Mrs. Brogley's Blog

Presenting at WEMTA

This year I am going to apply to present at WEMTA. This is pretty much Wisconsin’s only conference related to Educational Technology. I’ve never gone, but I sure would like to this year. I have some ideas to share with people too.

Possible Presentations (If I don’t do these, I sure hope someone does!):

Second Life for professional development.
Web 2.0 Tools
Lessons for Online Safety
Social Networking for Teachers
30Goals for Professional Development
Collaboration with Other Schools Online

#30 goals: Goal 8 — Finding a Theme Song

As part of the #30goals challenge, I am supposed to find music that is inspiring. For now, I’m going to find music that is inspiring to me as a PARENT.

Here’s my list of music that inspires me as a parent. I have to admit – I didn’t create this list by myself. I gave a shout-out on Facebook and did some searching on the internet. My buddies came to my rescue. All the songs picked are meaningful to me. Actually, the Darius Rucker song sends me sobbing every time I hear it. A good song, like that, makes me a better parent because it reminds me of the brevity of our time as a parent. Every so once in awhile I need a slap upside the head.

I’m glad I made this playlist for several reason.

• It’s neat to have a collection like this, although I’ll probably sob through most of it.
• I enjoyed getting ideas from friends and the internet.
• I needed a reminder that Playlist.com is a wonderful tool in the classroom and at home.
• I need inspiration as a parent for the tough times ahead

I did this as part of the #30 goals challenge.

#30goals: Goal 7 Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone

Booyah! Yeah, I am doing this one already.

I took a new job for the fall in a setting I have not experienced since student teaching ten years ago.

Why did I decide to do it?

Why not?

We tell our kids “be life long learners”, “keep pushing yourself”, “take risks.” Well it was time to take my own advice. I was experiencing major burn out with my high school schedule. I was considering a field change, but I knew teaching is “it” for me. I needed think differently.

Then this position in the middle school opened up.

I am already busy enough: Mother of two, working two jobs, one crazy dog, three horses, and a mess of cats. Hey, what is another iron in the fire?!?! Toss it in.

So this has been an interesting summer preparing for that change. I am probably unaware of what is about to happen to me. It reminds me of the month before we had our first child. I love naivete!

Oh by the way, I am also starting a new Prezi today – one I can share with the kids telling them about who I am. I have attempted two prior to this. Neither made sense or looked good. I gave up and became distracted with something I could do. I am returning tonight with my sleeves rolled up.

Thanks #30goals for pushing me.

#30goals: Goal #5– Update Your Online Profiles

This goal required me to update at least one profile page with current information. I knew right away that I would update just one profile. I have a lot of profiles (fb, ning, twitter, blog, et cetera.) so I picked one to start — Linkedin. I knew I had so little already there.

I have spent the past two hours drumming up information, but I’m finished…for now.

I feel good in doing it. At some point I might need it or want to share it with others. While I do not feel that it is a document in its finality, I do think this draft is something I could share.

Here it is…my Linkenin page…so far.

I’m completing this as part of the #30goals movement I found on Twitter.

#30goals: Goal 2 – Contribute to a Blogging Carnival

Well I’m 15 minutes into this one and I still don’t know if I get what a blogging carnival is.

Okay, well I see I found one I liked. Now to join it!

Hm…I didn’t join it. Instead I commented on one of the blogs that was useful. It was a blog on using video in the classroom. This fall I’m looking to start newcasting in the classroom (8th grade) and I thought I better make some connections. I have done newscasting in the classroom before, but I would say that it did not work very well.

I’m glad to stumble on this! I will surely return.I don’t know that I got a great deal out of this, mainly because it seemed many blogs had not been updated. I still like the idea of grouping blogs of a similar theme together.

Whoohoo!

#30 Goals: Post Your First Entry

Alright, alright…if I see @profhutch post one more time about this #30goals challenge, I’m just going to faint! Cecilia has really challenged herself and jumped into the #30goals. I told myself, “Eh, I’ll get to it in July.” It’s August 10th. Whoops. Cecilia is on goal #17 and now my procrastination has slapped me in the face saying, “Told ya so.”

So here I am world!

I’m starting the #30goals right now, baby!!!

Technology Tuesdays?

Back in the day Sandy Heiden led technology tuesdays for the district. Every tuesday I believe she organized talks/discussions on various educational technology tools. I think I would like to resurrect that, if it’s okay with Sandy. I’m first needing to brainstorm a list topics, most of which I’ve picked up from ISTE and Twitter.

