Podcast: Welcome To Timpview High School

This is a video I made for 8th graders going to Timpview High School in the upcoming school year...

Question: Why is the story so important for video production?

Question: Why is computer technology a required class for graduation?

Why is computer technology a required class for graduation?
Everybody in the world who was born after 1990 has never known a time without computers. You would think they already know everything about computers.... right? 

What do you think?

Can you answer the following questions?....

What makes a teen do the things he or she does?
What influences his or her thinking process?
When does a teen/pre-teen start thinking of a person of the opposite sex as more than just a friend?
When does a teen become smart enough and mature enough to stop listening to his or her parent(s)?
When does a teen begin realizing the consequences of his or her actions?
When does a teen take responsibility for his or own actions?

The answer to all of these questions is the same.... it differs with each individual.  However, even though each person learns, thinks, acts, reacts, and matures at different levels and at different speeds, all of the above questions evolve within the pre-teen/teenage years. That is to say sometime between 10 and 21 years of age.

Another important factor in teen development is our development in the adolescent years.  Those years from birth to 10 are EXTREMELY important. That is the time when people learn the most. The values, morals, and characteristics developed during those years are how we will most likely be for the rest of our lives. Once developed, our character, values, and morals that we want to change, can only be changed by hard work and persistence.  Therefore it is vital that we are taught by good examples in our formative years.

So, in light of all that has been written above, answer those questions for yourself. Think about why you are the way you are.  Think about how your actions impact others. Better yet.... just think.  I had a university professor who wrote the word "think" on the whiteboard at the beginning of every class. Hahaha..... the motto should be changed from "Do It" to "Think, Then Do It".

Last term of the year...

This is it... the home stretch.  It's been fun so far. Even though I have to crack down on things every now and again, I still think you guys are awesome!

The last term is always the busiest and most teachers and students get grouchy.  Hang in there and I'll try not to be too grouchy.... LOL

Let me know what you think...

Write a comment to this post describing what you like, what you think could be improved, or something you dislike about the class so far.  This will be worth points toward your grade, so think about it and be honest in your post.

Bah, Hum Bug....

What?.... no holiday spirit, or are you just tired of thinking of new and different things to give those special people in your lives.
I always get bummed out during the holidays because I never have enough money to get the things I want.... or that I think others want for Christmas. Many times I have thought about simply giving gift cards or cash.  Then again, is that too generic, lacking thought and creativity in providing a personalized gift?  Some might call it lazy, but I'm thinking that it's becoming a more practical gift, especially in these hard economic times.

While the federal government debates tax cuts or tax increases, the general public gets caught in the cross-fire. Economic uncertainty looms as a threat of diminished pay and lay-offs.  Good jobs are non-existent and other jobs are only offering minimum wage. Money is tight and sources of income are drying up. Therefore, to quote a phrase from Dave Ramsey, "... cash is king and and the paid off home mortgage is replacing the BMW as the status symbol of choice."

So get those gift cards, give some cash and let your loved ones do with it however they wish. Be creative with the wrapping. One year my brother-in-law wrapped my gift in several different layers of duct taped boxes... half the fun was trying to unwrap it. If you know your friend, spouse, sibling, or significant other enjoys reading, a Barnes & Noble gift card is just the ticket. I can spend hours in Barnes & Noble, browsing through magazines, reading books, and sipping hot chocolate to my heart's content.

Who knows, the person receiving that money may have been praying for a way to pay off a bill or debt. You never know when a person might need that "little extra cash" to make it through. So, don't be bummed, give from the heart and be glad you have enough to give.