DISQUS

I think I am an unusual "old" person in that I like all these forms of communication but many of my peers find it irritating that I blog and put so much of myself "out there." They just know it's a bad thing! However, a few are getting on Facebook (which I'm not on) and loving it. So, with time, we will see how the older generation deals with all of the "newfangled" technology.

I think you've made some valid assumptions, especially about my inner city high school students. My students usually want to communicate with just one person at a time. As they go off to college, that may change. And, as others in their group tweet, they too may want to get on the bandwagon. Right now, it's not relevant for them. They hear about older people being on it, and I think that discourages them from using it. Most of them, if not all, are not on Facebook either. They still like MySpace.

My students do not like twitter because they see it as a tool for old people. They text all the time and see no need to be limited to 140 characters. They also think it's just people talking about what they are doing at the moment. I have to laugh because that is what they are doing when texting.

Have you done this yet? If they have been studying journalism, they should know about what is happening at newspapers across the country. Ask them how they want to get their news? How do they see the news coming to them in 5 or 10 years? What do they think they have to contribute to the new wave of journalism that is definitely coming at us?

Your involvement with the journalism initiative sounds interesting. I would love to read more about your experience working with high school kids. I have a mentor from Fresno State who comes each Thursday to work with my entrepreneurship students. She is wonderful.

hmmm, your view of the newsroom sort of mimics my view of the classroom. Does learning have to take place in a room, in a building, that has rows of desks, a whiteboard, and a teacher at the front? Can the world become the classroom?

I too stumbled upon your site, I think from reading a comment you had left on one of my regular reads, and since I teach young people to go out into the real world, I was curious to see what you are doing with that challenge. You seem to be doing well, and I am listing you on my blog roll so I can follow your pursuit of happiness.

Good reminders. I just received a letter from our local food bank, which is sitting empty at this time of year, asking for help. I sent a large check. I feel so fortunate to have so much to eat, but I know there are others who could use a helping hand.

Your aunt denise is my hairdresser, and every time I have my hair done, she mentions you and asks if I have gone to your site...no, I have to sheepishly answer. I love your aunt, and you sound very much like her. So, I saw a writeup about you in the Fresno Bee, giving the address, and since I will see Denise on Tuesday, I decided i better check in here and let you know I'm going to report your "shenanigans" to your aunt. She is going to be so happy that I finally got here.

Best of luck with all your travels.

Delaine Zody
Fresno