DUO Education:  The Path to a Brighter Future
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Does Education Need an Attitude Adjustment?  

9/3/2014

2 Comments

 
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     Hello everyone.  I am not excited about the way education is moving today.  It seems to be less of an experience about learning and more of a system for power.  They say, "Knowledge is power."  However, is that really how we want to look at it?  Do we really want to be power hungry, focusing on power and not what knowledge really gives us?
     I can hear the wheels turning in your minds now.  But… knowledge provides power.  You have the power to do more things, have more options, and know more about the world around you.  It gives you the power to make a difference.
     Yet, I ask you to consider a couple of other words instead of power.  I think freedom and responsibility are better words.  Knowledge is freedom.  It gives you the freedom to do more things, have more options, and know more about the world around you.  Knowledge also gives you the freedom and responsibility to make a difference.  You can have all of these things without the need, desire, or talk of power.
     I guess that is the difference I am trying to make.  I offer and promote education as: the act of learning, the awe of learning, the seeking of knowledge, the building of self-confidence and self-esteem, the building blocks to being resourceful and thinking for oneself.  Learning is to be fun, useful, and rewarding for each person as individuals.
     If you have the same sort of ideals and would like to see more if it, share my posts.  Help build a community of educators and learners who want to make a difference and who want to see the world of education take a different path than the current one.  I hope to see more people offering and promoting the same services and attitudes.  And, if you do not want to offer educational services, I hope that you will promote mine.  Share it!  Get people talking about it.  Open a conversation.  Education and the attitude surrounding it are important ideas and concepts that should not be taken lightly.

2 Comments

Is Texting Helping to "Dumb Down Society?"

4/30/2014

3 Comments

 
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     Hello everyone.  Do you understand all the texting terms in the poster?  I have to admit that some of them are new to me.  Actually, I will message people on Facebook, but I do not text.  LOL!  Yes, I know.  I may be considered strange now.  (It wouldn't be the first time and probably won't be the last time.)
     Why am I talking about texting on an education blog?  This might not give me any brownie points, but I am not a fan of texting.  The most important reason for my disliking it is that I think it is used while driving or working too much.  It seems to come before safety and responsibility.  However, the reason I am talking about it on this blog is that I also feel that it is helping to "dumb down society."
     Spelling is not a subject that comes easy to all people.  With texting so prevalent and these terms used so frequently, it seems like correct spelling is even more difficult to learn.  Sometimes these abbreviations are just the first letter of every word in the term.  This kind of makes sense.  However, sometimes the terms don't make sense and confuse people trying to learn the correct spelling of the word.  For example, "tomorrow" is abbreviated as "2moro."  The "2" in the beginning to stand for "to" when the number "2" is actually spelled "two" is bad enough.  However, the abbreviated form also has one "r" whereas the correct spelling has two and the correct word also has a "w" at the end.  How can people be expected to learn the correct spelling if they see the texting abbreviation so often?
     I can remember tutoring someone who was having trouble in spelling.  The student's parent asked how the student could be helped at home with the spelling difficulty.  One of my comments was to cut down the texting slang that is used around the student.  However, it was so much a part of society and the family's daily life, the texting didn't stop and the texting abbreviations didn't stop.  No wonder this student had a difficulty learning spelling.  Sadly, it doesn't seem like correct spelling is appreciated or encouraged in today's world.
     So, what do you think?  Is texting helping to "dumb down society?"  I would love to hear your thoughts.

3 Comments

Mixed Multiplication Quiz

10/23/2013

2 Comments

 
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     Hi everyone!  Not too long ago, I shared a presentation on multiplication practice.  I have decided to show how the same presentation format can be used as a multiplication quiz.
     This format would be great for in class quizzes, for a small group or whole group activity, for homework, and for schools as well as homeschoolers.  There are 20 multiplication questions here.  Each has a five second delay in order to give time for answering the question.  The quiz has a frame instructing students to number their papers from one to twenty if it is to be a written quiz.  You can pause the presentation to allow time to do that, if the given time is not long enough.
     I know that this technology could serve great purposes as learning tools.  If you have a subject or skill you would like me in which you would like me to use for a presentation, please feel free to contact me.

