Mike Toner | Web Design, SEO & Social Media » leadership

40 Days without Facebook

Mike Toner — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 13:40:38 +0000

For as long as I can remember I have always participated in the Easter tradition of Lent.

Each year, right around the beginning of March my family and friends begin discussing what they are giving up for Lent. This is usually defined as the tradition of personal sacrifice for the 40 days and 40 nights leading up to Easter Sunday.

This year- I decided to give up Facebook. Trendy I know…but let’s consider why:

I’m not sure who gets to see what on Facebook?

I’ve tried to tweak the privacy settings, I’ve tried to create lists- it just seems so imperfect. I’ve also heard that some users (read: my mom) can see my whole profile while I’m using my mobile phone (which has a separate set of privacy settings) versus using Facebook on my browser- (which has a different set security settings.) So it depends on what device I’m on as to which settings are in affect.

As you all know, there is always a constant chatter regarding the privacy of Facebook. Occasionally you’ll see a post like this one cross your newsfeed:

With these sorts of warnings to protect against hacking, it really makes me think twice about what I share on Facebook and the ever-expanding reach into our personal information.

(Side note- I’m not sure how I feel about Facebook sharing my phone number and address information with it’s growing list of advertisers.)

Time Suck:

Take into consideration the amount of time spent on Facebook. Imagine the collective amount of productivity lost in any given workday to this addictive website. That’s enough to make you pause…

Facebook is everywhere.

It was almost exactly one year ago that Facebook’s changes to the Like Button went into full affect.

[box]One year later, the Like button has proven its staying power, becoming just as ubiquitous on Facebook as it has on the Internet as a whole. Facebook says more than 10,000 websites add the Like button to their platforms everyday.With more than 2.5 million websites featuring the Like button and a profitability reportedly higher than a tweet, the simple one-click feature has ensured that it will be around for many more birthdays to come. (via Adweek) [/box]

Now What?

Giving up Facebook felt like such a pointless sacrifice unless I set out to accomplish something more tangible in partnership with my time apart from the online world.

Now, traditional sacrifices during lent haven’t gone away however there is definitely a call for more service as sacraficeduring the giving season. My purpose was to use the 40 days to evaluate how I was spending my time and how easy it was to make a change.

Time to Give Back

Back in March, I attended an orientation to volunteer at Miriam’s Kitchen who provides free, homemade meals and high-quality support services to more than 4,000 homeless men and women in Washington, DC each year.

Since then I have spent two evenings cooking and serving at Miriam’s as a way to really connect my personal sacrifice with a sense of giving back of my time to the community. The whole experience was very eye opening to the daily issue of homelessness in my own community.

Also, a few weeks ago, my colleague and I spent an afternoon helping out as part of the Muscular Dystrophy’s Greater Washington Area chapter Muscle Walk. The local event raised more than $100,000 and many of the teams are headed by someone with a type of muscle disease, or a parent of a child with muscle disease. It was great to be part of such an inspiring event where these families use the walk as opportunity to fight back against MD.

So, for the last 40 days- I was off the grid, so-to-speak- and spent my time giving back to the community through volunteer work.

Today, Easter Sunday- I plan to value the time I interact with my friends and family whether it’s online or in real life. I believe Facebook can serve a good purpose and is an important channel for communicating with those important people in my life.

As far as volunteering, I need to reassess my purpose and continue to grow my personal sacrifices outside of Lent. What other activities could I or should I be volunteering my time with that perhaps offer a more personal connection?

Mike Toner

Mike Toner is a freelance web designer from Arlington, Virginia. During the day he works as a Web Content Manager for CSC. By evening, he’s a husband, dog owner and runner. Toner writes about Social Media, SEO and overall online visibility as well as digital marketing trends.

What Make a Great Teacher? Part 4

Mike Toner — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 01:01:04 +0000

As American Education Week comes to to an end I believe we are entering an era that requires drastic measures to ensure the success of America’s school system.

The results of the National Assessment of Education Progress released Thursday display the sames issues that emerge time and time again on other standardized tests. There is a substantial difference between the performance of whites and minorities, between middle class and poor. There are so many external factors affecting a students success.

I hope that the national debate on education reform will allow for a real dialogue about the challenges facing our education system and focus on the hard work and collaboration necessary to address these issues.

For the fourth and final segment in the What Makes a Great Teacher? series, I interviewed a literacy specialist and remedial reading teacher at a middle school in Northern Virginia. When asked about whether or not schools work well he refers to teaching as an “industry” that needs to continually change and innovate- this answer resonated with me as I think it will with many of you.

When a business stops creating, it dies. Business models go through their life cycles and without change there cannot be growth. Our education system is no different. It is time for a change.

