So much more than I expected...

This adventure has been so much more than I ever expected. I can't imagine that there's any other university that could pull off this institute as well as the ASU Cronkite School has.

(Yes, Steve. I know that it's the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications. Using 'Cronkite School' instead seems like an endearment to me. I listened. I really did. *GRIN*)

We have had access to honest-to-goodness, been-in-the-trenches, still-learning-and-growing professionals.

I am so thankful for this experience. I am so thankful for the wonderful people that were in my group with me. I do not feel like I can say it enough.

Thank you!

Tina Davis

Ketchum High School

Ketchum, Okla.

We are the protectors of the First Amendment

I feel like this is one of them most import things that I will take from this Institute. I am, somewhat, ashamed to admit that I could not name all five rights guaranteed under the First Amendment. I can now.

I have often moaned and groaned about how my students and my own children take for granted this wonderful country and the freedoms that we have. I understand, now, that I am also guilty. I will focus on the importance of the First Amendment in all of my classes now.

Tina Davis

Ketchum High School

Ketchum, Okla.

Aaron Manfull Presentation

Aaron Manfull lists many sites that are advantageous to Journlism programs in high schools. He is the Chair of JEA Digital Media Committee and a Media Adviser at Francis Howell North High School in St. Charles, Mo.

Some of the sites that he recommends are: jeadigitalmedia.org, issuu.com, Twitter, my.hsj.org, Joomla, Drupal, Wordpress, vimeo.com, lynda.com, smugmug.com, flicker.com, Ustream.com, coveritlive.com, soundslides, qrcode.kaywa.com AND many others!

Thank you so much for all the resources.

Learning and Hard Work

I tell my children and my students that we all have strengths and weaknesses. I tell them that they must embrace their strengths and work on their weaknesses. That is how we become balanced. This Institute has been a reminder that this saying also applies to me.

I am learning so much. I feel empowered by all the information and the amazing speakers, but I also feel overwhelmed and inadequate. I will get over that though, because this isn't about me. It's about what I can take back to my classroom and even to my children at home.

We all have our natural talents. It is up to us to use those in the right way.

This entire Institute reminds me of a quote that I have on my classroom wall: "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard." -- Tim Notke

Praise for Institute

I am a newby in so many ways to teaching Communications/Journalism. I have been using the 5W/H in my classroom. I have not been using the "So What" factor with them though. My students automatically think that if it is important to them, it must be important to the rest of the world. I have allowed that.

I have just been so happy to have them produce ANYTHING. I feel empowered from being part of the ASNE/Reynolds High School Journalism Institute. I know that I have much to learn. The speakers have been so informative and gracious. The best part about our speakers has been the fact that they are so 'real' and accessible.

Cronkite Instructor Steve Elliott's Approach to Writing

Using humor, tips from years of professional experience, and good common sense, Steve Elliott from Arizona State University's Cronkite School of Journalism 'teaches the teachers' on the basics of good writing.

Tina Davis

Ketchum High School

Ketchum, Okla.

Looking forward to this experience...

Hello All,

My name is Tina Davis. I currently live and teach in Northeastern Oklahoma. I taught Spanish I & II for eight years before taking the Oklahoma Subject Area Test for English and Speech/Drama/Debate certification. I was very happy with teaching Spanish. I only took the tests as a way to help my principal out of a jamb. We, like most schools in the nation, are in a major budget crunch. When a teacher leaves our school, they are not replaced. Another teacher already in the system takes up the slack. We work well together. We make a good team. However, there are several of us, myself included, who are muddling through.

I was told three days before this year's Christmas vacation that I would be teaching a "Communications" course when second semester started. Did I have books to teach this class? No. Luckily, I came across www.my.hsj.org . My principal wanted a traditional newspaper produced. As we already have a major paper shortage at my school, I convinced him that www.my.hsj.org was the way to go.

In short, I am completely lost and need direction. I am so very excited and grateful for this opportunity. My students deserve so much more than a teacher who is muddling through. Please be patient with me. Any advice will be gratefully accepted.

Tina Davis

Ketchum High School

Ketchum, Okla.

Books for Institute

I haven't received the materials for the Institute yet. I understand that there is a new print version of the AP Stylebook that was scheduled to be released this month. Has there been a delay because of this?

Tina Davis
Ketchum High School
Ketchum, Oklahoma

Is there an APP for that?

I use an iPhone 3GS. It does not support Java. Is there an APP that you recommend for use with Blogger?

Tina Davis

Ketchum High School

Ketchum, Okla.