Friday, July 26, 2013

For the nervous and tech challenged.

Over the past week, I have gotten a second opportunity to take the 601 Tech in teaching class here at school. I tend to think that as a bad thing but when it really came down to it. I learned way more than was expected. I know all different apps and programs and I even know what the hell a WEB 2.0 Software is... pretty crazy. There is a world of resources out there and even for those of us who were seen as experts still need to be told what are the best programs to use. I now know about class dojo. A website that allows for teachers to let parents into the classroom and check what the hell is going on with their student. It keeps kids a little more under wraps then before.  I also found out more about popular programs like slideshare which is an excellent back up system and way to gain more presentations, as well as more on Prezi, a key alternative to powerpoint which may or may not make you sick as you zoom in and zoom out at incredible speeds. Nonetheless, The class was another $650 but a helpful reminder that technology is always moving. it's always climbing the mountain and if we don't keep up we'll never get a chance to put all these cool ideas into action in our own classrooms.  SO... for those of us teachers who are nervous or tech challenged. It's never to late to start and never give up because the next thing you know there is something new to learn.  Good night and Good luck...

 Until next time,
 Mr. Baer

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Mr.Baer's Classroom Technology policies

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Fall 2014
Dear Students and Parents,

Technology is something that we are all accustomed to in our daily lives. Not only does it put endless knowledge at our fingertips at all times, but it also gives us major distractions.  Everyone can understand the positives and negatives for having technology in the classroom. In terms of Mr. Baer’s classroom here is the policy. To preface the policies please remember, you are all old enough to take responsibility for yourself, your things, and your education. Pay attention, be smart, and act responsibly.

Tech Policies 2013

  •       Follow all school and district’s technology policies stated in the school’s handbook.

o   If any infraction occurs, Mr. Baer will, and must, follow the measures the school has placed for disciplinary actions.
  •       Cell phones are allowed in class, but they will be left on the top of your table/desk. Part of my job as a teacher is to not only make you a good student but also make you a good & honest adult.  Hiding your texting under your desk is not only obvious to me, but also breeds bad behavior in being dishonest and "sneaky". If you have a text from your parents, respond to it. If there is an emergency answer it and take the call in the hall, after you’re done, come back in quietly, put your phone back on the desk and continue to pay attention to the lesson.

o   If students take advantage of this policy, I will watch as each and every student takes their phone and places it in their backpack every class until the end of the semester and if I see it come out then I’ll subtract 10 pts. off your next test.

  •            IPads, tablets, as well as laptops and any other computer technology, may be used in the classroom during appropriate times during the day. Stipulation of use of these technologies is that the students will sit in the very front of the class.  Mr. Baer will let students know when it is an appropriate to use their devices. (example: researching, reading, project work)

o   If I catch any student on an unrelated internet website, messing around on the internet, or not paying attention; ALL students with computers out on this day will lose privileges for the remainder of the week. Moreover, the perpetrating student will lose privileged for the remainder of quarter.

  •        If you would like to use a music listening device during your own work time in class you may ask Mr. Baer for permission. Do not ask during a quiz or test, the answer will always be NO. If you get permission you will be reminded once to keep the volume down after that warning you will be asked to put the device away.


  •        Lastly, if there is a film being made or pictures being taken of students in the classroom for an assignment and the work is meant to be shared publically via YouTube, or any social media site, a permission slip will be sent home before the project is put on the web. It must be signed by a parent for every student, if not signed by ALL parents, the project will not be publically shared.

Thank you for following these rules and good luck this semester.

~ Mr. Baer
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If you agree to these rules and policies please both parent and student sign and return this form to Mr. Baer by September 1st. If you do not agree, please contact Mr. Baer at (801) 555-7839 ext. 381.

I, ___________________________ agree to follow all of East High School’s, as well as, Mr. Baer’s classroom technology policies. I understand the consequences of not following these policies and will abide by the rules stated in this document.

Student signature X___________________________________

Parent Signature X____________________________________



What?! How could you. I can't... you did (Teachers being bad)

Not all teachers are alike.  Some like red, some like blue, some like macaroni and cheese some like Escargo, Some like to mess around on the sports field, some like to mess around with their students. If you find that you are a teacher and you really enjoy the last of all those options well then you may want to take a look at UPPAC's website.
Uppac or Utah professional practices advisory commission is a great resource to have if you are an Educators in the state of Utah. Each month they deliver a newsletter that stipulates what is good practices that will keep teachers out of trouble and ... well, what are bad practices that will either have you getting suspended or forced into a very young, very scary, very real, early retirement. Below I have linked in the archived websites so make sure to give a couple a read through and let me know what you think.


http://www.schools.utah.gov/uppac/Newsletters-Archived.aspx