List of potential topics:

1. Twitter
2. Moodle
3. Polleverywhere
4. Skype
5. Delicious
6. Blogging
7. Second Life
8. Wikis
9. Googledocs
10. Digital Storytelling
11. Animoto
12. Photopeach
13. Prezi
14. Using your Smartboard to recover vodcasts
15. Geocaching
16. Glogster
17. Google Calendar
18. Flip Video
19. 21st Century doesn’t mean “more  technology”
20. Book share

Back to Exploring Reaction Grid

Last December a Second Life cohort was talking about this “Reaction Grid” place. I was thinking, “Ugh, not another new place to learn? I barely can use Second Life!” I listened to the benefits and went and tried it out myself. It was glitchy and did not look as smooth as Second Life. As I was flying around the sims, I noticed that there were very few people around – a very quiet grid. I was flying over Michigan (ha!) and I saw one green dot on the map so I followed it. Eventually I saw a woman and landed by her. I am a friendly gal so I approached and introduced myself. She introduced herself as Haley Dunning from Michigan. Being that she was the only person I met in 30 minutes I figured I better ask her a question or two. Weeeell, Haley not only answered my initial questions, but she took me on an amazing tour of her island. I think she spent 20 minutes just inundating me with knowledge of what could be. So I left wide eyed and full.

Life got busy and I set Reaction Grid aside.

This summer I went to ISTE in Denver and once again there was talk of this Reaction Grid being a virtual solution for classrooms. There was my reminder! Ever since I learned to use Second Life, I’ve wanted to take students into it, but the odds of them stumbling into something questionable is quite likely, even in the safest of places. Reaction Grid is a safer alternative at a fraction of the price.

So about a week ago I was trying to download a viewer for Reaction Grid, having a miserable time on my MacBook. After getting help, I downloaded “Imprudence“. I wish I wasn’t so slow to learn this stuff. Anyway, I jumped in-world and started changing my avatar. Haley Dunning sent me things to use (hair, skin, shape) and I went to the Gridzens market for more goodies. I visited the new ISTE island, which I swear was not there last December and I stopped by “Scottsperiment” to see what Mr. Merrick is up to these days. Actually I think Scott’s was the first island I ever traveled to last year. I learned that a few of my Second Life cohorts are in Reaction Grid too, which was a bit of a relief.

Now that a few months have passed, the product has improved, and my knowledge seems a little more stable, I am ready to get into Reaction Grid with my own area. I really like hands on learning, even if it takes a bit longer. I suppose first I should keep visiting other teacher islands to see how others use it. So far Haley and Scott have been very helpful for setting a high standard.

I have questions that need answering. Most of my questions are protection/safety related.

1. Are there “bad” places on Reaction Grid? I can’t risk my students stumbling into a shop with inappropriate parts or gestures, for example.
2. How does a teacher keep kids on only their island? Do I want to do that? …I hate the idea of squelching the desire to explore.
3. What are some ways to monitor and restrict student use without standing over their shoulders?
4. Is there a way to prevent students from allowing their avatar to be naked? …Some type of permanent skin…?
5. Is there a way to monitor discussions? If I send students to sit under a tree to talk about a book, how can I be use that’s what they’re doing? (I suppose I just walk over there…just like I would in real life).
6. How can I keep track of strangers that enter our island? Or even prevent it?
7. Where are some student-appropriate places I can take kids shopping? Or do I set up my own shop?
8. Who can I connect with that is a middle school teacher in Reaction Grid? What about islands for middle school students?

I think I’d like to get into this yet this fall, but I know I will be flooded with questions from every direction, many of which I will not be able to answer. I need to immerse myself in this as soon as possible.

I would like to set up a virtual campus for my 8th graders where they can visit to get help with their different classes. Wouldn’t it be cute to have students be able to walk to different rooms for calculators, videos, et cetera? What about setting up a discussion lounge with little corners to break students into small groups? If students could access RG at night, I could have “office hours” to help them. Hm…that one is pushing it for 8th graders, but it sure sounds fun.

Because I can not build, I do not know how much I will be able to do, but it’s worth a try. Maybe I can find a free house and from there I can learn to put objects in it. I bet I can do that.

I’m looking forward to this adventure!

Review of Neshonoc Lakeside Resort in West Salem, WI.

