Where to now?

The next challenge ahead of me is to create the website for my next module of call materials. Sometimes, not very often, I am pleased with what I have done. I have to say that what I have learned so far in this course is no exception. When I started at the beginning of the Semester I didn't even know what a blog was. I have been doing quite a bit of reading about the use of CALL and Debra has given us lots of references from VIP's in the CALL world. I have actually found another one who seems to know a lot about these sorts of things. I will put his link on my Wiki. There seems to be a plethora of literature about the subject. All I can say that being a graduate from the teacher dominated classroom, where the blackboard reigned supreme, we have come a long way. The misfortunate students who had to suffer my paroxysms of coughing from the century old accumulation of chalkdust, must have thought the old OHP was an invention like no other. Now, what a wonderful world, the possibilities are endless.......................

Paradise regained!

Oh what a day! My head is spinning with all the new learnings. I did learn a lot from the workshop. I tried Hot Potatoes and learned about all the nifty, little things I can do for my ESL lessons. I grew up on a diet of what Debra calls "drill and kill", and now I can see a whole new world appearing before me when I venture to the classrooms of to-morrow. We were also pointed in the direction of some very good readings which I am saving for bedtime. I am looking forward to completing my e-portfolio and linking things hither and thither so goodness knows what the results will be like. I don't know about the music and soundwaves yet, I don't think I'll be producing the best video clips of my own performances for a little while, so please be patient.

Another day in Paradise!

Another Saturday immersed in the joy of it all, a day of discovery with Debra steering us along the pathway to an epiphany. I have managed to learn a lot and am really getting on board with this technology stuff. I have bought my first notebook computer and soon I will not only be, but also look the part, quite a techno chic. I am looking forward to the interaction with the students from the University of Calgary when they are up on their feet and running.

One small step for mankind!

With a sigh of exilaration or exasperation I am not entirely sure, but I can say that I have completed the WebQuest to a standard which I sincerely hope meets the grade. If it helps anyone, I have placed it in the Student Projects section of the Wiki and if I can help others, I would be only too pleased. Thank you to those who helped me along the way. I think I can get my head around the curriculum underpinnings that is required because I did spend an eternity in Queensland secondary schools. For me, the greatest challenge was mastering the technological environment, as you all know what it is like for the "baby boomer" generation. I have even discovered that I actually like doing things like I was doing in the assignment. Now to the readings, and I need to do a lot more to develop my understanding further, as my old friend Robbie Burns says:

"suspense is worse than disappointment"

Spring has Sprung!

The countdown has begun with regards to the first round of Assignments. I find while I am in the throes of one subject I cannot get to another. I haven't managed effectively to do everything at once. I took some time away from the keyboard to watch Skyfire on Saturday night and that was spectacular, though I couldn't help thinking about all this money spent on Riverfest with tonnes of Fireworks exploding into the sky. Have we got our priorities right? Meanwhile, the celebrations went on and F1 eleven's spectularly soared overhead with flames illuminating the sky. I felt very insignificant in the scheme of everything.