Apr 1Social Media: The Good, the Bad, and the UglyIf I were to link a movie title to public perception of social media, I’d have to go with The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. I find the negativity strange as some estimate over half the world’s population will be on social media by 2025. As a teacher, I…Social Media3 min readSocial Media3 min read
Apr 1Video Game LessonsThere is a lot of wisdom to be held in video games. Somewhere between lines of code, numerous pixels, and gamepad input are lessons being written. What if I told you video games are actually fables? How does the saying go? Experience is the toughest teacher. Experience gives the test…Gaming4 min readGaming4 min read
Oct 18, 2021Friend Request AcceptedKeeping in touch with a particular circle looks different than it did ten years ago. We were saving the world from invasion, relentlessly pursued by zombies, and competing for Super Bowls. Now we send birthday messages, complain about property taxes, and share advice for family vacations. Spread out over the…Online Gaming4 min readOnline Gaming4 min read
Jul 22, 2021Moments Grander Than the Wonder They SurroundI was restless after a year of caution, hunkering down, and distancing. My daughter expressed interest in visiting a national park or forest and I had not been back to my home state of Wyoming in several years. This would be a great time to go on an outdoor adventure…Devils Tower4 min readDevils Tower4 min read
May 27, 2021When Storytelling Inspired MeA story can be defined as a character pursuing a goal through an obstacle (Biesenbach, 2018, p. 20). Because of the simplicity of this explanation, stories have the flexibility to exist in a variety of mediums. We read stories in books, see stories in theatres, listen to stories in songs…Storytelling5 min readStorytelling5 min read
Apr 14, 2021Too Cruel for School: A Social Media Marketing Strategy SummaryToo Cruel for School: A Social Media Marketing Strategy Summary Introduction Disney’s soon-to-be-released Cruella is centered around a famous villain from the classic picture 101 Dalmatians (ScreenRant, 2021). According to ScreenRant (2021), the live-action movie starring Emma Stone will take place in 1970’s London and show the audience the origin…Ufcjconline8 min readUfcjconline8 min read
Apr 14, 2021An Ethical Guide for Social Media Use in EducationAs an educator who specializes in technology (digital design, information technology, computer science, and instructional technology), social media plays key roles in topics of discussion in class and for communication of school-related announcements. Graphic design students create content optimized for various social media applications. Instructional technology students learn best practices…Ufcjconline6 min readUfcjconline6 min read
Apr 7, 2021Monsters, Dinosaurs, and Social MediaThe Social Dilemma I’m thinking of a story about an inspired genius whose creation was made with the best intentions but evolved into a disaster. Do you know what it is? Frankenstein and Jurassic Park are good guesses, but I am reflecting about social media. If any of the social…Ufcjconline7 min readUfcjconline7 min read
Mar 31, 2021A Match Made in ValhallaSpring Fever Spring is here! After a long cold winter, it is comforting to see lawns turning green, blue skies, and people outdoors. Department stores have their lawn and garden sections open, and yard games are on display. Who doesn’t love a good yard game? Lawn darts (a lot safer…Ufcjconline5 min readUfcjconline5 min read
