A few years ago, I had the opportunity to try out an alternative to medication in the treatment of ADD/ADHD. The idea is that ADD causes some people to generate brainwaves in an abnormal pattern.

When a normal child tries to read or concentrate, he increases the amount of beta waves in certain parts of his brain. ADHD children don’t do this. Instead of increasing beta waves, they increase theta waves, the daydreaming brain wave. That means that where other children are concentrating harder to complete a certain task, ADHD children are drifting off. (source)

The machine I was hooked up to measured my brain waves and presented me with a video screen with an airplane on it. When I was concentrating well and producing beta waves, the plane would go faster. If I lost focus, the plane would slow down. I marveled at the idea and wondered whether someone could simply exercise their brain until they were no longer prone to ADD type behaviors. Of course the equipment involved made it difficult to find a location that could provide this sort of treatment, and the costs were rather higher.

Interestingly, now it seems to be available as a home game. With a Star Wars theme.

Yes I’m serious.

ThinkGeek.com has put up for sale the Star Wars Force Trainer, for about $120. As a Star Wars fan, I felt obligated to check it out. I stopped dead in my tracks when I got midway through the description.

Using dry sensor technology, the Force Trainer can determine the differences between the alpha, beta, gamma and delta waves present in your brain. You can control these different brain ’states’ by using your ability to focus and to concentrate. A micro-chip inside the Force Trainer then uses an algorithm to figure out which brain state you are in and then decides how to raise or lower the ball based on that state.

Sound familiar? I don’t know for certain what makes the ball go up or down, but if it’s keying in on beta waves, then isn’t it doing the exact same thing that I tried out in at the SMART workshop?? And if that’s the case… could this actually be a home version that ADD students could use to help train them to focus their concentration on demand?

I know it sounds crazy, but this just might be the most valuable toy a parent could buy for their ADD inclined student.

Now… when will we see a Bluetooth version that hooks into an iPhone?

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As many of you have seen on Twitter lately, I’ve been promoting my wife’s new social network Jobless In Chicago. She was one of the many people who were let go from their jobs as the economy has continued it’s steady nosedive. With signs looking like things will be getting worse before they get better, she decided to create a Ning for people to support each other and their efforts to find new employment. I personally know at least 8 or 9 people that have been let go recently and many many more that are in fear of it.

When times get rough, it’s important for people to band together. We’ve all been jobless at one time or another, we’re all hurting from the economy right now, and many of us have family members and friends that have been greatly impacted by layoffs. So Jobless In Chicago is a site for people to share ideas for finding new jobs, support for people that are struggling, and suggestions for new ways to get back on the right track.

You don’t need to be jobless or live in Chicago to participate. Show your support ‘employmently challenged’ people who are banding together. Stop by the Ning and join today!

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Welcome to the new theme for Teach42.com! This is something that’s been in the works for quite a while now (far too long), but I’m thrilled to finally switch over to it today. I’d been thinking about getting myself a new theme since I started seeing other blogs using the same one I’d be using. I’ve always wanted to have something completely original, but in the past must of the custom ones I’ve used have had issues on the backend. I finally decided to take the plunge when I saw the EFL Geek’s new theme which completely blew me away. So I emailed Sean and asked him if he’d be interested in creating a custom theme for me and he mentioned that he was creating his own design company and would love to work together.

Heh, I have to give him major credit. Between conferences and family and this that and the other thing, I haven’t been the easiest person to work with. But he’s always been a true professional and fit the development around my crazy schedule. From brainstorming ideas out, to graphic design to creating a complete custom wordpress theme with all the features I wanted, he did an absolutely phenomenal job.

I have to admit, at first I balked a little bit about paying someone to create a theme for me. After all, it’s just a blog… But then again, it’s also something I’ve invested five years of my life on. It’s gotten me my current job, and introduced me to thousands of educators world wide. It’s my identify online, my resume, my cv and my permanent record. And once I started thinking along these lines it seemed almost odd to me that I hadn’t invested more in it already. So I took some of the money this blog generates from Google Ads and I set it aside to have the new theme created. I wanted something somewhat whimsical, and yet geeky. I love the computer cables strewn about everywhere in the sidebar widgets and such. Usual web 2.0 tools are integrated in as well. Gravatar user images are thrown in for commentors and so on. I also have a few plans that we didn’t stick in yet but may be added in the future.

