First Day - Spring term

Well, it finally arrived! It seemed as though it was an eternity in getting here. And, as I almost always am, I find myself more than a bit anxious as to how the first day went. What I mean by that is; I do not want to overwhelm my students with the amount of material that I intend to cover (and, I have sought, aggressively so) to parse it into a few sessions; and yet, I want them to come into the course with their eyes open, no surprises.

I also want them to see the importance and significance of taking a History class: particularly in light of the times which confront us and our nation.

As I begin a new semester, I also find myself facing the dilemma of how "best" to use technology (such as this blog) to further enhance my students' experience(s). I do not want it to serve, solely, as a "diary" for me to post my ramblings (although, knowing me, that will surely happen!) However, in all honesty, if I strive to utilize it as a learning tool, an integrated aspect of my courses, I do not think that it will be. I remain encouraged by the vistas that integration of the technology which my students, this "digital generation" use, so effortlessly, on a daily basis, can and will open (if I do not, with my heavy-hands, muck it up ;-).