My tour of the city started with a brisk walk along the broken and uneven cobble stone streets. We walked down a variety of streets which all encased the same Victorian style architecture, nothing like at home. As we came closer and closer to to city centre, statues of grander style peaked at us over building tops. The London eye was now in site and the grand walls of Westminster Abey was visible. We found ourselves passing beautiful parks with lush greener and wildlife.

We never spent much time at one point of our tour as my tour guide was a pretty humorously anal. We came across a crowd of hundreds of people lining Buckingham road leading up to the Palace but we had no idea what was going on. Turns out the Pope just happened to be in town on a royal visit and he was due to drive down the road at any minute! I couldn't believe it, my first day in London and I was going to see the Pope. We waited with the crowds for about twenty minutes and sure enough, the Pope came threw in his cool Pope-mobile and the crowds went wild. As soon as he had passed the crowds began to disperse and we were on our way again. Our next stop was Westminster Abey and was that ever truly amazing in scale, architecture and detail. I was not able to go in but I hope to visit for a sunday service to soak in the whole experience and atmosphere of the church.

Over the river we walked to the river landing to the home of the London Eye. Along the river were shops, buskers, restaurants and museums. The London Eye reached up into the sky, making you crank your neck up just to see the entire thing. I did not have a chance to ride it as it is a little expensive and I wanted to see more of london so that when I was up over looking the city, I would be able to identify more of what I knew for myself. I think I will go on it when Dave visits in December.

Well here I am,sitting in London England. Who would have ever thought that I would be here, exspecially this year.

My travels have brought me so many unforgetable memories and trying situations which I will stay positive through.

I started my journey on September 17th 2010 as I flew out of Saskatoon at 2:10pm. I didn't think saying goodbye to my family was going to be so difficult and tried to hold it together but not knowing when you will see them next is a difficult thing to accept so hugging for the last time, well you just don't want to let go.

My flight was actually very good. Many may know that flying isn't always a thing I handle the best but I surprised my self by keeping it together the whole way. Because I had a couple stops along the way I didn't feel as restless as the flight to Thailand. My first stop was in Toronto where I had to claim my bags and rush them upstairs to re-check into Iceland Air. Well I wish it was as easy as it sounds. I made my way to baggage claim and waited for almost an hour and some for my suitcases but for some reason they did not come with the rest of the flights luggage. Heart thumping, watching my watch I tried to keep calm as I enter the line which marked LOST BAGGAGE. I started to panic, looking at my watch and trying to figure out what to do, I needed to catch my next plane in twenty mins and the line looked like it would be an hour long. All of a sudden the baggage system started up again and the baggage line started dispersing as baggage was shot out like no ones business. I ran over scanning for any remains of my suitcases and sure enough out they popped! I grabbed them like a lumber jacket swinging at a tree, threw them on the cart and raced for the elevator to catch my plane. I made it!! Just in time to, the wonderful ladies at Iceland Air contacted the plane and explained my problem and that I would be right there. AAAhhhh fewwwfff I am in the clear, so I thought. I get to security and oooo I am the random one picked for being searched, bugger! It didn't matter, I made the flight and I was safe and sound.

Arriving in the London Heathrow airport was a surreal experience with my friend Corey Cooke waiting for my arrival. My first experience in London was the Tube! We took the elevators down underground into some weird looking tunnels, not knowing that I would be seeing so much of them on my stay. We got our selves on this tube thingy which I found to be very impressive in the layout, the timing and how easy it was to get anywhere in London.

My first impression on the landscape and the areas were seen from the tube of the copper colored roves and the sea of brick. Everyone we saw was dressed so nice so I felt like a fish out of water in my yoga pants and t-shirt, in desperate need of a shower. Corey was my tour guide as we glided across London towards Kilburn where his flat was. Corey and I would be sharing his bedroom for what I thought was going to be a couple days, but in fact turned into a couple weeks due to certain circumstances involving two other girls which I will soon get into.

London's landscape is engulfed in brick and masonry but in the most charming wonderful way. The buildings architecture is brilliant and absolutely grand! Whether it is the local supermarket, McDonald's or the Buckingham palace, the building lack no aesthetic. As soon as I set my bags down in the #15 chevington, 4 bedroom flat we were on the go again. Corey had my first day planned out, jammed packed with some of London's greatest sights. Thank god the flight went so well and I wasn't to incredibly tired because wow did I have a long day ahead of me in the best way possible. For now I leave you with my first experiences and my overwhelming sense of home in a place I considered foreign.

http://www.tourismsaskatoon.com/events/
Im going to get out and enjoy the world now that school is over! wwwooooo

check out my ALMOST finished website at homepage.usask.ca/knm807 hope you enjoy!!!

