorial images below to learn how to build an animated Lego GIF. Step 1: Photograph a sequence of Lego movements. The movements should tell a story. Step 2: Use Google Photos […]
I am not a fan of Legos. Actually, Legos are fine, but I’m less-than-thrilled with the Lego garden growing on my son’s bedroom carpet. Angry, red welts on the souls of my feet are the sacrifices I make to unlock my son’s creativity. Luckily, my son is exceptionally creative with his Legos. Using an assortment […]
This past month or so, I discovered an article dissecting the first draft of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s “Day of Infamy” speech. The President refused the help of a speech writer. On the original document his handwriting is a jumble of smudges and scribbles; but I am impressed by his willingness to say something important, in […]