Reminder:

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    There is still time to tell me where you think I should donate a copy of "Clarinda Cloud."  Do you know where this photo was taken?  It seems to be difficult.  To be true, Vermonters may have an advantage.  I will give you a hint.  It was taken in Franklin County, Vermont.  Do you know where?  
     If you want a chance to win a copy of "Clarinda Cloud" for yourself, you can comment the name of the place on my author site.  If you don't know, still leave a comment as to which elementary school, library, daycare, or children's counselor I should donate a copy.  (If nobody guesses, I am still going to donate a copy.  Please only U.S. addresses at this time.)
     Good luck!  Thank you!

2 Comments

Homeschoolers and Sample Binder Covers

9/11/2013

4 Comments

 
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     Hi everyone!  As an online educator, I try to do quite a bit of networking.  I am always trying to find new needs and make new friends.  I also try to find people who are interested in education.  Education and creativity are both passions of mine!  I am always looking to network with new people.  If education is one of your passions or if you have educational needs, please feel free to contact me.  Thank you.

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     One group of people with whom I have started networking is homeschoolers.  I have homeschooled my daughter in the past.  I think homeschooling is a great and honored way to educate children.  It is a wonderful thing for some children.  Not only do they get to spend extra time with a parent, but they also get educated in a way that the parents can promote and stand behind.  Many homeschooled children surpass the education they would get in a public school, as it is done with their interests and successfulness in mind.
     One thing I was asked to do for a homeschooler friend was to create some sample binder covers.  I have posted them here.  I have also created a page for them.  Please feel free to check out my Sample Binder Covers page.  I will be adding more samples periodically.  These are free for now.  Yet, I may charge in the future.

4 Comments

Education Isn't My Only Passion and Giveaway

9/4/2013

2 Comments

 
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     Hi everyone!  As some of you may know, education is not my only passion.  I also enjoy writing and illustrating children's books.
     The picture on the left is a poster of my current published books.  All of them are educational in nature. Two of them, "Clarinda Cloud" and "Johnny's Adventure Makes Reading Fun," are free on Kindle September 3rd and 4th. 
     I write books that are educational, wholesome, relatable, age appropriate, and fun!  I want children to be able to get involved, to explore, to get excited about reading and learning!
     I believe that reading and education is so important, especially at an early age.  I have seen so many studies that say, that most of our foundation is built before kindergarten.  Often that foundation effects the directions our paths will take us.
     I used to teach kindergarten and enjoyed it!  My students were so young and full of awe!  They taught me as much as I taught them.  They enjoyed learning and I did everything I could to continue that legacy!  Maybe that is why I enjoy writing children's books the most.
     Please take a moment to check out my books! You can find links for them on the top of the page.  Just press on the book icons.  Or, you can press the links here for "Clarinda Cloud" and "Johnny's Adventure Makes Reading Fun."  Thank you!
     This current give away is turning out to be my most successful one thus far!  I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to share my posts, download my books, write reviews, etc.  You have all been so helpful!

     I would like to feature one of my reviews here.  This is a review by Author Lorieen D. Henry:
5.0 out of 5 stars Identifying Feelings September 3, 2013
By Author Lorieen D. Henry
Format:Kindle Edition
Great Book! My daughter really enjoyed the book. I appreciated the way the author helped to address feelings. I'd recommend this book for 2-6 year olds.

Thank you Lorieen.  I like to reward those who are helpful, so to visit her site, please press the link here.  She doesn't know I am doing this, so please tell her that I sent you.  Thank you.

    I am constantly trying new things and finding ways to make the site better.  I look forward to being able to better help you. Please take a minute to fill out the following survey.  If you have other thoughts, please feel free to use the contact me page.  Thank you.

Submit
2 Comments

A "Be Great" Teacher and an Inspiring Story

8/21/2013

3 Comments

 
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     I first revealed this poster not too long ago.  Education is a passion of mine and I like to promote great teaching and the awe of learning whenever I can.  
     In the midst of all the controversy in education lately, it is inspiring to see that there are still great teachers out there.  I came across a video of a great teacher!  This teacher inspires his students to learn... and inspires me.  I think it is thought-provoking and a testament to some good in the world.  
     I would like to share it with you here.  What makes this teacher a great teacher?  How can you tell?  What can you do to improve your teaching or the teaching of others?  What can be learned from this video?

     I hope you took the 12 minutes to watch the video!  This is inspiring!  It is what great teachers are all about!
3 Comments

Introducing the Publication of "Clarinda Cloud Activity Book"

6/19/2013

2 Comments

 
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     Hi.  Since, I am on vacation this week, I am going to make this short.  I hope everyone is enjoying their summer vacation so far!
     I would like to announce the publication of my newest work, "Clarinda Cloud Activity Book."  It is now available on Amazon.com.  "Clarinda Cloud Activity Book" is based upon my storybook titled "Clarinda Cloud."  However, they work separately from each other.  You do not need the book in order to have the activity book.
     The activity book has basic skills practice such as: coloring, drawing, counting, mazes, letter finds, etc.  It is great for ages two to six, depending on the child and ability.  The activity book, like the storybook, focuses on colors and feelings. 