Well it has been a while since I posted anything. I find it easy sometimes to forget about it when life is so crazy in real time, not blog time! I have to say that this website which I am creating as a teaching aid has resulted in something so worth my while, and something that I am very proud of. I started off in this class hating computers and not knowing a thing about them. At the end I feel that the knowledge I have gained is so practical for my future teaching and that for once....I actually know what I am doing when it comes to this computer stuff. So I think in general, I have become computer literate and I am so excited to be able to take the skills learned with me through my personal and professional life.

One challenge I kept facing was embedding videos into the pages. Finally today with help from an amazingly helpful and gracious peer, I learned how to read detail codes and figure out my problem so that I can problem solve and find the solution. The person beside you might just be your best asset. THANK YOU ROXANNE!!

Life is great, stressful, exciting and demanding right now. With deadlines coming closer and closer the pressure and excitement continues to build. I am so excited to graduate, but am I ready? I have graciously accepted employment with the Saskatoon Public School Division where I will be substituting and who knows, maybe a permanent position is in the cards for me.

I will be doing much more work on the webpage but for anyone who wants to check out my work in progress here is the address:
homepage.usask.ca/knm807

Wish me good luck!

Treading in Unchartered Waters: Playing with Pleasant Dolphins and Avoiding Mean Sharks

My proposal covers grades nine through twelve, based around mechanics and small motors. In both of these areas, there is a certain amount of work that is based on theory, which means that there is a significant amount of paper work that students will need to complete through each grade level. In addition to this, there are videos regarding safety, basic principals of mechanics (including diagrams), and also some videos that are for entertainment purposes and motivational sets called “The Cool Videos!”
Through my internship I was able to experience the pro’s and the con’s of traditional practices in mechanics and small motors which included the completion of theory before practical work. I found that students lost interest quickly and were not engaged in the learning when doing this boring basic “paper work.” They would instead gaze off into the distance, watching other grades or groups work on alternators, bodywork, modifications and oh so much more. They dreamed of the day where they would get their hands oiled up and dirty, all a while they sat in their desk with that dreaded paper in front of them. I tried motivating students with these dreams so they would work harder so they could get working on their engines quicker. This only worked the first couple times it was said, and then got old. I pondered and pondered of ways to engage students in the theories and principals of mechanics to create meaningful lessons and dialogue. Students grumbled and complained, they lost assignments, they fell behind from lack of motivation and I tried everything I could to change that. I created games, demonstrations and activities, which they thoroughly enjoyed, but something else was needed. I then enrolled back at the university to find myself a student again where I could feed off of others and “borrow” ideas. Where I could engage in meaningful discussion over this thing called “the internet.” It was then that I than began to realize the great potential to create meaning in my students’ lives. I could be the next “Cool” teacher with my savvy Internet know-how and my relevant and exciting courses. The wheel started turning faster and faster and the questions flood my mind. What does a cool teacher wear? Should I create my own nickname? Who will join my cool club? Only time will tell.
I must emphasize the fact that resources for Practical and Applied Arts are very limited , which is why I find this to be a necessary endeavor. I will swim through these unchartered territories with limited online resources or support, to create and enhance the way we think about Practical and Applied Arts. If I can do it, anyone can.
When thinking about a program such as Practical and Applied Arts, most think hands on, practical know-how and continuous movement. So where does elearning fit into this scope. That is my question as well. Progress and development has been slow and steady in the shop environments, with very little connection to technologies such as the internet. Google it, I dare you. Technology means many things to many people, but in a shop, this blissful terminology is usually used to describe tools, instruments and methods we use to fix, create or break things. Industrial technology is amazing and I cannot discredit this fact, from the plasma cutter, to welders, to the incredible CNC machining, technology can create anything and is limited to nothing. In a society where technology is changing at such a dramatic speed, and means so many things, it is necessary for a traditional area such as Practical and Applied Arts, to reevaluate and reconstruct our ideals and beliefs of what effective teaching and engaged learning requires.
I will stop here to address the term “traditional.” Think back to your experience in the wood shop for example. I hope you had this experience. If not, then just pretend for now. What instruments, machines and tools do you remember? The lathe? The chisel? The hammer? I ask this question to illustrate the use and history of technology in the trades. These are tools that date back centuries, yet they are still considered critical aspects in the trades. Advances have obviously been made and cannot be discredited but the advances made linking elearning technology to Practical and Applied Arts fall short.
The program in which I propose to create is an aid, not an independent project. It involves, but is not limited to, student involvement and collaboration. This is very hard for me to articulate without drawing a diagram to recreate the visual that I intend on creating. I intend on creating a site which will allow students to become involved in meaningful dialogue, show case their talents, to progress in their studies and to become excited about their learning. These are the raw guts:

