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Subjects in the Classroom and Life

Posted on Oct 19, 2002 | Last Updated Oct 26, 2011

A discussion on the utilitarian value of the subjects our schools teach. This editorial on education was one of the last pieces Shawn Olson printed as a Messenger writer.

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educational subjects, subject relevance in education

The Forgotten Philosopher: A Look at John Dewey

Posted on Oct 19, 2002 | Last Updated Oct 26, 2011

An essay delving into the educational philosophy of John Dewey.

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educational philosophy of john dewey, john dewey education, education, philosopher, forgotten

Return to Norton Middle School

Posted on Apr 4, 2007 | Last Updated Nov 11, 2011

Short essay recounting a day I spent at Norton Middle School with Gary Sigrist.

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school

PHP Traits for Implementing Interfaces

Posted on Aug 13, 2013 | Last Updated Aug 13, 2013

PHP 5.4 introduced traits. Traits are in many ways like code-assisted copy and paste. They are ways to mix code into a class without inheritance. But what are they good for? When should they be used?

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PHP 5.4, trait, interface, abstract, oop

Mabi Ponce de Leon, Artist and Teacher

Posted on Oct 19, 2002 | Last Updated Oct 26, 2011

Bexley High School art teacher Mabi Ponce de Leon report was Olson's last article for the Columbus Messenger Newspapers.

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mabi ponce de leon, art, teacher, paint, bexley high school

A Call for Reason

Posted on Jan 14, 2005 | Last Updated Nov 8, 2011

An essay rebutting infantile attitudes of the anti-science movement.

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science, society, pseudoscience, media, politics, rush limbaugh

The black, white and red of the colorblind society

Posted on Oct 25, 2005 | Last Updated Nov 8, 2011

An essay noting the state of the civil rights movement in the wake of Rosa Park's death.

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civil rights movement, rosa parks, racial tension, hatred, affirmative action, xenophobia

Promoting Interest in the Classroom

Posted on Sep 22, 2008 | Last Updated Nov 12, 2011

An essay about the role teachers play in making subjects interesting, valuable and relevant to students. Prompted by an Open-House visit to Westland High School.

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education, interest

The most important things

Posted on Apr 27, 2003 | Last Updated Oct 31, 2011

Putting human struggles and value into perspective.

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donna olson. stroke, illness, hope fatalism

Desktops are not extinct

Posted on Mar 8, 2012 | Last Updated Mar 8, 2012

Editorial discussing the notion that the time of the desktop is over. I argue that the advent of smart phones, tablets and mobile devices do not preclude the value of the desktop.

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computer, productivity, mobile device, ipad
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