In an effort to soak up the last of our summer vacation, we decided to use one more certificate from Wagner’s RV and trek all the way over to Noshonoc Lakeside Resort in West Salem, WI. Brad and I are very partial to that area since we have both lived there at one point in our lives. Not only is it a great recreational area, it is also beautiful. The whole coulee region is just gorgeous with the rolling hills, bluffs, thick maples and oaks. Our certificate from Wagner’s RV is for two nights free stay. When I called to inquire availability, guest services stated that the coupon is only valid Monday through Thursday and not on the weekends. It does not say that on the coupon. My husband called back later to actually make the reservation. We decided to bite the bullet and pay for the first two on the weekend and say an extra two days using the certificate. I am glad we made that choice. We arrived to Neshonoc at about 4pm. Check-in was effortless and our site was 173, right on the top of the hill almost. See the seasonal sites are down below by the lake. The nightly areas are up on the bluff. The sounds bad until you get up there. The view over lake Neshonoc is fantastic. The sites are very spacious, almost twice the size of what we had at Dells Jellystone. We were able to just pull through and unhook – that’s a first for us. This was the fastest we ever set up.

Pros:

1. The sites.  All of them are large, fairly level, and clean. Any of the sites are nice, but for a few extra bucks I would pay for the sites “with a view”. Trust me. They all have nicely manicured grass – no funky weeds, pine needles, and beer bottle caps here. Oh, also be sure you put in your reservation really early if you want one of those awesome sites “with a view” – those babies are scooped up quickly on the weekends. The sites 206 and up are very spacious, but lack shade if that’s important to you. There were a lot of big rigs up there so I figured people do not mind. Also I believe most of the sites are 30/50 amp. To me this means that I can run my fridge and air conditioning on their electric without popping a breaker. I like not having to use our propane for the fridge. Lastly, LOTS of sites have sewer hook up and it’s just a few dollars more.

2. The swimming facilities.  They have two large pools, 1 kiddie pool, and 1 hot tub. The water was warm and clean. Our kids were happy. There is a swimming beach, but there is some fecal chloroform contamination issue, so swimming was not advised. When you see the pools, you won’t want to swim in the lake anyway.

3. The bathrooms.  I thought Indian Trails had nice restrooms, but Noshonoc’s are better. I did not use the facilities on the lower portion of the resort. The buildings up at the top where all the daily campers stay are new, within 5 years I bet. The showers are clean individual stalls, with locking doors. The best part: The showers are 5 minute timers! Yay! I did not have to push a button every minute. There were no bizarre bugs on the ceiling and no hair balls in the drains. I cringe just typing that! I was very happy with the showers here.

4.  The scenery.  You can go on quite a jaunt around the campground if you like. I enjoyed walking around the seasonal site area. That part of the campground is so cute, with all the park models tucked in together. The residents have done a nice job making their sites look comfortable and home-like.

5. The local establishments. We went to Features Sports Bar & Grill for two meals, both were delicious. On the last morning I ran to Linda’s bakery and bought doughnuts and cinnamon raisin bread that makes my mouth water just typing about it. I picked up a mess of produce and locally made jam from Jolivette’s. The two businesses are pretty much side by side so you can visit both in one swing.

6. Lots of Geocaching! Within a five mile radius, I’m guessing there might be 20 caches, maybe more. Several are on the other side of Neshonoc lake. As a senior in college, I wrote a huge research paper about Hamlin Garland, a West Salem born author . Eleven years later, this geocaching outing led me to his grave. I was stunned.

Cons:

1. The golf carts. They are everywhere at the campground. They didn’t really bother me, but if my kids were older and wanted to bike out of my sight, I probably would not be so quick let them stray. I did not see any teenagers driving them and no one was driving erratically. I’m just simply stating that there are a lot there!

2. The rates. I say this for those on a tight budget. In all honesty, I would save up my money and go here over the “less expensive” place. Trust me. It’ll be worth it. All in all, we’ll be back every year if we can afford it and I am paying extra for the sites with a view.

We had a great time here and we will cherish the memories made. It is a nice quiet place to stay with plenty to do on property and around the area.

Review of Deer Trail Campground in Nekoosa, WI.

The weekend of June 4th, our family packed up the camper to go to my cousin’s graduation in Adams-Friendship, Wisconsin. Since the weather was going to be nice, we thought to make a weekend out of it. Because Wagner’s RV gave us several free camping coupons, we wanted to pick the closest campground to A-F and that was Deer Trail Campground in Nekoosa, WI.

One initial word of caution: Your GPS device may not give you correct directions. We have a TomTom from this past Christmas and it got us to the right road (County Road Z), but took us the wrong direction. Normally that’s not a big deal, but when the driver is dragging a 26ft camper, direction matters.