Home page includes:
1. Grade specific link:
Each grade will have their own link on the main web page. Each link will direct students to the specific grade home page. Each grade’s homepage will include links to assignments required, resources, videos and forums. Each grade will have a hand in and upload folder that will be required to complete specific projects such as grade ten “Used Vehicle Research Essay.” Having assignments and resources available to students via web, will allow them to progress in a rate, which they can be accountable for and successful with.
Each grade has around thirty to forty different theory assignments to complete throughout the course. The site will help eliminate paper waste and save many trees. It will also allow students alternative ways to keep their work neat and organized in a personal portfolio.
Assessment for Mechanics is based on complete or incomplete practical tests on each assignment. Having assessment posted on the site allows me to update grading with ease and makes it available to students. Students will be able to access assessment charts through the grade homepage so they are once again aware and accountable for their progress. Because anyone can look at the grading charts on the website, students will be assigned student numbers to protect their privacy. This also will allow parents to follow their child’s progress at anytime and encourages parent participation in students learning.

2. Student gallery:
Where students are able and encouraged to upload photos of their work, useful resources, and videos for entertainment or educational purposes. This section is created to showcase student work for everyone to see and to be proud of. However pictures and videos must be preapproved. Many times the work of Practical and Applied Arts goes unseen or unnoticed. With this addition to the aid, I hope that students will be able to make their mark in the school and show others what they are capable of. If you were to Google “cool car videos” I will guarantee that the amount of cool videos, surpasses the amount of resources for teaching any day. So why not become interested in their interests to find new ways of engagement and involvement. This area is not limited to what students do during class time or in the shop, and can include personal or group collaborations.

3. Discussion forum:
I have found that students and staff come to mechanics in need of assistance with their vehicles. Sometimes this can be overwhelming and can create back up in the shop. The forum will be available for all students and staff to access and post questions or concerns. Students who are enrolled in mechanics will be able to assist others, create dialogue and share resources to help. If problem cannot be fixed, we are then able to bring the vehicle into the shop knowing the background, the problem and have the resources created by students to solve mechanical problems.
The topics can range from buying or selling cars, discussing advantages or disadvantages of imports, engine size and capability, bragging about or sharing ideas, links to cool and new resources etc. I do however understand that forums can become an evil social tool where cyber bullying, fowl language, and much more surface. I would be in complete control and aware of discussions and would have the power to delete comments. I would also have the ability to temporarily or permanently block users if terms and conditions were not obeyed.
I believe that this could be the most important section of the elearning aid. It allows students to apply their knowledge to practical problems outside the classroom and share resources and expertise. It can also create interest for students who have never considered taking the course, but it may have to be limited only to those in the course.

4. How to videos
As a new addition to the course, grade twelve’s will be required to produce a how-to video of their subject choice. This could include how to change oil, how to change a tire, and so on. The purpose of this section is to channel the student comprehension into valuable demonstrations. Because this is a website which most can access, it can be a useful tool not only to students and staff, but also to the web in general. The videos and resources for Practical and Applied arts are very limited and this could be an opportunity for our students to contribute to the cause. This could also be a place which I, or any other student, can link useful how-to videos to channel resources into one large collaboration. I am very excited for this section and I would love to find new ways to expand further such as creating a partnership with other schools to share resources and videos between students.

In order to serve the general population of students, we must always remember the hurdles to overcome before success can be achieved. I realize that when working with elearning, there are many things that need to be considered in order for a successful experience for students and for myself. I must inquire about computer Internet availability for students outside of school. Students who do not have access have a large disadvantage compared to those with access. . Elearning can be a useful and valuable tool, however, the placement of the course depending on school and location, can limit resources, funding and computer access. We have to consider school computer access and availability within the school as well as outside resources. I think that my strongest hurdle will be the lack of resources and that I will have to create a lot of my own in order to fill in all blanks. But if I can start elearning successfully here, I feel that I can take it into all subject areas and expand resources significantly for students and colleagues.

Web Safety

Is there such a thing? Or is it more people trying to make money by selling you software that will "protect" you and your computers safety?