What is the single most important factor in determining a students success?

I wish I could say it had something to do with me. I would love to take credit. The single most important factor in a student’s success is early parent involvement. I can really only speak with any authority from the reading side of things, and here you see a dramatic difference. From the start, parents reading to kids, and speaking to them in a variety of contexts and with a dynamic vocabulary puts children on the road to success in reading and therefore school. Unfortunately this idea is complicated by economics. Poverty plays a huge role. For example children raised by professional parents hear somewhere around 32 million more words than children who were raised in poverty by the time they are 4 years old. Imagine trying to make sense of the world with 32 million fewer words. So the parent involvement is paramount, however it is not as much of a cut and dry choice as it may seem. It starts very early and if it doesn’t start, it is very hard to make it up. It is not to say that poverty is an educational death sentence, but the work is much harder.

How can students do their best in school?

Students can do their best in school by learning to be flexible in their thinking and finding their own meaning in what they are learning. I often hear students saying that they will never use Biology in real life, and to a certain extent they are correct. When students begin to see the value in learning new ideas and new ways of thinking then they can start to do their best in school. I will often respond to students who tell me that a reading is “boring” that I was not looking for an evaluation, and that I want for them to tell me not if it was interesting, but if they can see the value in it.

Do schools today work well? Or are their changes needed?

Change is constantly needed; in any industry. No one would want a medical procedure to be done on them using methods from even 10 years ago, certainly we should not be teaching using methods from 10 years ago. The patients are different and the methods have become better. We grew up doing round robin, or popcorn reading, and we can remember as good readers we would count how many paragraphs there were until us, read the passage before the teacher came to us and and space out in the meantime. The kids who were not good readers likely spent that time freaking out about having to read aloud to the class, and also likely did not have the strategies to identify what they were responsible for. Either way, we are not reading the entire passage and the lesson is lost. So yes change is always needed. In structure, and in methods.

The focus on standardized testing and the notion that there is only one way to demonstrate proficiency is damaging to students and to schools. Schools would benefit from a shift in thinking

It’s not how smart are you, it’s how are you smart.

How do you measure an effective teacher?

There is a huge difference between an effective teacher and a good teacher. Good teachers could spend their careers teaching well and not being effective. I guess the simple answer is that an effective teacher is one who pushes their students to think critically and become independent learners. I am always really proud when my students become frustrated with the repetitive nature of my class. It shows me that they are thinking meta cognitively and evaluating their own learning.

How do you measure an effective student?

An effective student is one who takes accountability and responsibility for their own learning. They have to want it for themselves or it will never really happen. When I think back on my own education, it was not until I felt that the work was for me and not my parents or my friends, was when I really began to learn. It felt good to get good grades, but I wasn’t really building something that meant anything.

What makes a great teacher?

A great teacher has to be in it for the kids. A great teacher has to care about them. A great teacher has to see the world through their students eyes, and decide to teach from there. This is by far the most difficult question on here, because if I knew, I would go out and do it. A great teacher has patience for themselves. I still on occasion will craft a formal letter of apology to my first year students. When I think back, I was awful. AWFUL. A great teacher knows that and still comes in on Monday morning. Patience, knowledge, and a drive to be better.

Posts in this series:

American Education Week

What Makes a Great Teacher: Part 1

What Makes a Great Teacher: Part 2

What Makes a Great Teacher: Part 3

Mike Toner

What Make a Great Teacher: Part 3

Mike Toner — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 04:30:58 +0000

Earlier today the Department of Education issued the results of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Grade 12 Reading and Mathematics National and Pilot State Results.

Today’s report suggests that high school seniors’ achievement in reading and math isn’t rising fast enough to prepare them to succeed in college and careers. Reading results have improved since 2005, but are still below the level of 1992. Math scores also show only incremental gains over four years ago.

In my third interview as part of the What Makes a Great Teacher series I asked a fourth year high school social studies teacher about measuring student success. During the conversation, he explores the discrepancies in grades from teacher to teacher, an interesting reality in today’s education system.

What is the single most important factor in determining a student’s success?

The belief in themselves that they can be successful – this belief can grow from the influence of a positive mentor – a teacher or parent.

How can students do their best in school?

Students need to make school a priority and ask for help when they need it. I see far too many students who get caught up in things that are not important.

How do you measure an effective student?

