Tuesday, June 13, 1995
I sit now in the Professional Room, typing in this journal, having just finished my writing of a cover letter that will be attached to the Video Open Letters (concerning the Electronic Portfolios) to be sent to Grey, GoD, and Kurtzmann.
It reads:
What you have in front of you is a letter and a videotape... this is obvious. What is less apparent is the meaning of these two items. But one will explain the other, as the other will inform the one.
The videotape contains a HyperStudio presentation that I developed introducing the concept of the Electronic Portfolio. Simply put, the Electronic Portfolio is much like a "published" Showcase Portfolio, in which students put pieces of thematically-linked writing together for an overall presentation. In this case, however, it is not "published" so much as "broadcast," encompassing not only the written word, but artwork, sound, video... multimedia. The multimedia aspect is one which the students understand and with which they feel comfortable (since a preponderance of their extra-curricular time is spent wading through such multimedia--television, film, video, computer games); but, more importantly, this aspect excites and motivates the students.
Sandwiched between the two halves of my presentation are the Electronic Portfolios created in my class this spring. During this middle section of the tape, some information may not appear on the screen long enough for you to read it. My intention is not to have you evaluate my students' work, but to expose you to the myriad of possibilities (and this is why I have included all of my students' Portfolios [as opposed to a non-random sampling of "the best"]). In some cases, you may simply want to fast-forward/scan through a Portfolio; please feel free to do so (since you will probably understand my message by the second or third Portfolio).
Following the student work, my presentation resumes. I draw very straight-forward conclusions. You know me. I am not a man of subtlety. I make statements, ones that could be deemed by some as attacks. They are not. I do not mean to offend... but I most certainly mean to provoke.
A final note: I said the other (the tape) would inform the one (this letter). This letter is merely prose, with no fire of art, no rush of sound, no sense of movement--all of which are inherent in the Electronic Portfolio. The Electronic Portfolio is more fun to compose, and much more fun to experience (as you shall see). So this boring letter is done... have fun with the Electronic Portfolio.
Lisa would be proud; the cover letter actually tones down the in-yer-face demeanor and tone of the presentation. What's the adage... "You attract more flies with candy than with lemons"? Of course, you attract just as many flies with shit... which is exactly what I want to give these nimrods (especially Grey).
The more I thought about the Honors situation, the angrier I became, especially at the one party who I feel is most responsible for questioning my appointment as 4H teacher, Joan Grey.
Tomorrow's interviews should be fun. Especially at the end, when I slap the Video Open Letter on her desk. It will be as much fun as slapping my letter requesting a leave of absence in August (which I've decided I will do if I can find a job of my liking in the next two months, OR if the Honors class is pulled from me.
(I will not make that last one known. I don't want it to seem as a negotiating ploy. It's not. But if I am treated further shabbily, I'm outta here.).
'Nuff for today.
Naw. One more thing. Today is Kyle's birthday. Exactly one year ago, Lisa's induced labor was hitting hard, we were doing the epidural "thang," and we were mere hours away from pushing.
So the day can't be all bad.
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