Oh the Finance of It All...

I love finance...I just love crunching those numbers...it's really fun for me. Unfortunately, my students don't always feel the same way...

In my Sports and Entertainment Marketing classes we've been studying the 7 key functions of marketing. This week we're studying finance. Since this is a one-semester course, I don't have the luxury of spending as much time as I would like on the topic; however, I make certain that I cover ratio analysis.

I must be getting better at teaching this...the students had a blast running ratios on Harley-Davidson and then analyzing the results to see if HD would be a good investment--this was our "Guided Practice."

They're "Independent Practice" assignment was to conduct ratio analysis on Nike for the past four years and then interpret the results/trends. They got it! They were able to verbalize what those results/trends meant!! Yeah! Several students started talking about investing in the stock market!

Cool stuff...when they 'get it' it always brings a big smile to my face and reminds of why I teach...

Vu This!

While completing an online professional development course (sponsored by my school district), I discovered a Web2.0 tool called VuVox. This tool creates a panorama that allows the use to incorporate video and other media.

I decided to introduce the tool to my Career Preparation students. They are studying job health and safety factors. To help them understand the importance of the topic, I am having them create a VuVox that will first outline potential health and safety issues in their chosen careers and then present ways that employers and employees can work together to lessen and/or eliminate those issues. I had to work with them on how to research, but they are beginning to make the connections...yeah!

We're in the middle of the project right now, but things seem to be going well. Some of the students are perplexed that I don't know everything about VuVox (I'm learning with them). I told them that it's fun to learn with them...it's even more fun for me when they learn about a tool and then teach me!

I'll be sure to post some of their products as we finish this project!

Beam Me Up, Scotty!

I've been working on an online Professional Development course through my district. It's called "11 Tools for the 21st Century."

There are so many of those tools that I already use in the classroom...hooray for me, right? Wrong! I've been using so many of these tools, seeing some terrific results from student in my classes...but...I haven't been sharing!

What's wrong with me!

I could be sending out cool stuff and receiving back valuable insights from people lots smarter than me...people that could help me become a better teacher.

To get me started (again), I want to share by "11 Tools" blog with you. It's called, "Beam Me Up, Scotty!" Please read the posts and for heaven's sake, don't hold back the feedback!!

Ready, Set...Go!

The school year has begun here in the great state of Texas. The first week back went well, I think. I have 4 preps this year, but thankfully, only 3 per semester. Last year I had 4 preps per semester--that was an experience.

I'm really excited about teaching Global Business this semester. I had the privilege of attending the Institute on the Environment and the Economy this summer sponsored by The Foundation for Teaching Economics and the Texas Council on Economic Education. Participating in this course gave me some awesome tools to help teach economics to my Global Business students and make it relevant. If you ever have the opportunity to attend any training sponsored by either of these organizations, seize it! It's worth the time, I assure you.

During the first week of school I introduced my students to me, their courses, class/course expectations, Google accounts, Wikispaces, and Blogs. This week as we begin our curriculum, the students will learn how to create a blog post, create links in the post, upload pictures to their post, and tag it. As the semester progresses they will learn a host of other Web2.0 applications integrated throughout the curriculum that I truly hope will help prepare them for success in both college and career.

It's going to be a great year!

Wordle picture found on Joan Vinall-Cox' blog.

What? No Way! It's Been That Long?

Waaaaaaaay back in the year 2001 (haha), I went through a metamorphisis; I became a teacher. I left the corporate rat race because I wanted to make a difference. Still, it's hard to believe that I am beginning my 10th year in teaching. Where has the time gone?

As I reflect over the past nine years, I realize that I've "grown." I have a thirst for knowledge and that thirst keeps me learning, and pushing, and driving for new and creative ways to teach my students. I've always embraced project-based learning, but rather than create on paper, I now utilize Web2.0 tools and Flat Classroom style techniques to open students to a whole new world of possibilities. My goal? I want my students will become productive citizens as they finish their high school careers and begin writing new chapters in their book of life.

I have the priviledge of "keeping up" with a number of my former students on Facebook. It's exciting to see the paths they choose--

I'm energized to begin this school year...and...I wonder what the next ten years will bring?

Another Awesome Trade Fair!

The 2010 Trade Fair has come and gone...once again my students did a great job! They were professional and just did great during the competition. We were perplexed that we didn't win best booth, but they did win 3rd place for highest sales!!

The students have started a Facebook Page to help promote WINC and sell the remainder of their inventory. Stop by our page...like us...order some products (credit cards accepted!)...we'll ship them to you!! All the ordering information is on our Info Page!!

See you on FaceBook!!!

2010 JA Trade Fair...Almost Here!

It's hard to believe that the 2010 Junior Achievement Trade Fair is just a couple of weeks away! Seems like just yesterday WINC (that's the name of our JA Company Program here at Spring Woods HS) was in the very beginning stages of planning our premier product for this school year.

Members of the production team have the products ready (well mostly), the marketing team has begun advertising and building the booth, the sales team is busy honing its skills, the public relations team is busily sending out press releases...whew! So much to do in such a short period of time!

While I'm not ready to tell the world exactly what our product is...I can post a picture of one of our advertisements here. Right after our Thanksgiving Holiday I will post about this again and strongly encourage all my friends and colleagues to order this awesome product...it'll make a great Christmas present for someone you love!! :)