!!A Broken Link!!

We are going to get techie today.  How often have you been cruising the Internet to learn about a topic only to come across a graphic or message similar to the ones above?  Happens to me all the time!  Often, I might be on Pinterest and see something really cool, only to find out that the link is no longer working!  Bummer!  
Why does this happen?  There are several reasons, some of which can be fixed, while others cannot.

• 1.  The URL address is incorrect.  Often times we are copying the address to our address bar from another source and accidentally leave out or add something. This is always the first thing that I check.
• 2.  The page you are looking for has been removed by the owner (a 404 error).  Nothing we can do about this one!
• 3.  The entire website has moved to another address or been entirely removed.  Bummer!
• 4.  The firewall where you are using Internet may have blocked your access to the page. What is a firewall?  It is part of the computer network that is designed to block unauthorized access.  For example, many types of pages (social media, pornography, gaming etc. are often blocked when using Internet at school, libraries, or other public pages.  In this case, you might try again at home or another location where there is no firewall.
• 5.  Finally, the link could be BEHIND a firewall that does not allow outside access.

Have you heard of "link rot"?  That's when a site has not been updated for a long time, and has many many broken links.  Very frustrating!  There is one way you might be able to read the content that was once on a page.  That is by going to Internet Archive.  This is a non-profit library of free books, music, websites, movies and more.  It's worth trying!
If you are a blogger, http://www.brokenlinkcheck.com/ is a free site that will check your blog for broken/non-working links.  There are other sites that do this as well, easily found in a google search.  You might be surprised what past links are no longer working!
As I write this today, I wonder, why do we sometimes feel that our link to God is also broken?  Loneliness, stress, pain seem to dominate rather than that peace, joy, fulfillment? 

One thing I am sure of, God did not break that link.  I did.  My own imperfection, my own sin.  I am responsible.  How do I repair this link?  For me, the way is found in truly confessing my sin, my own turning away from the way God wants me to live - from the best version of myself.  Will I have to do this over and over.  Yes, for sure.  After all, I am not perfect, only human.  But also I am greatly loved by a God who will always be there, waiting for my return.  I think often about the Parable of the Prodigal Son, found in Luke 15:11-24.  I think of the great love I have for my own children, and knowing how much more our Father in heaven loves us each individually!  He will always be there, waiting for us to return.  Don't let your relationship with God fall into "link rot"!
**Click here for the rest of the blogs in this series, "Broken".

Techie Jeopardy!

Today in technology we are reviewing some of the terms and concepts that we have learned about this year.  I created a Jeopardy game using Jeopardy Rocks.  It's easy to create your own game, with complete freedom to choose categories and create questions.  The students worked in pairs or groups of 3 to play the game.  Some of the concepts we haven't discussed since first quarter, so this was a great time to test their memory!  I heard great conversations as students discussed with each other the possible answers.  Within our 30-minute class, most of the students either completed the game or came very close.  This is a great self-assessment tool for students, AND a lot of fun!

Edmodo Excitement

This year 3rd and 4th graders are experiencing Edmodo for the first time.  Many of them had heard about Edmodo from older siblings, and were anxious to get started!  
We have had fun creating our profiles on Edmodo and have dived into a few assignments.  
Fourth grade has been reviewing Microsoft Word and the use of the editing tools.  They have used MS Word before, but not some of the specific tools that we are learning about this year.  We are about to being a unit about online safety.  
Third graders have just recently logged into Edmodo.  They are getting used to remembering their login names and passwords and have also had fun creating their profiles.  Third grade is beginning an assignment dealing with online safety using a resource by PBS kids, Webonauts!    

This is an original PBS KIDS GO! game that explores what it means to be a good internet citizen.  It's very engaging for the students.  They can even continue their online journey on their home computer if they wish this weekend.  

Each student took home a letter of explanation to their parents as well as a special code that will enable their parents to log into their child's Edmodo page.  One of the cool things about Edmodo is the ability for both students and teachers to communicate and complete assignments online during times outside of the school day.  I'm hoping that parents will frequently check in on their child's page!

Edmodo is designed to get students excited about learning in a familiar environment.  We can continue classroom discussions online.  Learning is personalized and engaging for students.  Special apps help teachers to supplement what is learned in class.  Edmodo also makes it simple to track student progress. Grades and badges can be assigned or awarded.  Through student discussion posts, understanding can be clarified, and frustration or confusion can be minimized.