Author: abendelow
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The technology of urban planning: Treme, Season 2
I’ve blogged before (and here) about my enthusiasm for the “visual novels” of David Simon–his The Wire and now Treme are primary types of the TV “Mini-series” genre. Now with season 2’s DVD, I have been arrested by the director’s commentary, specifically concerning the tragi-comic character of Nelson Hidalgo, the “carpet-bagger” from Dallas who plays the…
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How well did the Masters in Teacher Leadership course go?
Here’s a reflection I wrote upon completing my first gig as adjunct professor of education. (I re-print it here because I am as yet uncertain of the future of the Knowledge Base where it was originally posted.) Premises of MTL 534 (Implementing Technology and Multimedia Tools to Enhance Learning): That the teacher-leader candidate would learn constructively, engaging in PBL (problem-and project-based…
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Summer time = Reading Time
So what books are you going to read? If like me you’re a US citizen, why not find a title that has been important in shaping the USA? The Library of Congress has published a provocative list of the “88 Books that Shaped America” (link to the HuffPo scroll). It’s a controversial list, because the…
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Reflections on a debate of teacher-leaders: does more tech in schools => more learning?
In order to develop teacher-leaders who feel confident discussing the implications of implementing technology in schools, the Master of Teacher Leadership program at Elmhurst College with which I have been privileged to work this summer undertook a debate yesterday. As teacher-leaders, the candidates are going to have plenty of occasion to stand up and speak…
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Book Review–Vonnegut's Cat's Cradle: a primer on the technology of religion and other technological musings
One of the delights of older age is being able to re-read books you remember fondly from youth; these books hang on high shelves of honor in your memory, but since it has been decades since you dipped into them, you have only the vaguest recollection of why it is a quality book. Sometimes the…
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Provocative claims vs. "no zeroes" policy
In many US schools, the traditional numerical grade scale has been changed so that the grade and motivation-killing zero is eliminated. This Cracked.com piece on the “5 Biggest Pussifications of Schools” lists this grading policy as its number five coddler, responsible for creating pussilanimous, unprepared young adults. Ian Fortey made me LoL with these politically…
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Book Review: The Elegance of the Hedgehog, or Equipping your Anti-absurdity Toolbox
I really enjoyed Muriel Barbery’s The Elegance of the Hedgehog (2006, translated by Alison Anderson), which my sisters recommended, and which I listened to through Audible. A francophile, language-lover, or anyone who likes to ponder the technology of art and literature will find much in this enchanting story, the joint narrative of a Parisian consierge and a 12-year…
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PBL takes over a public high school => Success!
Although I’ve only just become aware of this school, the idea that all students will be working in teams with protocols in all subject areas is extremely exciting. No longer will the project team be the occasional learning experience in PE, science, or history. As a regular way of learning, the kids at Manor New…
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Film Review: Le Gamin au Vélo (Kid on a Bike)
I really enjoyed this simple film set in Wallonia for what it implied about the society in which it is set, modern-day Belgium. The story suggests that while human disfunction is universal, the response a society has to it can be more or less rational and effective. The Belgians have it pretty rational, and everything…
The Wikiness 