Quadding In Dubuc

This weekend there was a quad derby in Dubuc which my dad and brother Andrew went on. Andrew loves quadding and has a no fear attitude so he is constantly doing different tricks. During the quad rally some guys asked if they could film him. They posted the video on both YouTube and www.menoutdoors.com . The video is below. Andrew doesn't appear until towards the end. He's the crazy one doing all the wheelies on the red quad in the blue jacket.

All Good Things Must Come To An End

Well, it is 11am on Thursday April 12th and it is my last official day of classes in the Faculty of Education. Even though I am coming back in about 3 weeks to begin my next journey, there is still a sense of closure. It's weird to think that people like Jamie and Stacey who I've gone to school with for the past four years aren't going to be here to help me out next year!! AHH!!

I really should do some reflective blogging for ECMP. But I feel that I have been doing that throughout the entire course. I have learned a lot from this class, and have enjoyed it immensely. I have always been comfortable with computers, and felt that I knew quite a bit. This class gave me even more tools.

I am very excited to use things like blogs and wikispaces in my classroom. I just want to get out there already and try different things!! As long as I remember my Blue Dot log in I will be set!!

Everything You Need To Know About Photoshop

I just discovered this blog dedicated to everything Photoshop! Scott Kelby is the Photoshop guru and has great ideas and tips for ways to use Photoshop to it's full potential. Click the picture to view the blog. Apparently there is even a conference called Photoshop World dedicated to Photoshop. I found it quite interesting!

Reaching Out

It's done!! Our final project for ECMP is done!! And it's posted on the net! YAY!! The only problem is apparently there were issues with some timing and sound for the drug video.

TappedIn

So today I was finally able to get onto Tapped In to do a discussion. And it was just me and the facilitator. I had just planned on watching and seeing how it worked, but I was right in the middle. It was kind of a little scary because he kept asking me questions about what kind of resources I wanted and I just wanted to say I am doing this because it is part of a class!! I was not able to stay too long, but the faciliator was very helpful by giving me some great sites. I think that this is a great tool, but it would have been nice not to be the center of attention, because I was not sure if I should have been sharing some resources that I had as well. I think that if there had been more people in the room, more two-way sharing would have been done. I will for sure use Tapped In again. I think it is a great way for professionals to share.

Tech Task #9

Group Members: Jenna, Jamie L, Amanda Longman
Software: Cars by Disney Pixar

Pros:
- fun games
- the story mode reads the story, and also displays the words at the bottom of the screen, so it reinforces reading
- rated E

Cons:
- do to the intense graphics, it TAKES TOO LONG to load!!
- the stress of trying to install us began to tear us apart!!
- too much intro mumbo jumbo
- tractor tipping game is quite dark, and hard to navigate the car
- not very much educational content
- some of the games are choppy because there is so much to load all the time
- a computer with lots of space and memory is needed for smooth play
- slightly confusing, instructions for games are not always given
- DO NOT USE THIS GAME ON A MAC!!!! It's too choppy!!

Facebook in Mourning

Yesterday morning while I was getting ready for work, I randomly turned my tv to a news program from somewhere in the US. They were reporting on a story about a young college girl who was snow tubing on a school. Apparently some of the snow had melted during the day, and frozen that evening. While going down the hill, the girl lost control of her tube, veered off the trail and hit a tree. She was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. Read the full story here. What was really interesting to me is that friends and family have used her Facebook account as a support forum. People are posting comments and pictures to remember her. As well, there is a video posted on YouTube in memory of her.

I think what interested me most is the global reach of this. The internet is able to bring her friends and loved ones together from all over the world. They are able to form a support group to help them get through this tragedy.

Making Movies!!!

I am sure that creating movies with computer programs is nothing new to you, but it is to me!! I have been playing with Windows Movie Maker and Adobe Premiere at the University, and I love them!! I never realized that it was so easy!! You just drag and drop!! And I just realized last night that I have Windows Movie Maker on my laptop!! So I definately stayed up until 2am last night playing and making random movies. It was so much fun!! I have found a new way to put together pictures for my friends weddings now, instead of using power point!

