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Microsoft Enters Tablet Market

SurfaceNo, that image to the left is not an iPad surrounded by SmartCovers. That is the Microsoft Surface. Not to be confused with the giant table-sized computer the company released a while ago, the Surface is Microsoft’s entry into the tablet market.

Attempting to take a page out of Apple’s playbook on several levels, Microsoft revealed the Surface during a mystery press event in California. What those in attendance saw was an iPad knock-off that is heavier, boasts shorter batter life and an inferior chip. To be fair, the Surface does have an impressive cover that contains a fully functioning keyboard, but that is an accessory that must be purchased.

Microsoft has two versions of the Surface in the works, each for a very different audience. There’s a “consumer version” that will run Windows RT and a “business version” that will run Windows 8.

Microsoft isn’t saying exactly when the Surface will be available for purchase, or how much it will cost, but experts are predicting the “consumer version” to fall in the $500 price range with the “business version” to come in at over $1,000. The pricier version does have better overall tech specs than its cheaper brother, but that improved performance comes at the cost of weight and, of course, cost.

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Parent Power

In my experience~ parents can be your best friend or your worst enemy.

As a teacher~ it really comes down to how you deal with them~ particularly in how you communicate with them and respond when they have questions or concerns.

I never understood when colleagues created an us against them type of situation with parents. Dont get me wrong. Ive had those parents that make you want to quit the profession. You know the ones that drive you up the wall~ expecting miracles and...

Learn about First Lady Michelle Obama...

Need a fun activity for before the holiday? I wrote a new To Tell the Truth Play on First Lady Michelle Obama. Based on the television game show, three guests all say they are the real First Lady. Only one must tell the truth throughout the play. Perhaps, you will find the play of value to use with your students. Check it out here:http://www.gailhennessey.com/index.shtml?MichelleObamaplay2.html

I have also...

Wright Brothers Made History on...

Did you know that the Wright Brothers' plans for their Wright Flyer airplane was turned down by the U.S. Army? Did you know that the distance of the Wright Flyer was less than that of the wingspan of today's 747 Jet? Did you know that only 7 people came to witness the December 16~1903 flight(and TWO of these people were Wilbur and Orville)? I've developed a fun and informative webquest which you may find of value to use with your students. Additionally~ I have included some activities which...

Act Professional!

Bobby isnt the best student. He doesnt get all As. He is not always interested in what the teacher has to say. Socially~ hes awkward.

However~ there is one thing Bobby loves~ and thats technologyand hes good at it. This boy wants to know everything about computers~ how they work~ what they look like inside~ how to repair them. In between lessons~ he fixes the teachers computers.

Bobby also assists the schools technology person~ installing keyboards~ batteries and...

Star Wars Can Teach History?

x wingIt is one of the most beloved film franchises of all time, and now Star Wars has been examined and presented as a means to teach world history. A new book entitled Star Wars and History claims that the epic space story parallels many earthly historical events. Star Wars creator George Lucas has denied any intentional links to actual events, but...

Enriched TIme

As an educator~ ask yourself this question:

When is the last time your students got to pursue their own interest during the school day?

If you are like most teachers~ and honest with yourself~ the answer is probably never. With standardized

testing dominating class time and so many standards to teach~ classroom teachers cannot be blamed for

the lack of time children have in school to pursue what they love. However~ with a little creativity~ and

yes~ a little...

Do you Have the Time?(Resources on Time...

Do you have the Time?
by Gail Skroback Hennessey
http://www.gailhennessey.com

People have long wanted to remember important events...thats why time recording developed. Time was recorded based on rulers reigns~ the Olympic Games and the movement of the earth~ sun and moon. Use the activities to help discuss time recording and timelines. Hope you find this resource of value!

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Millennials and Boomers: Building...

Each generation has a personality~ characteristics and preferences that define their behavior and their views of the world. Millennials~ those born between 1980 and 2000~ are no different. Their arrival in the professional world has significant implications for the workplace~ across sectors but including and perhaps especially education.

The October issue of Learning Forwards JSD features...

Learning from an Experiment in Year-...

We've all heard about summer learning loss. Students lose between one and two months' worth of academic knowledge each summer. Low-income students are particularly sensitive to this phenomenon some research suggests that more than half of the achievement gap seen in reading between these students and their wealthier peers can be attributed to summer loss.

 

So across the nation,...

Mayflower and Pilgrim Webquest Updated...

I've updated my Mayflower and Pilgrim Webquest.

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