in the front seat

The next few years are going to be exciting for educators. Schools and society are experiencing a rapid rate of change. This infographic shows trends that are going to have a big impact in our institutions and in our classrooms. There is a great shift toward the integration of technology, reporting, data interpretation, and curated content. The most important element in any classroom is the trained, experienced educator. We must never lose sight of this. Digital gaming, 1:1 programs, MOOCS, and LMSs are all going to improve instruction, but we should leave the final decision to teachers on how to implement these tools.

Pope Francis addressed the European Union yesterday.  In a well-crafted speech he challenged Europe to combat the divisiveness of individualism and polarization and remember its founding motto, "Unity in Diversity". The European Union formed by coming together to combat threats and build a better society. Recent crises have left nations pursuing policies of privatization of resources, placing the desires of individuals over the common good of all people, and those that create a moral vacuum filled only by extremism. The future of Europe – added Pope Francis - depends on the recovery of the vital connection between openness to God and the practical and concrete ability to confront situations and problems Christianity is not "a threat to secular Europe but rather an enrichment". In returning to its Christian culture, Europe will regain its "soul" and arise from its "loneliness" Ultimately, what is good for Europe is also good and true for...

I am not sure what is more scary human cloning, or the the the ability to control the human mind. If this were a sci-fi novel or movie we are living in the part of the story that directly precedes the story.    The fact what his technology has already been effectively used on a mouse proves that it is possible. Do we trust technology enough to alter our very DNA, allowing an outside sources to influence our thoughts, control our actions, or change our feelings? Do we trust corporations, researchers, and governments enough that this technology would be used properly and be completely secure? I've often said that science fiction writers are the prophets of our day. What have we witnessed in this area of fiction.  Star Trek had the Borg which used implants to strip people of their individuality connecting them to a collective consciousnesses.  Dr. Who introduced us to the Cybermen which did the very same thing. This list could grow. All of these fictional stori...

Tomorrow the people of Scotland will vote on a referendum on Scottish independence. Here are a few videos on the issue.  The first is a quick video explaining the difference between United Kingdom, Great Britain, and England. Edinburgh News published a list of 10 reasons for and against Scottish independence.  Here is their list, for a more detailed explanation, check out the article. Decisions about Scotland are best made by the people who live here Scotland can be a successful country in its own right An independent Scotland would make decisions that reflected Scottish priorities. I ndependence would be a declaration of confidence in ourselves and our nation Scotland could set its own welfare priorities Scotland could get rid of Trident Scotland would not get dragged into illegal wars North Sea oil revenues would be put to good use Scotland could adopt a different immigration policy Scotland will continue to have good relationships with Englan...

The Gospel tells us what it was like for Mary Magdalene and the other disciples to discover the empty tomb, and to allow their sorrow to cautiously evolve into possibility and then passionate faith. The Resurrection here does not lead us down that gradual path, but rather captures the moment when Christ emerges triumphant from his tomb. The image of Christ is strong in victory and ready for action as one foot rests on top of his tomb, propelling him forward. His gaze is direct, piercing: an expression of the supernatural order, of ultimate sovereignty. His halo is like a crown, his flag of triumph is like a scepter; Christ transitions here not only from death to life, but from the Rabbi who walked the roads of Galilee to the Risen Lord who reigns in majesty. The Easter Sequence reverberates through the image: “Death and life have contended in that combat stupendous: The Prince of life, who died, reigns immortal.” For the full reflection go to " Arts & Faith: Easter S...

This TWit video web cast on Heartbleed discusses what you should know.  At the most basic level, we should all change our passwords.  This is pretty good advice, it might be a good time to clean up our passwords.  If you are like me, you have many passwords that you can no longer remember because your browser remembers everything.  Watch this video for good advice on creating good high quality passwords.

Some commercials make me laugh every time I see them.  This one does But what happens to a brain when we lie? Are there some easy tips to spot a lie? Daily Infograpic addressed these questions in a post on 4/12/14.

Pope Francis addressed engaged couples about their commitment to eachother and the natural fear of vowing to remain togheter forever.  Instead of addressing, his session functioned as a question and answer meeting.  During which he offered some advice: Pray for your spouse Pray with your spouse. This can often be difficult as we tend to feel vulnerable. By beginning with formal prayers (those we memorize or learned as a child) we can later add deeper thoughts and feelings. Pray for love.  One simple suggestion was when praying the "Our Father" we say "give us this day our daily love ".  Jesus said "bread" to indicate what is needed. In marriage, love is needed. Originally posted on " Together for Life online "

This was a great response to a little girl's question about being called a nerd.  

It seems that the home of choice will change for the millennial generation (28 and younger). A recent study showed that over 60% of  millennials prefer to live in cities as opposed to the suburbs like their parents.  There are a number of factors in their choice.  Many cities are redesigning themselves to cater to a pedestrian population with neighborhoods with small local shops, walking paths, and most importantly a community spirit.  Only 66% of millennials living in these cities own cars and those that do prefer to walk whenever possible. Check out " New Urbanism " a site devoted to creating livable sustainable communities. Millennials Choose Cities Over Suburbs - Rent - realtor.com

Be sure of our prayers for you, “that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky” (Philippians 2:15). 1. RECOGNIZE THE NEAR OCCASION OF SIN Observing the world around us and knowing ourselves is key to avoiding sinful situations. 2. SIN IS WORSE THAN AWKWARDNESS This ties directly into the first point.  Most often we participate in sinful activities because we want to avoid the awkwardness of leaving.  What's worse sin or embarrassment?  Think about this one. 3. FAST This is an old form of prayer, one that we often overlook. Fasting from pleasurable things (sweets, games, snacks, Star Trek...) teaches us to control our impulses and helps discipline our desires.  Ultimately, fasting will help us avoid "near occasions of sin". 4. CONFESS REGULARLY Think of sin as weighted chain tied to your feet.  The more we sin the heavier the w...

Here’s a great quote from Fr. Solanus Casey to help start your day: “Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers. Pray for powers equal to your tasks — then the doing of your work shall be no miracle, but you shall be a miracle.” This is a is good message to share with the people we meet today.  Jesus tells us to " Because I go  to the Father: and whatsoever you shall ask the Father in my name, that will I do: that the Father may be glorified in the Son." John: 14:13 Human Heroes: How to be Extraordinary Every Day | LifeTeen.com for Catholic Youth

In 1914, a little know man assassinated the heir of the Austrian Empire and sparked the first world war .  This NPR broadcast examines what the world might look like if the war never happened. How Bad Directions (And A Sandwich) Started World War I A World Without World War I, Featuring Health-Nut Hitler Without World War I, A Slower U.S. Rise, No 'God Bless America'

Students, regardless of their grade can do one of the assignments described in this post on Ave Maria Press. On January 12, Pope Francis announced that there would be nineteen new cardinals in the Catholic Church. The interesting thing about the selections is that a majority of the new cardinals come from places other than Europe, North America, or the Vatican itself. Here are the names and places of all the new cardinals. Note the variety of locales. New Cardinals Reflect the Global Church | Ave Maria Press

Since its creation Google App for Education has seen remarkable growth.  In addition to individual schools and uninteresting, entire states have adopted the free service saving millions. Find more education infographics on e-Learning Infographics