Second Life

Today I got a quick glimpse into the world of Second Life. I just want to know why? Why would someone spend money on a virtual world. Why not use that money in the real world? Don't get me wrong, I love technology. I probably wouldn't survive very long without my computer and internet, and I enjoy playing games on my computer. But I would never become that involved in a game. I have seen some of my friends get completely wrapped up in the game World of Warcraft, which is in some ways similar to Second Life. They became so obsessed with the game that they would sit at home on evenings and weekends, and play. They would call in sick to work, and stay up until 3am just so they could play. Even though the internet gives us a world of possibilities, I think we need to be aware of where to draw the line.

My Productive Weekend

This past weekend was my most productive one to date. Between working, classes, and all my other stuff that I have to do, I never get a chance during the week to do homework, which is where my weekends come in! I literally locked myself in my office, and made myself work. I had planned on doing something fun on Saturday night for St. Patty's day, but when I looked at the clock and realized it was past midnight, I knew that there was no chance! I just keep thinking about the summer, and how I will have some semblance of a life! It's what keeps me going!! I'm almost done!!

The Dr. C & Elwood Podcast

Description: ADHD Specialist Dr. Sam Caron and Elwood, a puppet with ADHD discuss topics related to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in an entertaining and informative way, and answer your questions! (taken straight from the home page)

This podcast is meant for parents, teachers and children to listen to. When I visited the site, there was only four podcasts up. The one I listened to was about Oppositional Defiance Disorder. The characters used simple language and explainations to explain ODD. I would definately use this podcast for students with ADHD or ODD. They are short, to the point podcasts, which are great for students with short attention spans. Here is the link for the page.

Hot Potatoes

In class today, we learned about a fun puzzle and quiz maker called Hot Potatoes. The following link is to a sample cloze activity that I did using the program.

http://education.uregina.ca/web/pfeifeje/threepigs.htm

Cell Phone Guns

I recently recieved an email about a new threat, cell phone guns. I am assuming that they are real. It looks like a regular cell phone, but by pressing the 5, 6, 7, & 8 buttons, you can fire .22 caliber rounds. I, like most people, get very annoyed when I am flying and security makes me turn on my electronic devices like my cell or camera, and prove that they work. Now I know why they do it. Technology is getting very scary. It won't be long before weapons will be so sophisticated that even x-raying them at an airport will not detect them.

Click here to see a website that talks about cell guns, and shows a video of a test fire.

Tellecolaborative Project

Site: Early Literacy
Grade Level: 1 & low level readers in grade 2
Subject: Language Arts
Description: A great resource for early grade teachers. A wiki would actually be perfect for this site, because the creators get input of strategies and resources from others teachers regarding early literacy.
How I Would Use It: I really like all of the strategies listed. They are strategies that teachers have used, so I know there is some merit to them. Of course the resource link is great because who doesn't love resources!!! My favorite part of the website is the listing of predictable books. It gives great suggestions for quality books that are great for use in the classroom.

Another Use For Technology

I found an interesting article on using YouTube here.

The article is about how a principal used YouTube to suspend two students after their fight was videotaped and posted on YouTube. There is also stories about authorities using YouTube to charge people as well. It's interesting to me that people would place videos of them committing crimes onto a website that can be viewed by anyone in the world at any time! Just another use for the internet!!

Lovin' The Free Internet Hook-Up

I just had to post a blog tonight. I am sitting in a hotel room with my lap top. I am working on an assignment, talking to friends on MSN, and searching for online journals at the same time. I absolutly love it! Not to mention the fact that the internet is free!! Just another example of technology and how much fun it can be!!

Welcome To March

Welcome to March everyone! All I can say is Holy Snow!! But I love it! Not really the driving part, though I do enjoy cruising down a street and wondering if I'm gonna make it through, it's like a game to me!! Call me crazy, but it's fun! Moving away from the snow, I just realized today that it's actually March and I now have 1 1/2 months left before I'm done!! It's my countdown!! And I found out a couple days ago that I am 99% in to the inclusive ed certificate. The only way I wouldn't be in is if I did not complete my ed degree. I really don't plan on spending 3 1/2 months in university to completely flunk out my last semester!!

