PlanetBravo

Dusting off for a Candid Look Back

noreply@blogger.com (Pizzy) — Sun, 19 Apr 2015 02:42:00 +0000

Hello, web stumbler! Thank you for finding this blog. I just re-found it myself moments ago, and I am quite astonished!

If someone were to ask me today how many posts I thought the PlanetBravo Blog had on it from the past 10 years, I would have honestly replied, "ummm... maybe 6?" It's uncanny how one's memory can truncate years of work; all because it was just one of a billion things happening at the time it was written. Maybe it's too much to remember? Maybe the common struggles of a new-born business repress things one doesn't want to recall? Or perhaps it's like retelling chapters in a book; we sometimes need to go back and read it to remember? Either way, it's humbling to revisit.

Today's post not only aims to dust off an otherwise inactive blog, but to reflect on what surrounded these nearly 200 posts that received over 30,000 views. It's not unknown to me that these are still very unimpressive numbers. Kim Kardashian achieved both of these stats in the time it took me to write this sentence.

Looking back, I do remember how - aside from a couple national corporations - we were the only game in town. We were the local kids who were going to try to cut the cost of running a multi-location summer technology camp in half. The struggle had very little to do with trying to outsmart competitors (there actually weren't any on a local level at the time) or how to be the "best" in the field (because what did that even mean)? We were just so small with no budget that all we could do was work and work and work and work without looking up. No shortcuts. No road map for sure. I can honestly say that many of our turns didn't seem to amount to much, but I have to wonder if they still got us somewhere in the long run?

I definitely remember feeling like a failure because I didn't know how to measure one iota of success. If a camp had some empty seats, I pondered what we could have done better to fill them; if a camp was full, I wondered how we would make returning students happier than last time; if all of our camps were happy, I worried that the next year's courses wouldn't engage or enlighten enough. And today as we near 100% capacity in April, I fear we're not ever doing enough to maintain our high standards. Perhaps this is why we're still around? I don't know. I do know, however, that I feel grateful to still have a blog after 10 years. :-)

Thinking about it now, it's comparable to the feeling I've had at the end of a marathon. I don't ever truly know what it's going to take to make it to the goal, but suddenly I look up, and I'm allowed to smile and reflect on the past 26.2 miles of torture. That's today. That's finding this blog.

That said... this ain't no finish line. The race continues. Only now, there ARE other runners. There ARE other local options. There ARE folks running the same race who are working and working and working and working all the same. I don't know if it makes it harder, scarier, or more humbling, but I do know that I am so grateful for the foundational head-start we received. I am so grateful that we are still running as if we're in our first year - head down - wherever the work takes us. And I am so grateful that we still don't know what it takes to "make it," but that it doesn't slow us down from trying to offer a great new experience every year.

So with that, I dust off this blog to say thank you to all who have joined our team over the years and have run a little bit of this race with us - the students, parents, and of course, all of the dedicated instructors. Without you, all I have is this silly blog to remind me of the course we've traveled.

Until next time - which may be a while - have fun out there.
-Danny

EdTech Climate: iPads vs. Everything Else... One Educator's Take

noreply@blogger.com (Pizzy) — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 21:12:00 +0000

I need your help, world! I really do!

I'd like to start off this post by inviting outright disagreement, opinions, debate, evidence, insight... anything that will help lessen this frustration I feel from school to school, as educators find their way with technology in every child's hands (1-to-1 or 1:1 programs).

Let's kick it off with WHY it is important to put technology at every student's fingertips... Simply put, our job is to prepare children to face the world in the most decent, efficient, productive, and inquisitive ways they can, right? So naturally, having instant access to information, creative tools, and communication is essential to building a well-rounded citizen of the world in which we live. If we're already disagreeing, read on. :-)

To lay it out there, I am all for the use of technology in the classroom. It makes learning more immediate, concrete, engaging, customizable, and of course, real-world applicable. As a base, children should be literate in the ways of producing, acquiring knowledge, and communicating digitally. However, after a couple years of reading case studies and wracking my exhausted brains in schools throughout our city, it appears that some methods (i.e. devices) are more suitable for a typical classroom than others.