I hope you like it! It’s funny but this theme has been ready to switch over to for a few weeks now, but I kept putting off making hte change because I wanted to do a proper introduction for it. However, in the meantime, I kept putting off blog posts because I wanted to wait to post them until the new theme was ready! And while waiting for that to happen, I just didn’t post anything. I should have taken the advice I always give to other new bloggers. JUST DO IT. Don’t wait for bigger and better, don’t waste time with things to come. Do it now, as you can always add more and improve later.

So with that, I hope you like the new digs! Leave a comment and let me know what you think. And if you decide to do something along these lines yourself, I personally recommend you reach out to Sean. He was a true professional and great to work with.

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I was debating whether to share that I’ve been nominated for a couple of EduBlog Awards or not. I hate bragging and I certainly don’t want it to look like I’m begging for votes. But I finally decided to mention it because ya know what? I’m pretty darn proud of those nominations. I’ve spent a lot of time lately trying to convince teachers that don’t believe they have much of a reason to jump in and contribute to the conversation that they’re actually Rock Stars. I’ve preached that they need to take pride in their accomplishments major or minor and share their experiences with other people. So with that in mind, to heck with being modest!

This year I’ve been nominated for two EduBlog Awards. I’ve never been nominated for an ‘Eddie’ before, and To be completely honest, I’m pretty stoked. Win or lose, I consider it an honor and privileged to be listed with so many people that I consider to be some of the best EduBloggers out there. I’m proud to be able to call many of those people friends and colleagues, and would be absolutely thrilled for them if they won. Of course, I’d prefer to win myself, but that’s the competitive streak I have in me doesn’t even get turned off when I’m playing Candyland with kids!

Regardless, I greatly appreciate everybody that nominated me for the awards. I’ll be proud to add the badges into my sidebar regardless of what happens. If you’ve enjoyed learning with me here at Teach42, then swing by the EduBlog Awards and toss a vote my way in the two categories I’m nominated for: Best Individual Blog and Best EdTech Support Blog. If you look at those lists and find someone more deserving, then vote for them in good conscience. There are no unworthy nominees on that list. And then spend some time on the site exploring the various nominees in the different categories. I’ve often found it to be one of the best ways to discover new blogs for the ol’ aggregator!

Now get over there and vote!

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So a couple of weeks ago I got a mysterious email saying that Nokia was interested in springing for me to join them in Helsinki for a few days.

We sometimes help Nokia run events involving participants from social media, like bloggers and forum members. The latest being a new annual workshop that hopes to involve an eclectic mix of the online community in a discussion of what the future holds for everything from mobile technology to media creation. It’s a three day event in Helsinki and we’d like to invite you, flights and accommodation paid for.

It’s taking place in September between the 11th and 14th, and will be the first of its kind hosted by Nokia. We’re contacting everyone from creative’s, designers, video producers to open source software bloggers and mobile tech pioneers. There will be a number of workshops that’ll see discussion with participants, and with Nokia guys, about the future of different online arenas and mobile technology. Workshops that we hope you’d like to join in with and make yourself heard.

My initial thought was to file this under ‘elaborate phishing scheme’, but then figured I might as well look into it. After several Google searches, I became convinced that this was real enough. Of course, I couldn’t turn down a free trip abroad, so I gratefully accepted. A flurry of emails and frantic passport renewal later, and I’m off for Finland tomorrow!

Just a few days ago, they finally got around to posting an official site for the event, which has a few surprises to me that I hadn’t heard before. In particular, they say:

In the spirit of the event, non-attendees will be able to freely participate through online tools that will be available on the website prior, and via the virtual event that will be taking place simultaneously on the days of the event. So feel free to join in, and help us all learn more on what the future of mobile should really be.

I’m dying to know what this will entail, but I’m planning on bringing people along as much as I possibly can. From blog posts, to Tweets/Plurks, and of course live broadcasts, I hope to share as much of the short trip as possible. 35 people were chosen to attend, and the group has begun to self-organize here if you’re curious to see who else is going. So far as I can tell, I’m representing the education community, so if you have any crazy ideas that you want mentioned to the Nokiarati, let me know.