I think no matter how hard you try to be safe on the internet, it has a lot to do with the luck of the draw. Who gets emails which are viruses? random people? yes.

However I do think that to many people believe everything they see on the internet and have way to much confidence and trust in it. We need to teach safety by encouraging critical thinking. We cannot by soley buy safety, we must teach and model it as well.

Things we must watch for:
sites that ask for way to much information
emails that ask for money
asking for passwords

3 top safety concerns for our students:

1. social networking: Pedifiles, cyber bullying, confidentiality, privacy etc

2. Being vulnerable to scams: beleiving everything they see. Emails that
promise youth solutions to all their problems.

3. Students become different people on line and feel like they are invinsible.

There are MANY other concerns but we were asked to list the top 3 which WE feel are crucial.

My contribution to Wikki

“ We believe all behaviour is purposeful and that purpose is always an attempt to satisfy the five basic needs. If all of these needs are being met children will be happy. If one or more of these needs are not being met then we need to figure out which one it is.”
(Teachers workbook #1 pg. 10)


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Restitution

Home Sweet Home

Well, here I am, back in Canada. Back at school. Back in the snow. You are probably thinking "she must be so bummed out about that" or "ooooo that sucks!" But oddly enough, I am very happy to be home. Thailand was an incredible experience from the people to the landscape and heat. Yet I am releived that I don't have to peel my clothes off of sticky me, that Im not having to wear a bathing suit day in and day out, that I don't feel like I am suffocating from the humidity or try to stomach the smells and foods that don't exactly agree with my taste buds.

For the first week, all the things listed above was AWESOME! but after 2 weeks Im starting to miss my own bed, missing the crisp winter weather and missing my puppy and life. So hello Karen, welcome back to Canada because we are glad to have you here!

Our flight home was a little eventful. Bangkok airport, 5:30am - our flight is an hour late. No problem at all, right? Well that means we are an hour late getting into Hong Kong, meaning that we will be missing our connection to vancouver. NOT cool. There is only one flight to vancouver everyday so this meant that we had to stay in Hong Kong for the night. Now this would not have been seen as a problem other than the fact that my family and I wanted home BADDD! We were starting to get pretty sick of each other and sick of travelling. So ok, nothing we can do about it, we will go on a tour of hong kong and have some fun.

After boarding Thai Air, desitination Hong Kong....Flight attendants found my family and let us know that when the plane was getting ready unload people in hong kong, we we have a personal escorot through the isles so we could be first off the plane. The company was determined to get us on our next connection so we didn't miss it. Sure enough we were off the plane first and were greated by an airport exscort who ran us through customs and security real fast, they stopped lines and pushed us through. We were at the other end of the airport within 5 mins and we hopped onto our flight, Air Canada, who had been waiting for us! We could not believe it....WE MADE IT...WE WOULD BE HOME IN OUR OWN BEDS TONIGHT! I was blown away by how organized and deicated the companies were to their customers!! The only down side to this was the fact that our luggage did not make the plane. But I am very ok with that. we will get it sooner or later. all I wanted was to get home!

I am home. I am happy. and I am thankful for where I live.

I would also like to point out that I Am having to type as fast as I can to make sure I get as much as I can typed because my Internet connection Is very sketchy so grammar and spelling won't exactly be at it's finest!

Hello From Paradise!

Well I have already lost track of the days. Here time matters little. You just go until your tired and wake up when your ready. It took us 23 hours worth of flying to get to bangkok. Flying isn't always my strength, especailly when it comes to Jazz airplanes. Those tin cans need to be taken out of the sky. So clostrophobic, bouncy, and everyone is wedged side by side. I must also say, horrible service and ld grumpy workers.

We found out what real service was when we boarded "Thai air." Flight attendants were dressed in traditional Thai dresses and smocks. The ladies hair was perfect, their makeup was both elaborate and proffesional. The men dressed in perfectly fitted suits. Attendants had perfect posture and poise. Our flight was only 2 hours. On any canadian flight, a 2 hour flight meant that you got in, sat down, shut up, and wait for the plane to leave. On Thai Air the service was incredible. As soon as they saw your glass empty, they would come fill it. In the 2 hour period, we had at least three drinks and a full sized meal. The meal was not in a plastic container with plastic utensils, it was full out platter with glass and ceramic. Our chairs leaned back to almost a total incline, and the seats were not only comfortable, but very spacey. The plane had two levels, this plane was seriously massive!
At the word of the captain talking about decending, we noticed that the attendants had done a wordorbe change. They were now wearing beautiful purple and pink, perfectly tailored skirt suits with the air wings pin. This was service at its best. Maybe we as canadians, (and definately USA) need to realize how lazy and frumpy we really are in our work ethic, our styles and our customer and consumer service.