Yes, the world loves Apple. It's a brand that instantly makes one feel better about life. I'd personally even have Apple underwear if they sold it. They make tools that have made the world more fun, connected, and even educated. However, when it comes to their integration into education - the place making them school-friendly should be a no-brainer - they have completely lost their way. That's a shame too, since so many educators still say, "Apple has always been education's friend, since the beginning," followed by a reference to the old Apple IIe in their classes as a child or teacher.

Evidence of Apple losing their way in education:
1) Cost - I'll leave it at that, but this does go hand-in-hand with...
2) Choices - Wait a minute, Apple. Are you telling me that the iPad is the only portable device I can get for under $1100 per head, and it's not even a computer that can access the world of educational multimedia content on the web made with Flash? Am I supposed to use this in school or what?
3) Ease of Management - I could and probably should write a 40-page essay on the insanity associated with deploying and managing iPads for everyday use in classrooms, but that's on its way. And don't even get me started when it comes to Mountain Lion OS and its most recent integration of Apple IDs. Who are you making these for, Apple? It's surely not for an educational setting.
4) Professional Development and Support - Apple is awesome at selling their devices to schools. However, they are virtually absent when it comes to making them all work and, more important, GET USED efficiently by educators in all of the grade levels they claim to "have an app for." You want them to come speak to your faculty for a day about how they can be used in class? That'll be $5000, please and thank you.

TECHNOLOGY USE IN CLASSROOMS SHOULDN'T BE THIS HARD!

Full disclosure: My job these days is making sure that students get exposed and have access to the latest technology tools to complete their day-to-day tasks. We don't just teach internet research, word processing, and presentations. We're making apps for mobile devices including iPads, building robots, animating in 2D and 3D, programming as young as 2nd grade, building websites, and so much more.

Our company also specializes in working alongside teachers in 1-on-1 trainings to best fit their specific curriculum with technology. We work in schools with netbooks, full laptops and desktops (in labs or in classrooms), Chromebooks, and lots and lots with iPads. None, I'll note, with Android tablet programs. Not to say they don't exist in schools, but we just don't happen to work with them in any right now.

So, while the world is gaga over iPads... I have to ask the question... are you doing things with them that can only be done on iPads, warranting the purchase and investment, but essentially limiting your students' experience to one type of technology? Who is getting "more bang for their buck" using iPads over any other web-enabled device such as a ChromeBook or inexpensive laptop?

I could go on and on, but I will wrap with an issue that only exists in the classroom of iPads versus any other 1:1 experience: A teacher does her prep a whole night before her 2nd grade "Rock" lesson is to be taught. She finds a terrific interactive iPad app for her class set, arguably better than anything you can find on a website. She wants it!

Unfortunately, her only options to get the student iPads equipped with that app in time for her lesson are:
1) Use a sync station and the expertise to install apps en masse to all of her iPads.
2) Have students with their own Apple IDs, which Apple doesn't really allow for anyone under 13, not to mention GOOD LUCK trying to download 30 of the same app with different IDs on the same school WiFi connection before you teach it.
3) Make time to go iPad to iPad and download the app manually the night before the lesson.
4) Put in an "app request" with her school's IT team who will be sure to get it installed for her on their next deployment, scheduled for every Friday at 2pm.

Am I missing something? Are all of our schools doing it wrong? Picture that same exact teacher with ANY OTHER device (Chromebook, Android Tablet, Laptops for all, Desktops for all). Her steps are:
1) Find an interactive website on Rocks (chances are it's made in Flash, unusable on the iPad).
2) Send the students to that website.
3) Lesson achieved. No installations. No limited memory card (usually 16GB these days at most schools) hogged up for one lesson's app. And more importantly, no unnecessary time taken from the teacher's usual prep period.

PLEASE HELP ME, EdTech Community!!! I need to see what I am missing!

At the end of the day, we want students to have consistent and regular access to technology so they are exposed to "how it is" in real life when faced with a task or question. But before we can even get there, don't we need the devices to basically manage themselves so all teachers embrace them and welcome them into the class as a positive addition, and not another thing about which to worry?

Many will say that the child's device doesn't matter as long as it's able to do the tasks they need. My argument is that the device does indeed matter. It really does. So much matters because, in the end, it's your classroom teacher who needs to be able to bring the technology to life in the students' hands. Apple's iPad is too expensive, ridiculously hard to manage, and limited in what it can do spontaneously for a lesson in a classroom. That hurts. And that's not what education needs right now.