We arrived in the afternoon and I ran in to check us in. The owner was very friendly and sent me on our way.

Initially we had site 12, which I requested so we could try a waterfront view some time. Upon pulling in we realized how tricky it would be to position the camper with the door facing the water. We ended up driving into 14 because it was an easy pull through situation (no one was on either side) and then the door could face the water, which gave us plenty of privacy. Had someone pulled in on our left side, we would not have been able to leave until after they pulled out. Anyway, I sprinted back up to the office to alarm them of our switch and the owner didn’t mind at all. Phew! If you take those lake front sites, just back in…and understand that your door will not face the water. That will save significant stress. Also bring plenty to block up your camper. The drop off to the water’s edge is significant. We pulled in sideways, so it didn’t matter to us, but if you backed in, rolling would not be cool.

It rained significantly the day before, if I remember, but that did not matter here. Something unique to this area is the soil composition — very sandy. Even if it does rain, the water never stands. Our site was clean, but very sandy. I was sweeping sand from our camper three times a day.

Because we arrived earlier than we usually do, we had a chance to scope things out right away. The kids played on the playground (not on the map) which is one big climbing tower complete with all sorts of options.There is also a swing set and a little tykes playhouse type of contraption that has seen better days. My kids are down to earth and will play on anything not matter how weathered or battered, so we were all happy. The gameroom is 10 ft away in one direction and the pavilion is just another 5 ft.

There are activities on the weekends. I did have a hard time figuring out what those would be until we arrived at them. For example, we knew there would be a craft of some type Saturday morning, but it was not until I walked Jenna down that I knew it was a paper airplane contest. Their website is a bit vague with the details.

Pros:

1. The rate. Stay during the week and pay $25 bucks a night. Not bad at all.
2. The pool. We came after a storm passed so it wasn’t that warm out. Early June rarely promises to be a hot poolside kind of month. We weren’t able to get to the pool until Sunday, our departure day. I was happy to find that the pool was heated and let me tell you – it was warm! It does not have a zero entry, but the steps down into the pool start out at maybe 4ft. My daughter was ecstatic over the frog slide, which was perfect for her. At 5 years old she was eventually able to go down the frog and land on her feet in the water. I wish we had gone in the pool earlier in our stay!
3. The other campers. What a friendly campground! This is not a wild campground. Lots of the people there are seasonal residents and some around our site were retired folks. By 9pm it was a mellow campground. While taking the kids on a walk, we  did have one lady ask if we wanted to pet her dogs. Normally I would pass on that, but these were the smallest chiwawas. The lady and her family are seasonal residents from Wisconsin Rapids and come down nearly every weekend. She sure was friendly! Even later on Sunday she stopped back to see how we were doing. It was neat to have another guest just checking in on us.
4. The atmosphere. I alluded to this earlier. It’s a quiet mellow campground. No one kid or dog running into our site. No loud parties. I felt like chilling at this campground.
5. The WIFI. It exists in the campground, but out by our site, it was spotty. Again, we are here to explore and camp, not email…so I didn’t mind.
6. Some sites. Some of the sites are HUGE. I wonder if they’re all for seasonal. I thought the bigger sites were on the north end of the campground (up the hill, as I call it).
7. The Staff. The owners are very friendly!
8. The bathrooms. Well, I can’t remember the bathrooms, so that must be a good thing. If they were horrid, I would be writing about it. They are still not as nice as Indian Trails, but they were acceptable.

Cons:

1. The roads. It did not impact us much, but it might others. The roads on the north side of the campground might be a little  tricky with a big rig. There are low lying branches. Just be sure you ask. I think we could have gotten our 26ft trailer all around the park, but we would have had to keep our eyes peeled constantly.
2. The sites. I listed this as a pro too, didn’t I? I say this with hesitation because I do not feel this applies to all the sites. We had site 14. If that road had been full, we would have been jammed in there tight and no one would actually be facing the lake (we all would have backed in and left it at that). That comment does not apply to all the sites and I picked a lakeside site.
3. The WIFI. As I said above, the connection was very weak. It did not really bother me, but it might someone else.
4. Their website. The campground is a lot nicer than their website shows. The photos are small. Some pages seem incomplete. It could be so much better. Without the free coupons from Wagner’s RV, I am not sure I would have picked that place only because the website is just okay.

To conclude on this review, I would return. I would not take site 12, 14, or 14a with our camper. This is a nice place to go when you want peace and quiet yet need some conveniences that the state parks might not offer.