Friday, February 18, 2011

Latest Dallas Morning News Article: Class Size

Texas is deciding what to do about our massive budget deficit. Among the proposed cuts in education is removing the cap of 22 students per classroom. In my latest article for the Dallas Morning News I discuss why this is a bad idea. Dallas Morning News

Saturday, February 12, 2011

TCEA Wrap up

As usual, I enjoyed my trip to TCEA a great deal. It is always nice to mix and mingle with people who understand what it is you do. Karen and I spent one evening with the Glogster people at a dinner for the Glogster ambassadors. These are really nice people who are receptive to what we have to say about their product. I am always impressed when I get the chance to talk with them. You should try Glogster if you haven't already! Karen had two presentations and her classroom integration talk drew at least 150 people! I had about 60-75 at mine which I considered quite good considering part of my time was up against the first keynote. Presenting gives you a very unique perspective on your work and I love having that opportunity. Thanks to all those who came out to hear me.
On Wednesday afternoon I attended our Library Special Interest Group meeting and was both surprised and delighted to recieve the annual award for "Amazing Librarian." It has indeed been a great year and I am always honored when my work is recongnized among such great librarians here in Texas.




There have been several snow days in Texas over the last couple of weeks so there is much to do here. Time to wrap my head around testing. First, I want to show you a video I produced for the upcoming Texas Library Association contest. It needed to be based on the theme "Crossing Boundaries." I think it turned out rather well! Thanks to Paige for all her help! Wish us luck.

Breaking down Boundaries. TXLA contest entry from Doug Valentine on Vimeo.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

TCEA Conference

Next week I'll be attending the TCEA conference in Austin. What a wonderful conference this is! It is as large as many national conferences and includes teachers, librarian, administrators and students as well as so many technology experts. I am going to be presenting this year on Wednesday February 9th at 8:00 a.m. Not being a morning person, this may be difficult! Click here for a link containing information on what I'll be discussing. If you are in Texas I highly recommend you drop by and see me and enjoy this great conference.