So again, I implore any random readers who have successful iPad programs in classes: please convince me otherwise. I still can't see it.

Thank you!

Integrating Khan Academy + Google Apps

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 18:55:00 +0000

In honor of Valentine's Day this week, we thought we'd show you one of the web's best relationships: Khan Academy and Google Apps.

This video shows how easy it is to have your students use Khan Academy with Google Apps for Education and add you, their teacher, as a coach - all with a one Google ID!

Socrative 101 - Everything You Need to Know About the Web's Best Student Assessment Tool

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:40:00 +0000

In this tutorial, Danny gives a comprehensive intro to the free, web-based student response system called Socrative. We love this tool because (a) it works on any web-connected device, (b) students don't need unique user accounts, (c) it generates pre-graded assessment reports, and (d) it's super easy to use!

Go to Socrative and get started with your free account!

Top 5 Kids Apps You Don't Want to Miss from Mashable.com

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 19:36:00 +0000

From the good people at Mashable.com, here's a list of 5 must-have iPad and Android apps for kids.

Let us know in the comments section which ones you think are best!

Top 5 Kids Apps You Don't Want to Miss

January Update

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:14:00 +0000

Record-Breaking Registrations
Every year, through thick and thin, PlanetBravo continues to grow and spaces fill up faster and earlier. A few years back, registration wouldn't open until January or later. We listened to your comments and pushed the opening of registration even earlier, ending up with December 1st as the big day. Since then, we've seen an explosion of registrations, topped off by this year when we had the HIGHEST DECEMBER ENROLLMENT EVER! We were blown away! We're thrilled to see you're just as excited as we are for Techno-tainment Camp 2012 to get underway.

Spaces are going fast, and waitlists are starting to form. As an added incentive, through the rest of January you can still receive $50 off every single registration.
Click here to register for Techno-tainment Camp 2012
Click here to read descriptions for our 2012 courses
Click to see the course calendar for:
Beverly Hills
El Segundo
Encino
Rancho Palos Verdes
Santa Monica

Continued Daytime Expansion

We are proud to say that PlanetBravo is the leader in computer and technology education in the greater Los Angeles area. Not only can you find us during the summer at Techno-tainment Summer Camp, but also all year round as we teach computer classes at local public and private schools. Our daytime technology curriculum not only includes cutting-edge and constantly-evolving software and subject matter, but also transforms to incorporate lessons and concepts students are already learning in their other classes. And of course, all of our classes correspond to the California State Content Standards.

Currently, we can be found in over a dozen different schools, but are always looking for more! If you think your school is a perfect place for PlanetBravo, please let us know! As an added bonus, you may receive a FREE WEEK of Techno-tainment Camp if the connection you establish turns into a school partnership!

Click here to find out more about our daytime classes.
Click here to see the details of our Free Week of Camp promotion.
Click here to get the ball rolling on bringing PlanetBravo to your school.

December Update

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 19:23:00 +0000

Don't Forget to Register!

Our biggest discount of the year ends when the ball drops on 2011, so act now to take advantage! Techno-tainment camp will not only feature many of our past favorites like Special Effects, LEGO-Motion, and Robotics, but also introduce new incredible classes like Adobe Edge, Fusion iOS, and the Director's Lab. And for the rest of December, you can still get $100 off your first registration and $50 off all additional sign-ups! Classes are already beginning to fill up and wait lists are forming, so take advantage of our incredible discounts today!

Click Here to register for Techno-tainment Camp 2012
Click Here for complete course descriptions

____________________________________________________

Happy Holidays from PlanetBravo
We've had another great year, and so much of it is because of you. We've grown in so many ways; from new summer camp locations and courses, to new daytime schools and new teachers. We are thrilled to have shared the past 365 days with you, and can't wait for 365 more! We hope you all have the happiest of holidays, and we'll see you again in 2012!

Hump Day Haiku

noreply@blogger.com (Ash) — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 22:59:00 +0000

I'm back! Sorry about the delay. I was out exploring the far reaches of the galaxy with my new buddy. Maybe you've heard of Nyan Cat?

