Archive for August, 2008
Computational Thinking – The Liberal Arts Education Challenge of the 21st Century?
Posted by admin in BJU, Education, Internship on August 29th, 2008
Ever since reading what has become the seminal article on the topic of computational thinking by Jeanette Wing, I have been intrigued by this thought – is this something which ALL liberal arts college students should be taught? and CAN all liberal arts college students learn this to some degree?
In looking for a defition of “computation thinking” I ran across a rather thought provoking statement in a blog from the British Computer Society which said “Computer scientists are the new engineers who help facilitate the work of all other disciplines.”
I would like to start a dialog with my fellow educators to discuss this topic more in depth. How can we improve our students success in a computationally driven society by teaching them computational thinking? What is it? What’s the best way to do it? Is it the responsibility of the Computer Science Department? How can we change our 6-hour liberal arts “math/science/computer science” requirements to help us do it? Where do you start?
I suggest starting with reading the following articles to get your thought juices flowing. Then jump into the blogosphere by posting your comments below! 
Jeanette Wing’s ACM Viewpoint article on Computational Thinking
To Twitter or not to Twitter?
Posted by admin in BJU, Education, Internship on August 20th, 2008
Attention HPCS Teachers: to encourage thoughtful discussion on the topic of using Web 2.0 technologies in education, I’ll offer a free Cody Webster t-shirt to the first 4 faculty who submit thought provoking comments to this blog.
This is the title of a faculty in-service presentation I am giving @ BJU this week. It will be 3 fold in purpose.
- Informational
- Inspirational
- Motivational
We will discuss the meaning of Web 2.0 and how it differs from Web 1.0 with several examples such as blogging, social bookmarking, social networking, wikis & of course Twitter.
I will share a personal testimony regarding a recent conversion to Christ experience which heavily involved Internet technologies.
Finally I hope to motivate faculty to consider the impact they can have on their students using some of these technologies both within and without the classroom.
Note to those who attended Thursday’s session: I ran out of time to demonstrate the wonders of Jott.com – be sure and check it out. Well worth your time!!
Web 2.0 Presentation (pdf format)
Web 2.0 Presentation (powerpoint format)
WhatIf Presentation (pdf format) – these are apparently things educators have said over the years when faced with new technologies; I haven’t verified the accuracy of these so I am sharing them for their “edutainment” value.
If you are interested in understanding the “digital natives” who will be sitting in your classrooms this year, I highly recommend a very motivational and eye opening video presentation called Do You Know. Details on my blog.
I invite BJU & HPCS faculty to comment on how you are integrating Web 2.0 technologies into your courses and personal relationships with your students. Simply click on the “comment” link below. All ideas will be shared on this blog.
Question from China: How Do You Teach Your Children to be Rich?
Posted by admin in Family, Internship on August 10th, 2008
Gary, a Chinese friend Joseph & I met in Datong, China, asked me a very thought provoking question this week – “how do I teach my children to be rich?”.
I got thinking about what the Bible says about riches. Over 2000 verses speak about money & riches. This would seem to be the best place to teach children how to handle riches properly.
I like to read a chapter of Proverbs each day. I encourage each of my children to do the same thing. Especially if you hit a “dry spot” in your walk with the Lord & don’t know where to read. Today’s proverb speaks about riches:
Proverbs 10:4-5 A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame.
Here are just a few Bible principles on wealth:
- give to the Lord no less than 10% of all your income (before taxes – this is the first fruits principle taught clearly in Scripture)
- work hard
- stay out of debt – avoid it like the plague
- give to the needs of others
- don’t set your love/focus on money
- invest/save for the future, don’t spend all you earn
For my sons I would like to help each of you find an investment – stock, land, something that increases in value – even baseball cards or stamps! Sara sorry I didn’t do this with you before you married, but I am confident God has given you a husband with whom you can invest. Work with him. Support him. Encourage him. Work together.
In the end, I suppose the best teaching on this topic comes by example. As a parent, that’s a pretty daunting thought! Lord help me have the right perspective on riches that I might pass it along to my children for your glory!!