Teachers need to work collaboratively to provide balance formative and summative assessments that measure student achievement. There are ten teachers in my department who teach World History I. 48% of the 535 students enrolled in the course had an A on their progress reports. As I went through and crunched numbers, I learned that there is one teacher whose grades indicate that 91% of her students have earned an A. Just 18% of another teacher’s students have earned an A. We are having a candid conversation tomorrow in our Professional Learning Community (PLC) meeting about this discrepancy and why it exists. Is it truly that Teacher A has students who have exceeded her expectations whereas Teacher B just has a “challenging group” this year? Perhaps – but that probably doesn’t explain a gap that is quite that large. It’s because the expectations for student achievement are different, and how grades are determined by Teacher A and Teacher B are likely vastly different. So, in short, teachers need to determine what measures an “effective student” in similar ways. Additionally, I’ve found that effective students are those who value their education and are willing to work hard to achieve the goals set for themselves. Not every student can earn an A in a class, but every student can learn.

What makes a great teacher?

A great teacher cares about his/her students. A great teacher provides engaging, relevant, and scaffolded lessons that focus on the learner. A great teacher motivates his/her student to achieve their personal goals. A great teacher transcends course content to teach students about life – what it means to be a caring, open-minded, well-rounded person. A great teacher makes those around him better – teachers, students, and administrators alike.

Posts in this series:

American Education Week

What Makes a Great Teacher: Part 1

What Makes a Great Teacher: Part 2

Mike Toner

What Makes a Great Teacher? Part 1

Mike Toner — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 16:26:39 +0000

The 89th Annual American Education Week-Nov. 14-20, presents all Americans with an opportunity to celebrate public education and honor individuals who are making a difference in ensuring every child receives a quality education.

My mother has always been a source of inspiration and I credit her for my interest and passion for quality education in America’s schools. I can’t think of a better way to honor educators than to highlight my mother’s own contribution to public education. She has taught in the Virginia Public school system for 29 years.

Recently I asked her about life as an educator. I wanted to find out what makes a great teacher? Here’s what she had to say:

What is the single most important factor in determining a students success?

I know that you are not going to like this answer, but it is the parents. Students that come from homes where education is a top priority always find success. Students that come from poverty where education takes the backseat are rarely successful.

How can students do their best in school?

They must take responsibility for their actions.

Do schools today work well? Are there changes needed?

Schools do not work well. The schools today are a reflection of a deteriorating society. Morals are no longer a top priority in families. Also, we have parents that don’t have time to teach their own children because they are working longer hours to provide ‘materials’ to their children. I don’t think we can fix our schools until we fix the family unit.

How do you measure an effective teacher?

This one is easy!!! An effective teacher keeps the students actively engaged.

How do you measure an effective student?

One who is willing to learn and questions everything.

What makes a great teacher?

One that treats students with respect, holds them to high standards, does not accept excuses and makes failure not an option. A great teacher teaches students and not subjects. They work longer hours and are always thinking of new ways to actively engage students. The difficult part is teaching students to think and become life long learners.

—

Over the next few days I have more interviews from friends who are teachers throughout Virginia.

Tomorrow, I will share some updated information on the No Child Left Behind Act and the education progress that America’s leaders are working towards.

Do you know a teacher that deserves to be recognized? Be sure to say, “thank you” this week!

Posts in this series:

American Education Week

Mike Toner

American Education Week

Mike Toner — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 16:40:06 +0000

Next Monday marks, the 89th annual

American Education Week, November 14–20.

I am not a professional educator, nor do I have kids in the education system- yet I have this strange connection and understanding of the importance of schools and teachers and the process of educating the masses.

Thousands of teachers around the world spend each day in the classroom with children, teenagers and adults alike. These teachers are a grounding force for the new generations to come. Each day they are helping to impart some piece of knowledge or skill necessary to become a better person and a valuable member of our community.

Imagine for a second – everyday you are ON. In the classroom. In front of 30-40, perhaps a 100 students, all at varying levels of intellect, resources and family backgrounds. Being a teacher is a hard job- one we should all respect and take a genuine interest in.

In 2006, I completed my undergraduate research project on the effects of No Child Left Behind Act. I looked at socio economic factors such as parental education levels, race, family income and the effect these factors have on standardized test scores. My goal was to statistically prove that there are too many variables for standardized tests to be an effective measurement tool of student success.

Improving public education is a complex challenge.

We cannot move forward without acknowledging the real challenges facing our public schools. One out of every five children in our nation today lives in poverty. Poor nutrition, health care and illiteracy in the home, among other things, have a real impact on learning. Helping all students succeed requires addressing this whole spectrum of needs.

The National Education Association’s 89th annual American Education Week—November 14-20, 2010—presents all Americans with an opportunity to celebrate public education and honor individuals who are making a difference in ensuring every child receives a quality education.

Over the next week I will share some updated data as well as interviews with teachers and friends of mine at varying stages of their education careers. I asked questions such as:

How can students do their best in school?
Do schools work well? Or are their changes necessary?
How do you measure an effective teacher?
How do you measure an effective student?
What makes a great teacher?

