absorb activity

As I learn more and more about teaching and learning with technology it has occurred to me that some learners may not know what they know in regard to the technology available to enhance their learning.  Technology is changing quickly and becoming more affordable and available.  In order to incorporate technology into teaching, it is important to have a starting point.  The starting point is going to be different with each group of learners.  A student technology survey can be useful to determine a starting point. A survey will help gather information about what hardware and software the learners are accustom to using, how often it is used, where it is used and what their personal opinion is about technology and the Internet.  The survey should be mandatory and completed partially at home and during class time.  The survey can be used as an indirect instructional tool, to help students understand what types of technology is available at home, at school and within the community.  The survey is also a way to get to know the learners. It offers a hide and seek type of guided tour where learners discover the types of technology available.  Once the survey is complete, the results can be tallied by the learners and used to create a classroom technology plan. 

Facebook Frustrations

Although I should probably be outside enjoying this beautiful day, I have decided instead to vent my frustrations with Facebook.  Everyone always asks "Why aren't you on Facebook".  From the first day  my good friend created my Facebook profile....each time I try to use Facebook it never quite works out the way I intend.  My new frustration this week was attempting to create a "Secret" Group.  From what I can tell it is impossible to invite new members to my "Secret" Group without first inviting the "Secret" friend to be a friend through a "Friend Request".  The problem I can not seem to solve is that the "Secret" friends are then no longer secret.  How can I prevent these "Secret" friends from viewing my entire Facebook profile and instead only the content of  the "Secret" Group in which I want them to be view.  I know there must be a way to accomplish this task, but again I have failed at Facebook.  I have read about other academic professionals using Facebook to collaborate.  It sounds like such a great idea.  I am going to learn, I am not going to give up...some day Facebook will be my friend.