Beyond Passwords: Xerox PARC Spin-Off Introduces Individual Device Authorization

I began laughing right at the beginning of this article because it's SOOO true! If I make my password too hard I have to write it down. Another problem is I have a ba-gillion passwords for everything and I usually can't figure out what it is. Whitecloud seems to be working toward a silution to this problem even though it isn't feasible to get rid of passwords all together, it would be nice to not have to depend on so many of them.

Social and Emotional Learning: Taking a Stand for What You Believe In

I agree a leader is needed! Many people are scared to speak up for what they believe it. Should we stand up for SEL? Absolutely! Children are coming to us more messed up than ever! I am not putting blame on anyone! I know as a parent and a teacher it is hard for me to balance a life with a job and children. I know that many times it's just easier to push off the kids just so you can have a little down time. However children are coming us now with so much social emotional damage that we need to foster them and give them support. It is vital that we incorporate SEL into our schools and communities for the sake of our children. I would take a stand!
See it here: http://www.edutopia.org/blog/social-emotional-learning-taking-stand-maurice-elias

Five Books That Have Influenced My Teaching

We as teachers are always looking for addtional help or to learn what has made others successful. I really like having this connection through edutopia because I love learning about different resources out there to help me be a better teacher. This teacher listed 5 books that has helped her become a better teacher. 3 out of the 5 books I have also read, however the others I haven't heard of. I am looking forward to getting those books for my library and become inspired all over again. The book Digital Tools for Teaching is really a great resource, I have been able to use it to encourage simple technology change in the classrooms of teachers whom are unwilling or nervous to change their classrooms to meet the needs of the 21 Century skills that are needing to be taught.

See for yourself:  http://www.edutopia.org/blog/recommended-education-books-mary-beth-hertz

Ten Simple Strategies for Re-engaging Students

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/reengaging-students-andrew-marcinek

Teachers are always looking for ways to make learning fun and to think outside the box. Andrew has really done a good job showing how that can be done in any classroom. FUN FUN FUN!!!! Teacher's turn your classroom around, make learning fun by creating a learning environment positive. These really are simple ways to re-engage students and it is very beneficial.

Achieving and Celebrating Academic Milestones: Pomp and Circumstance or High Fives and Dogpiles

This was a very informative website. I was pumped up to learn about the ingredients for academic success. Often times we cheer children on for the way they play a game, do their cheer correctly or run well, but we never really think about using the same enthusiam in the classroom.

Argentinean man arrested for allegedly fathering 10 kids with daughter

This is so stinking disturbing!!! Grrrr, what is this world coming to? YIKES! Anyways, now that I have that off my chest. Of course I only know what the article states, but where in the world was this girl's mother all these years? Or how about a neighbor or teacher? I don't know the law in Argintina, but I would like to believe that there is something about protecting their children. This man got away with inpregnating his daughter TEN times, poor girl!

I just think as a teacher, as a parent, as a human, that stories like this are so sad. I realize that things like this could be happening everywhere and it is the job responsible adults to turn people in like this. SAD!

Internet Censorship One Step Closer to Law

I think that internet censorship becoming law is a good thing. It is important that websites are not committing piracy. Of course there would need to be a lot of background checking before a website should be blacklisted. It shouldn't be something that is going to hurt websites from having a chance, because internet is such a useful resource. I just don't agree that the US attorney should have the right to shut off a website without due process or evidence a crime was committed. So we need a little bit to control piracy but not so much that other rules are going to be broken.