Additionally, they sent me a Nokia e71 to play around with. As you may have read in my last post, I’m pretty darn happy with the N95, however I’m always open to re-evaluating. So far, I do have to admit that the keyboard on the e71 gives it a HUGE advantage of the N95, but the N95 has a nicer screen and a camera that really can’t be beat. That being said, I’m going to try to do some side by side stills, videos and broadcasts to compare the two of them and see which one would be better suited for both me and education users. Unfortunately I don’t get to keep the phone, it’s just a loaner. But I’ve got nothing at all to complain about. Thrilled for the opportunity.

If you are interested in participating virtually, keep an eye on the blog and I’ll share ways that you can do so as I find out about them!

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Thanks to Justin Karkow for point out this post of Christine Southard’s on the New York DEN Blog.

Just in time for the beginning of the school year, Dalton Sherman has a message that is sure to inspire anybody who has chosen to devote their lives to education.

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I keep meaning to post a followup to my previous Wii Fit post, complete with pertinent links, pictures and all that. But work/NECC/baby has gotten in the way and it just keeps getting put off. SO, I figured I’ll just do a really quick update for you.

I’ve now owned the Wii Fit for about a five weeks now. During that time I have worked out with it for at least 30 minutes every single day (averaging about 45 minutes usually), with the exception of three days on the road that I worked out without it. I’ve taken one day off so far.

During that time I have dropped 15 pounds (as of this morning). While I’m not sure I look any different, my wife has commented that my face looks like it has thinned out some, and I’ve moved up a notch on my belt and about ready to move up a second notch. You can’t argue with the results. I’m very much looking forward to one day hoping on the balance board and NOT having the Wii exclaim “You’re obese!”

I’m still not on a formal diet, but I am trying very hard to make good choices. A creamsicle after dinner rather than Ben and Jerry’s. Eating breakfast at home and bringing my own lunch, so I know what I’m eating and don’t over indulge when I don’t want to do so deliberately. I still treat myself (had a reuben for lunch today), but it’s more rare. And when I do, I make sure that I eat well the rest of the day.

I’ve heard from many other people now that have bought themselves a Wii Fit and are going to try to do the same. Based on my experiences to date, I have a few tips to share.

1) After a while, that step aerobics won’t really do it for you, even on advanced. Free step is great because you can turn off the voice and do it at your own pace. I’ve gotten up to 3400 steps in half an hour. However, to increase the difficulty I bought myself an aerobics step. The kind that you see used in actual step class. Found it at a garage sale for five bucks. Now I put the Wii Fit on top of there and use that for the step games. And THAT really gives you a serious workout.

2) Running in place kinda sucks. I’m just not a huge fan. The Wii Fit could really use some variety with respects to aerobic exercises. So here’s what I do. I’ve gotten myself a few workout DVD’s. To be honest, they’re a little above my level, but I’m growing into them. So I start up the Free Run program for half an hour, and then change the channel to the DVD. While I work out with the DVD’s workout program, I hold the Wii controller. It thinks I’m running! It tells me when a half hour is up, and usually the Wii thinks I’ve run about 3-4 miles. Best thing is that it adds some much needed variety to the workouts. You could use Tae-bo, Richard Simmons, Jane Fonda, whatever floats your boat. And the workout is still logged as fitness minutes by the Wii!

3) While I love the boxing, it’s repetitive and has too many pauses in it while you wait for it to tell you what to do. So I’ve figured out two ways to spice it up. The first is that I do combinations. Instead of just right left right, I’ll do right, cross uppercut. Or maybe I’ll do head punch, body punch, kick. Yes, there are times that it doesn’t register some of them. I’m ok with that. I’m getting a better workout and I’m enjoying it more. More score is the only thing that suffers from this. The other idea is to fill in the time in between exercises with calisthenics. While the other guy is telling me what punches to throw next, I step off the balance board and jog in place. Or I do jumping jacks. Or I simulate jumping rope. It’s just for 5 seconds at a time, but it really helps keep the heartbeat up, which is the whole point to aerobic exercise.

