Subjects in the Classroom and Life
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.
The Forgotten Philosopher: A Look at John Dewey
An essay delving into the educational philosophy of John Dewey.
Return to Norton Middle School
Short essay recounting a day I spent at Norton Middle School with Gary Sigrist.
PHP Traits for Implementing Interfaces
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?
Mabi Ponce de Leon, Artist and Teacher
Bexley High School art teacher Mabi Ponce de Leon report was Olson's last article for the Columbus Messenger Newspapers.
A Call for Reason
An essay rebutting infantile attitudes of the anti-science movement.
The black, white and red of the colorblind society
An essay noting the state of the civil rights movement in the wake of Rosa Park's death.
Promoting Interest in the Classroom
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.
The most important things
Putting human struggles and value into perspective.
Desktops are not extinct
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.