Enough about that already. We are now staying at the Milky Bay Resort on the island of Koh Pha-Ngan. We travelled for another 11 hours via Bus and Ferry. The Bus was a bright pink double decker, these things are HILARIOUS! for dinner they served us pulled pork and balogna sandwhiches for dinner...I passed to say the least! The ferry was spotless and the amount of tourists on board blew my mind! After 3 hours on the sea we finally arrived at our destination. For anyone who have heard of the "FULL MOON PARTY" this is where it happens!! Unfortunately though we already missed it. Our resort is incredible. The service is uncomparible to anything I have ever experienced. The food is not only equisitte, but also worth every penny.

There is really so much I could say so I will stop with the intimaite detaials and cut to theh chase. Today I am laying on the white sandy beaches with are 10 feet from cottage that Lisa and I are staying in. Tomorrow we plan to go on a day tour through the island which will include elephant trecking, asian temples, swimming in water falls, getting a massage on the beach after having supper at sunset, and then heading to do some night shopping along the cost. The next day we are heading to the side of the island where the full moon party happens to witness the incredble shopping and nightly fire shows.

I hope this entry has allowed you to warm up alittle from the saskatchewan winter and imagine yourself on the beach.
Talk to you in a couple days.

And Thomas...Your exactly right, it is the best hemisphere!! lol

Its growing on me

This is my chubby sasuage dog Peanut! He's very sad in this picture because he sees me packing my suitcase!! He mooped around all day because he was so sad. He's a rag doll when he's sad! Im going to miss him! I knew you'd enjoy that!!

Well, I must admit.....this blogging thing is actually pretty fun! Im enjoying it so far and I think blogging and I might get along just fine. Maybe even use it after the class is long gone.

Well I couldn't sleep last night, up every hour watching the clock....getting wayyyy to excited! My sister was supposed to pick me up right now but we are on a short delay. so I sit here. And wait. And try to find something to do. So I do this. Well that was fun wasn't it!

My next post will be from somewhere else in the world!!

youtube as an educational tool

Everyone check out my youtube links! Rachell became a youtube star as more and more people started discovering her videos. I think video blogging and reflection would be an awesome way for students to get their opinions out there in a positive way.
Have fun!

The unfortunate group task for wonderful Jay Wilson By Janice Reigert and Karen Mealing

Knowledge: to post assignments and discriptions, to post class resources and to create a place where students can respond to postings related to course content.

Comprehension: students are more likely to become engaged with technology and can access course materials outside of school. Students are able to get to know the teacher and other students more personaly.

Applications: You can post your own resources to support your opinions and values while contininously searching others blogs to find common answers. Blogs can be a safe place for teachers to address classroom issues and help each other find answers.

Analysis: Yes because information is continuously updated. You can contact the author of the blog, asking questions and leaving comments. It is also a place where stundets are able to voice there opinion and engage in meaningful conversations, debates and forums.

Synthesis: You become more of a facilitator rather than director or formal teacher. You guide students towards answers and allow opinions to be heard, creating a much more student centered learning experience.

Evaluation: It may be hard to track students posts, and involvement in the online community. Information can be irrevelant, inaccurate and bias. It can also become a social tool rather than an educational outlet. It can also become a sesspool of cyberbullying.

Adventours

Well ladies and gentlemen I am officially the happiest person on earth.
At 2:20pm today I will close my school books for the next 2 weeks! I am off to Thailand saturday morning. I wil endure a painful 14 hour flight with crying babies and smelly people. But oh how it will be worth it. In three days I will be laying on a beach with a coconut cup full of rum punch.

To get to this point, I have had a crazy crazy week. I have had to complete and hand in every assignment that was due within the next three weeks. It has been hell, but today I realized that everything was worth it.

I fly out of regina sat at 8:30, and will be flying into Bancock, the same day at 10:30pm. We will be starting our tour for the first couple days in bangcock and desending down the south east coast line. Our we will tour tour tour!! zip lining, markets, monkeys, elephants, and sun sand sun sand sunnnn sannnddddd!

I hope to have internet access along my tours so that I can be bloggin and laying on the beach.

Sianora <-------Hmmmm....is this how it's spelt?

holy man

Here is my first post. How exciting.