Rainbow trail of love
Happily hopping along
Fills my heart with joy

Hump Day Haiku

noreply@blogger.com (Ash) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 22:37:00 +0000

Hey everyone! It's time once again for my hump day haiku! I missed last week, so here's a double dose...

There can be no peace.
An epic battle rages:
Puppies versus Ice!

PB Hero of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 18:40:00 +0000

Say Hello to Junha!

He is this week's PB Hero, selected by his director and counselors based on his outstanding achievements and contributions while attending our classes

CLICK HERE to find out more!

Hump Day Haiku

noreply@blogger.com (Ash) — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 23:18:00 +0000

This week's Hump Day Haiku brings together Math and Music in one!

I may not be Prince
But this is what it sounds like
When you're playing Pi

PB Hero of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:12:00 +0000

Say Hello to Yena!

She is this week's PB Hero, selected by her director and counselors based on her outstanding achievements and contributions while attending our classes.

CLICK HERE to find out more!

Hump Day Haiku

noreply@blogger.com (Ash) — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 21:31:00 +0000

Hey! It's-a-me! Ash! I'm dropping the checkered flag on this week's Hump Day Haiku!

Rev up your engine
Helmets, flame proof race suits...check
Look out! Turtle Shell!

PB Hero of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 17:49:00 +0000

Say Hello to Nick!

He is this week's PB Hero, selected by his director and counselors based on his outstanding achievements and contributions while attending our classes.

CLICK HERE to find out more!

Hump Day Haiku

noreply@blogger.com (Ash) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 19:55:00 +0000

It's time for my hump day haiku! I love stop motion, I love animals, and I love hip hop, so let's put them all together!

Dogs and cats and dogs
And cats...boar, baboon! Monkey!
Another Monkey!

PB Hero(s) of the Week(s)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 20:18:00 +0000

I missed this last week due to some serious brochure bundling work we had going on here in the office. But never fear! To make up for it, this week you'll get to meet two different PlanetBravo heroes, both selected by their counselors and directors based on their incredible contributions and achievements while attending our classes. Check em out!

Say hello to Andrew C.

AND

Say hello to Garrett I.

Hump Day Haiku

noreply@blogger.com (Ash) — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 20:04:00 +0000

Hey! It's time for a very special holiday edition of my Hump Day Haiku! With some nice Stop-Motion thrown in.

Five days left to find
My Valentine with whom I'll
Share my paper heart

PB Hero of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 18:43:00 +0000

Say Hello to Camden!

He is this week's PB Hero, selected by his director and counselors based on his outstanding achievements and contributions while attending our classes.

CLICK HERE to find out more!

Hump Day Haiku

noreply@blogger.com (Ash) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 23:24:00 +0000

It's time for another Hump Day Haiku! So take out your helmet and your unitard.... let's play some golf!

Hmmmm.....Hmmmm...Waaaaaah...it starts
Find the lowest point to win
"Ben Crane on Pre Round"

PB Hero of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 17:54:00 +0000

Say Hello to Julian!

He is this week's PB Hero, selected by his director and counselors based on his outstanding achievements and contributions while attending our classes.

CLICK HERE to find out more!

Hump Day Haiku

noreply@blogger.com (Ash) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 20:16:00 +0000

Hey, everyone! Check out this week's Hump Day Haiku to see something utterly spectacular!

Test the wind...slight breeze
Floating ball...a tough target
Fountain FTW!!!

PB Hero of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 19:22:00 +0000

Say Hello to Noah!

He is this week's PB Hero, selected by his director and counselors based on his outstanding achievements and contributions while attending our classes.

CLICK HERE to find out more!

Hump Day Haiku

noreply@blogger.com (Ash) — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 19:03:00 +0000

Hey there! It's time once again for my Hump Day Haiku, and it's a fond farewell.

Still I Chatterbox
But Tweet no more! Sad? Follow
@planetbravo

PB Hero of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 18:19:00 +0000

Say Hello to Andrea!

She is this week's PB Hero, selected by her director and counselors based on her outstanding achievements and contributions while attending our classes.

CLICK HERE to find out more!

Hump Day Haiku!

noreply@blogger.com (Ash) — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 21:07:00 +0000

It's time once again for my Hump Day Haiku!

January Twelfth
It's the middle of Winter
Why is it so hot!?!?!?