     

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     If you haven't yet, please go check out my new author website titled Author Jodi Desautels.  I have some interesting pages there.  Of course I have a page about me as an author.  Yet, I also have a page for "The Story Behind the Story" and for "Products That Have Caught My Eye."
     For the latter, I currently only have books posted.  However, I intend to have more things that would benefit readers, writers, and illustrators.  I am a member of the Amazon Associates and get a small stipend when you buy things off my site.  So, I encourage you to buy them from my site and to tell me the types of products you would like to see.  I am thinking about having a similar page here for educational products.



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     I just want to remind people of the importance of summertime learning.  Please take a minute to check out the site, particularly the blog and the online tutoring page.

2 Comments

Common Core is Back in the News

5/1/2013

1 Comment

 
     It seems that Common Core is back in the news.  Another state is going through struggles and decisions as to whether or not Common Core should continue to be embraced.  This time, it is Indiana.
     If I read it right, a group of concerned parents formed an advocacy group that wanted to put a "pause" on the implementation of the Common Core, so that the public, educators, and politicians can discuss it more fully.  The bill for the "pause" was passed, but now some politicians are saying that the language is too vague to actually warrant a "pause."  

     One of the statements which upset me is:  “We had some pretty strong forces against us, some corporate interests against us, who quite frankly were disrespectful of my constituents,” Schneider told StateImpact.  
    
     Why does corporate interests have anything to do with education?  Not only that, but, in the original article I showed a few posts back, the Common Core site states that Common Core is not meant to be as a federal mandated program.  Yet, what I can see here, it is such a program.... or at least one that gives states little choice.  How do corporate CEO's and politicians who sit in offices in the nation's capital know what is in the best interest of our children and grandchildren educationally?  I do not know many politicians or CEO's who have degrees in education.  Their area of expertise is in business and politics.  Yet, Common Core seems to be drafted by and for them.... not educators or parents who have the knowledge and vested interest in students and their education.
     Please go to http://stateimpact.npr.org/indiana/2013/04/27/complex-common-core-pause-bill-passes-indiana-general-assembly/ to read the entire article.  Do not take my word for things, but read for yourself.  You may have another take on the issue.  I encourage everyone to educate themselves and make his or her own decisions on the topic.

A Related Article:

     Here is another article that was shown to me this week having to do with Common Core.  Please go to http://truthinamericaneducation.com/common-core-state-standards/ccss-content-issues-reviews/common-core-standards-for-mathematical-practice-part-i/ to read it.  This article has to do with the math standards as written by the Common Core. 
     Are the Common Core standards creating the exemplar learning opportunities that they were meant to create?  Read the article to see what it's author has to say.  One effect that the article does not mention that is something I foresee is a higher dropout rate.
     The Common Core seems to be a "one-size fits all" standard that pushes students above their current level of understanding too quickly.  It also dictates how students will learn as if there is only ONE CORRECT WAY to learn.  Those two things taken together will lead to a wide spread of discouragement and then to a higher drop out rate.
     I have heard parents tell me more than once that "my child knows how to do the work, but gets a horrible grade because he doesn't do it the way they are saying to do it."  While sometimes it is good to be able to address problems in more than one way, it is not good when grades, self-esteem, and self-confidence are effected.

For Those Who Missed it:

     For those who missed it and for those who are interested in learning more about Common Core, please check out my original post on the subject at http://duolearning.weebly.com/8/post/2013/03/common-core-friend-or-foe.html#.UYFTM6X3AzY.  Like I have said, please do not take my word for things.  Read all the articles, click all the links, and investigate about Common Core yourself.  For a program that seems to dictate things, now more than ever, people need to be empowered to think and learn for themselves... not be dictated to on how to feel.  
     Please, tell me how you feel on this important subject.  And... share this blog with others so they can do the same.  Thank you so much for stopping by!
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    Jodi Desautels

         Jodi Desautels is a wife and mother.  She is a life-long learner, educator, author, illustrator, crafter, creator, and photographer.  She lives by two rules:  "The Golden Rule" and "Live. Laugh. Love."

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