Reading Week: Useful or Not?

My reading week/spring break is very quickly coming to an end. Which makes me quite upset. I enjoyed having my evenings back to catch up on things, and to go out for coffee with people who were starting to think that I had fallen off the face of the planet. But I realized something today, I have not done any homework!! I had big plans for my week off, and none of those plans came true! I had to force myself to sit down and work on a major assignment I have due. It was really hard, and I found myself wandering a lot. I think I work better when I know I am going to be really busy. Right now I keep thinking, "I can do that tomorrrow. I have lots of time! I have a week off!" But when I have class, I know that I won't have tons of time later, so I need to get my act together. I guess what I am trying to get at is the fact that for me, spring break really is not that useful! I would rather be done a week earlier in April then have this week long break in the middle of the semester where I don't even get anything done anyway!

"Autism Every Day"

A few weeks ago I was watching "The View". They were doing a whole show on Autism. I am very interested in Autism because I have had experience with children will all different levels of it. I remember them showing clips of a video called "Autism Every Day". I was able to find it on the internet. Here is the link.

http://autismspeaks.org/sponsoredevents/autism_every_day.php

It is a great video that gives perspective of autism from mothers who are working with it everyday. I really opens your eyes to what parents go through.

Being Done

Today is my sister's last day of university. After six years in a program at the U of S, she is offically done by like 5:30pm tonight! Her bring finished got me thinking about me being done. I don't want to be done! It's weird to think that I won't be a slave to the university schedule. That I won't be planning my life around two four month semesters, and a four month holiday. I will no longer have to look for just a summer job. I can actually look for a real one! Even though most people will be done in April, I'm really hoping to go for another year and get my inclusive education certificate. Why? Maybe because I'm not ready to enter the real world. Or because I want to give the university more money. But I think the biggest reason is that I need to have something more, in order to have job security. Ok, too much thinking for today!!

The "Evils" of Technology

After leaving the university today, I had to take my car in for an oil change. Having an hour to kill, I walked over to Chapters in the south end and settled down with a nice hot coffee and my lap top to do some homework. There was two ladies sitting close to me, reading passages from bibles they held in their hands. I began talking on my cell phone while working on my computer. In a very loud voice, one of the ladies said “See, look at her! So young and already a slave to technology.” Upon which time the two ladies (and several other people within ear shot) began staring at me. I felt my face turn beat red and attempted to continue a normal phone conversation. The ladies than began reading passages out loud from their bibles that they claim prove God sees technology as evil and that he wants us to keep our lives simple. I refused to leave because I did not want them to think that they had “got to me”. So I continued to work on my essay, and decided to turn on some thinking music. Finally, they left, but not before the more vocal lady turned to me and said “May God bless your soul!” I was speechless! What are you supposed to say to that!? Believe whatever you want! But do not judge me just because you do not agree with what I'm doing!!

Electronic Device Could Be Banned

I was just reading an article from CBC News (http://www.cbc.ca/consumer/story/2007/02/07/ipod-street.html?ref=rss) that talks about "State Senator Carl Kruger on Wednesday will introduce legislation that would allow officers to fine people crossing the street while chatting on a cellphone, using a Blackberry or listening to an MP3 player in New York City or Buffalo." I think that is just ridiculous that there has to be a legislation put in place because people are too absorbed in their technology to realize that they are about to get hit by a bus! I guess for some people, the technology that is supposed to make their life easier may essentially be the technology that kills them!

Technology Gone Bad

This is a perfect example of how children can get a little too into video games. This is a German child who is playing a RealTime game, where when he is not playing, the game is still going on. And it just won't load for him...