Check back on Monday to see their answers. Or sign up below to receive it in your email in-box:

Mike Toner

Be The Challenger

Mike Toner — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:31:18 +0000

Even when I was younger I was always questioning the process of everything. This habit led me to seek out and follow the process and those implementing the policies & procedures around me.

Who were these people in charge?

Whether in university leadership programs or professional associations I have taken an interest in the steering mechanisms behind my surroundings. By following the paths of leaders I have found the movers & shakers in my communities and given myself the opportunity to analyze the process & situations within each.

Ghandi said, “Be the Change”- I say, “Be the Challenger”- question the working parts, analyze the tasks at hand, look for and recognize inefficiencies in the process and address the policies and procedures that are not working.

Being the Challenger isn’t about pointing out the negative. It also means recognizing and building on strengths. Your own strengths, the strengths of others and the strengths of the situations. Bring these together and focus on those few things that work well and function best.

What do you challenge?

-Mike Toner

www.miketoner.com

Mike Toner

Be a Better Friend

Mike Toner — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 02:27:59 +0000

What are your thoughts and wishes?

What are your dreams, hopes and worries? Day in and day out I know what bothers me and what I need, but I believe it is more rewarding to know I can help others.

Whether it’s physically, mentally, spiritually, or emotionally- helping someone find direction or explore their passions is an awesome thing. By reaching out and extending a helping hand you make yourself welcoming and accessible.

I also like it when my friends reach out and make me think.

A good friend mentioned that my blog doesn’t exactly translate who I am. Got any advice?

-Mike Toner

www.miketoner.com

Photo Credit: lissalou66

Mike Toner

Writing Practice

Mike Toner — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 02:58:26 +0000

Sometimes a case of writers block takes a change of scenery, a new journal and a nice pen to get my thoughts and ideas onto the paper.

As you may have noticed, I write with a rational, cause-and-effect tone. This is me, this is how I write, but often I get stuck in this cause and effect mindset.

It makes sense- we all find a way to do thing things we’re good at. We all like to practice the things we enjoy and we continually do the things which we know we can complete, right?

“Practice means to perform, over and over again in the face of all obstacles, some act of vision, of faith, of desire. Practice is a means of inviting the perfection desired.”- Martha Graham

So, I’m gonna step out of my comfort zone and start practicing the hard things.

Writing with emotion is hard for me.

Mike Toner

Don’t Look Like a Fool: Your Online Resume

Mike Toner — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 12:00:44 +0000

College students about to enter the workforce during these weak economic times have an opportunity to control what their potential employers will know and need to know about them- at least more than a paper resume could ever show. It wasn’t so long ago that I was applying for my job and I relied predominately on a piece of 8 1/2 x 11 1/2 piece of paper.

I crammed as much text as possible onto that resume. My reputation lay in the hands of the information I presented here and maybe the three individuals I list at the bottom as references.

If Barrack Obama taught us anything over the course of his campaign it was how influential an online resume can be. He built an online network unlike any other and used it to supplement his traditional campaign.

In the end, he used social media to get the job, so-to-speak.

The blending of real world networking and online social networking can be the difference between getting your first interview and getting your first job.

For the seniors in college, I encourage you to think about hard your facebook profile and yes, delete pictures that put your reputation in question. Share your life online, share your experiences, but share wisely.

Your employers will google you.

Those results are your new resume.

Mike Toner

Act Right!

Mike Toner — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:38:05 +0000

This is a follow up to my thoughts from Monday’s post on customer service.

I believe that every conversation with a potential customer is a representation of the larger organization; you are now acting as the company. In the same way, every performance for a stage actor is a representation of the way the playwright intended the script to be performed, mostly a larger depiction of reality.

Now lets take customer service as a new character role:

Service Provider: Not always seen as a hero, SP is the complicated antagonist of the play. After generations of observing good service he or she uses their experience, along with the desire to help to increase the position as a service provider. He or she is often forced to depend on the kindness of their customers.

On the flip side, it’s often difficult to recognize good customer service and even harder to BE A good customer. Yes, that’s right, as the customer you must be willing to listen and be receptive to the service offered to you.

Customer: Often not ready for a new process or sequence and can be easily caught off guard. During his or her ‘demanding moments,’ customer is at their worst. In contrast, the quieter times seem good and this leading character will willingly engage in an interchange of questions and answers with SP.

As an audience member, there are certain rules or etiquettes that should be followed by all parties involved. As with theatre, there is an expectation that the show will be professional.

Do you recognize good customer service? Moreover, are you good at being a customer?

What characteristics does each portray?

Photo by: Tabbi Kat

Mike Toner