summer learning

I finally got back on my room computer (AP classes in my room) and then spent about 15 minutes trying to get the computer to play the sound for the SS Children New Media MP3. It wants to go to real player and I will have to spend more time figuring out how to have it go to iTunes. I listened to some of this last week in the lab and had no difficulty—so obviously there is something more I need to do to my computer. The information was interesting. Under the English section, I went to Mugglecast and heard a discussion of the press photo releases for the new movie and how they revealed information about the movie. There was also discussion of the movie trailers that are to be released.
I listened to NPR (subscribed to it) on Homework: Overcoming Fear—I thought it would be about homework—but it was about how people learned to overcome their fears—swimming, etc.
I could incorporate this into the class—but will have to think about what I want in terms of information and having the students work with something without me there to explain. I also like to use lessons from one year to the next—and yet keep things timely/current.
I do use some things on iTunes—for example: “Please Hello” from Pacific Overtures” is about foreigners coming to Japan and trying to impose Western trade on the people. I have the lyrics in front of the students—but they get to see the video and hear the song. This is something that I do in class—but they could do it on their own also. I think I might like to create something for a general overview of religion—and students new to the “Bible” would be able to get some background for history and literature.