California DEN

Several of the applications I read through today, included links to some incredible websites and projects that they had been working on.  I wanted to create a posting area for you to share some of your favorite educational websites. I didn’t want to just copy and paste the websites you listed here, because I felt that you could do a much better job explaining the site.

So…

Please post a short description and link to your favorite website.

For the 5th year in a row, San Francisco will host a Grand Prix event for the Pro Cycling Team, where 160 world class riders will wind themselves through the steep and crooked streets.  Eight members of Discovery’s Pro Cycling Team, led by George Hincapie, will take on this grueling 108 mile race.  Can you believe it will only take them a few hours to complete?!?!?

The Discovery Educator Network is proud to take 2 of our California DEN members, Ken DeCroo of Grant Elementary in Fontana and Skip Johnson of El Crystal Elementary in San Bruno.  I am thrilled to be part of this adventure.  Stay tuned for posts from both of them as well as pictures from our event.

Fontana just posted a newsletter about this event and the Discovery Educator Network on their website! This makes Fontana the first district to publicly publish a newsletter about the network!

Go California!

It’s time to start thinking outside the box… or should I say four walls of the classroom.  Because of some creative minds in Fontana, Ken DeCroo, is in the developing stages of creating TEAM DEN, a biking club for our DEN members.  After reading many of your applications and posts, I am learning that some of us have some very intriguing interests.  What type of groups would you be interested in forming with each other outside the four walls (i.e. Biking Club, Salsa Club, Apple/Mac Groups)?

Being “Fresh out of the Classroom,” as some have referred to me as, especially since I still get excited about free notebooks and pens, and brand new to the “Corporate” world, I have had such incredible adventures over the last few months as I acquaint myself more to Discovery.  As I have traveled around demonstrating the power of unitedstreaming, what I find people are most surprised and excited by is that the online digital media program is owned by Discovery Communications, which most relate to the Discovery Channel.  Many of you have shared stories of your favorite shows, so I thought it would be beneficial to give you a little background on Discovery.

In July, Discovery Communications celebrated in style as they turned 20 years old.  A big bash was held at the Washington DC convention center with special guests that included Steve Irwin “The Crocodile Man”  and Madeline Albright.  It was so fascinating as a new employee to hear Discovery’s rich history.

Discovery has always focused on education. John Hendricks began the Discovery Channel in 1982 making them the “first cable network to provide high quality documentaries.”  Their first televised show aired on June 17, 1985 and was titled Iceberg Alley.  Anybody out there remember that one?  Now Discovery Communications has 1.3 billion subscribers in 160 countries. Do you know they own 25 entertainment network brands?  How many can you name? Click here to find out Discovery’s latest news.

Judith McHale, current CEO of Discovery Communications, continues to strive for education excellence by fully supporting the Discovery Educator Network.  At a recent event, she shared that now is the time “…to connect teachers with their most valuable resource… each other!”  We at the network fully agree and understand that you can teach each other more than you can ever learn from a college course or “how to” book.  I am looking forward to blogging with you and sharing some of our knowledge.

I was wondering what are some of your favorite Discovery memories?  What Discovery actor, host or representative stands out most in your mind?  Who would you like to see post a blog or come out to a Discovery Educator Event?