4) One day I wasn’t quite in the mood to exercise, so I did an entire day of Yoga. I was still sweating and exhausted afterwards. Those Yoga exercises really do give you a decent workout, so don’t neglect them. It’s easy to forget about them after a while, but try to work them in between other routines.
5) If you have a treadmill or stairs in your house, you can also work those in. Just like in number 2, you can set the Wii to Free Run, and then go hop on the treadmill while holding your controller. Or go over to your stairwell and do stairs. I was really surprised by the range. My treadmill is on the other side of my house and down one floor. The Wiimote stayed in contact with the Wii the entire time.

That’s it for now. I guess the whole key is that I’m doing what I can do get some variety in there. If I’m bored with one thing, I switch it up. So far, that’s been working for me. My goal was to lose 20 pounds in two months. I have 5 to go and plenty of time to do it in.

And yes, I will be bringing the Wii Fit to NECC with me. Hopefully you won’t be in the hotel room next door!

Hope this helps some of you. If you’re doing the same, let me know how you’re doing in the comments! Would love to chat with others on a similar journey.

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I got an email alerting me to a segment on CBS News about one school using a GPS tracking device to help stop truancy.

While it may have worked for the student in the video, I have to admit some skepticism regarding the ability for this to be a large scale solution. They mention that the student really does want to be in school, and this provides him an excuse to provide his friends, without losing any reputation points.

However, there had to be reasons beyond just peer pressure that caused him to miss so many days int he first place. And if the school doesn’t address those issues, then why should this make any difference. Yes, we do want the student to be in his/her seat. But we also need to find new ways to motivate those students, to keep them involved in their education, to ensure that it’s relevant and valuable to their future success. While I’m not trying to imply that the school in the video is failing to do that, I do want to point out that getting them there is only one part of a larger solution to the problem.

And is anybody else wondering what’s to stop him from just putting the darn device into someone else’s backpack for the day?

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Like him or loathe him, you can always guarantee that Gary Stager will make you think. In his most recent post, he has opened my eyes to issues that I have to admit I was woefully ignorant of, namely the recently released results of a study on the Impact of Reading First. To summarize it would do it a great disservice, so I recommend you go there and read it yourself.

A couple of quotes tho.

The recent report concludes, “Reading First did not improve students’ reading comprehension… The program did not increase the percentages of students in grades one, two or three whose reading comprehension scores were at or above grade level.” In other words, a $6 billion federal program spending had no positive impact. Additionally, local school districts have made inestimable investments to support Reading First.

The failure of Reading First represents more than a course correction for a well-intentioned attempt to benefit the nation’s children. Reading First was rife with politics, contempt for professional educators and conflicts of interest from the outset. It is particularly ironic that an administration insistent that every classroom practice must adhere to “scientifically-based research,” to the exclusion of research it did not like, continues to insist that Reading First should be the law of the land, despite its own evidence to the contrary.

Well worth taking the time to read.

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Found via Lee Speers blog

It seems that a teacher in Seattle decided to take a stand against the the state’s standardized test, WASL. Quite simply, he refused to administer it. While it seems he has gained the admiration of his peers and many administrators for his actions, he was still suspended without pay for two weeks. His response? “When you do an act of civil disobedience, you gracefully accept what happens to you.”

I’m in my cubicle right now giving him a standing ovation.

Via the Seattle Times:

Chew issued a two-page, single-spaced statement listing all of his concerns about the WASL. It includes his contention that many questions on the test are unclear, notes its costs, and says teachers get little information about how to help students improve. The letter also says the WASL focuses too much attention on just a few subjects.

“I think it’s good for students to have basic skills in reading, writing and math,” he said. “But also to have good skills in P.E. and art and music and public speaking.”

The WASL, he said, needs to be scrapped and replaced with a “gentler, kinder way of finding out what our students know and helping teachers educate them better.”

Gotta respect any person who has the courage of their convictions and actually takes a stand for what they believe in, rather than just talking about it.

And what about next year? “I have let them know I’m never going to give the WASL again,” he says.

Lee Speers speculates “What if a whole school, or district, or even state would do this. Who knows, maybe the next Arlo Guthrie would even write a song about it.”

You know, if one person, just one person does it they may think he’s really crazy and
they’ll suspend him without pay.

And that’s what it is, the Clear-Thinking-Teachers-Anti-High Stakes-Testing Movement, and
all you got to do to join is sing it the next time it come’s around on the guitar.
(original lyrics by Arlo Guthrie)

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