New Windows Vista

I always like when I'm right. I had an experience with my computer in August where it kept shutting itself off. It was four years old, so I decided it was time for a new one. So when my parents five year old computer started doing the same thing, I told my mother she was better off to by a new one. She kept saying that they didn't need a new one, that the old one was fine. Finally she got so frustrated with the old one, that she broke down and bought one. It's an HP and I'm in love! It's got digital card readers right on the front! And a little slide down door with a media bay. Not to mention the brand new Windows Vista! Which is absolutly amazing!!! So much better than Mac!! I've decided that I'm going to download Vista. I thought XP was good, but apparently I was wrong! I jsut bought my lap top in August, and now I already want a new computer!!

Done Something Right

On Tuesday after I was done class, I went to visit my internship class. The kids were so excited to see me! They're grade ones so they are very affectionate. I had 23 pairs of arms wrapped around my legs and waist. As we were sitting on the carpet and talking, my kids asked if I was having fun at university. I told them that I would rather be with them, and they said they would rather me be with them too. They asked when I would be a real teacher. When I told them middle of April, they asked where I would go after that. I told them wherever they send me. The one little boy looked at me with a very serious face and said "Tell them you need to go to (name of school). Tell them the grade ones at (name of school) need you!" I left the school smiling, knowing that in the four short months I must have done something right!!

Welcome To Holland

In my EPSY night class tonight, my prof read us a poem written by a woman who has a child with an exceptionality. It is such a great metaphor! She compares preparing for a trip to Italy, and then ending up in Holland to having a child born with an exceptionality. Click on this link to watch it. The slideshow of pictures can get slightly random, and the pictures with the sock monkeys relates to the creator of the video. But pay close attention to the narration. I think it puts things into perspective.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tehcysu03EI

Freedom Writers

Friday night I went to see the new movie Freedom Writers. I absolutely loved it!! I think that all teachers should go and see it! It is a perfect example of making content relevant to the students lives. Hilary Swank plays a first time teacher in a freshman English class full of "low achieving" students. The administration doesn't even want the students there, and feel that as soon as they hit their junior year, they will just drop out. So they are sort of biding their time until that day. The one administrator berates Swanks character for any new method she comes up with. I believe that administrator is the voice of many teachers who have been teaching for 30 or 40. She just thinks that the best and only way to teach is to get as many through the process as possible. It is worth the $10 to see it!! I give it 5 gold stars out of 5!!!!

Just Can't Live Without It!!

Yesterday I got my bills for the past month. My jaw dropped when I saw how much they were. I started thinking of ways to save money. I started with my Sasktel bill. But I realized that I wasn't willing to give up any of the services. I want my tv! I sit and rot my brain after reading a textbook or working on an assignment. I need my phone, otherwise I'm completely disconnected from the outside world. I thought about maybe getting rid of internet. Then I realized that I really needed that too. Maybe almost more than my phone!! I realized that most of my life revolves around internet. Not just talking to friends and checking email, but university. Like right now, blogging is part of my mark for a university class. Without my own personal internet I would probably be sitting at the university. But would I really want to be there alone at 10pm at night? Probably not!! The things that we used to think of as a luxery, are now becoming more and more a necessity. It's kind of scary!!

The Teaching Gene

Today a group of my friends and I went out for lunch. I was telling them about my new job at a day care. One of the guys asked me how severly I could discipline children. They all started joking around about how they would handle children misbehaving. A lot of their ideas would make any teachers jaw drop. My friends are not bad people. They would do anything for anyone. But I could just see the difference between us. It really made me realize the kind of person it takes to be responsible for a room of 25 children. Any one of them could take the classes I have and are taking. Any one of them could pass those classes. But I can almost guarentee that not one of them could ever survive pre-internship, let alone internship!! They don't have that special something; the teaching gene.

My Technological Blah Blah Blah...

I really don't know what to write about. I' m sure lots of new bloggers say that, but I really truly don't know!! Maybe something about technology. The fact that even though I grew up with technology I am even beginning to get lost in the shuffle. I can't imagine people older than me trying to figure things out. I guess the only thing to do is embrace it, and learn not only with my students but from them as well!!!