As I think back on the use of technology when I was in school it was, well a bit depressing. There was the standard film strips, the overhead projector with clear sheets that you could write on, and a computer where you could program dots into a weird looking robot. 

Many schools have come a long way when it comes to incorporating new technology and I couldn’t be happier. My son recently informed me that they are working with Prezi, which I’ve used in the past, to discuss the Sit-In campaigns. What I like about Prezi is the ability to show connections–it’s a whiteboard and slides on steroids. You can add text, pictures, and video–my son loves it. 

For those interested play around here to spice up your next presentation. 

Well, better late than never. We’re now three days removed from the hype of the Super Bowl and the commercials. People far smarter than I am have analyzed, dissected, and live blogged during the event itself about the effectiveness of the ads and those responsible for their production. 

Our house is probably not much different than others. We love the game and the commercials. This year, given this class and the need for a post, my son and I paid particular attention to what commercials we liked and how they told a story, if any. 

The commercials themselves were obviously a far cry from what I grew up with (see Zak the Lego Maniac). But what we loved most, after being inundated with car commercials at every turn (excuse the pun), was the Dog and the Doritos. I think it’s been proven somewhere that people love dogs and talking animals. We’re no exception. 

So, in a nod to a funny and simple story, here it is in all it’s glory-our favorite. FYI, the kid peeing in the pool was a very close second. As far as interacting. Well, we had to jump on my son’s iPad to watch these again-over, and over, 
and over. . .

Although Christmas is a distant memory, the loot from my son's latest holiday haul remains. Quite frankly it’s a reminder of how cool it is to be a budding twelve-year-old. Gone are the days of buying Thomas the Train and Star Wars toys; those have been replaced by gift cards to Best Buy, iTunes, and video games for Nintendo 3DS and Playstation3. 

These electronic gifts are not the only thing my son enjoys. He still (GASP) reads books that are bound and made of paper and he enjoys a good sports jersey or football. However, he loves a good video game. But who doesn’t? Especially when you look at the graphics of today’s games. We’ve been known to rock a little Madden or FIFA from time-to-time, although losing consistently to him has become a bit discouraging, and I can’t help but marvel at the progress that has been made in the gaming industry. 

I hate to pull out the “when I was young” card, but in this case I think there’s merit to my approach. So here goes: When I was young Atari came out and Asteroids and Space Invaders were the coolest games ever. I actually went to an arcade and played Pac Man for hours. I had an addiction to Zaxxon and killed more batteries than I can remember. 

One of my favorite gifts was Coleco’s Electronic Quarterback. I would play it for hours under my covers. I was hooked on the glorious little beeps and lines that represented my team. Yes, lines, little dashes not unlike this: --- . Those lines, were a far cry from the actual players represented in today’s games, but I loved them all the same. Why were those lines so great? Many would argue it was just crappy game with crappy graphics.  My response? Of course the graphics were crappy they were lines. But that’s not the point. The point is that it was something new at the time and (I) kids couldn’t get enough. 

Let me be clear that I am in no way judging the youth of today for their love affair with modern gaming. Who can blame them? Playing a video game today is similar to watching an actual network highlight show. What I am saying is that if I put that Electronic Quarterback in my son’s hands he would become just as addicted as I was. 

Now, if I can just find one online we’ll see if I’m right. 

In the meantime, feel free to send me your thoughts on some of your favorite games, or recommendations for new ones (for my son of course).