Online Dating

With all of my analysis of technology, connectivity, and online tools it only seems fitting that the world of online dating be discussed. Especially since Canadians are apparently one of the worlds leading countries in online dating usage. This article from The Canadian Press highlights the popularity of online dating, and analyzes some of the available tools.

I think online dating is growing in popularity due to its convenience, in addition to our changing lifestyles. As socializing is increasingly becoming predominantly online, it only seems fitting that meeting prospective mates would become an online occurrence too. I also think the stigma of dating someone you met online is dwindling too, maybe this is just due to my aging though. Either way it is an activity that will not soon go away, as mentioned in the article. 

The article did mention how Plenty of Fish   (a popular online dating site) has an outdated look to it. While it is a free source, it is not nearly as modern looking as its competitors. Even though it is outdated in look, it is still very popular. The article credits this to the fact that it is a “tool” and still serves its purpose. I found this very interesting, and unique. As most of the online services I utilize are tools (banking, email, Facebook..) I still desire them to be the most modern and up to date, even in look. You would think that especially in the department of online dating someone would want to use the most high tech up to date tool, regardless the website is one of the most popular.

Wordle

 Wordle is a smart and classy way to display some text in a creative manner. The above picture is a wordle that I created using my Philosophy of Education. (If you click on it will open up larger).

The words that are displayed larger are those that are used more frequently. It is a very simply tool to use by just copying and pasting text you can rearrange the layout, and choose your colours. I used this wordle of My Philosophy of Education as the cover for my portfolio.

I think it is a creative way that students could use express themselves by putting their words into art! Especially those students (like myself) who are not normally astecthically creative!

Knowing your students…

Lately I am struggling a little bit with my Collaborative Project. Students are to create a Digital Story using two different tools, BUT before they can begin using the tools they need to submit their written story to be approve by Kayla and I.

As I do not know these students and their abilities some of their stories are baffling to me. I am shocked at some of the grammar, spelling, and lack of structure (introduction, climax, conclusion) of their story submissions. While some are impeccable, and better than I could have written. I realize the varying levels of ability is common in the classroom today, it is still difficult as I do not know these students.

Perhaps the ones that are struggling are EAL students, or attend a Learning Tutorial in addition to regular classes. I do not know. While I can, and will ask about some students to the cooperating teacher it is still frustrating as I do not know these students, and understand what supports they require from me to be succesful.

For me this is a peril of online teaching and learning. As I am very much a people person, and like to have a face to face interaction to gage where my learners are at this experience is new to me, and a bit of a learning curve.

PostSecret

PostSecret is a blog where people mail in secrets (mostly on post cards) that are displayed for everyone to see. There are new secrets updated every Sunday. Some are sad, or tragic, while others are mischievous and of course some are hilarious. The senders identity is never revealed. People can post comments under the secrets. Frank Warren is the creator, and has since release books compiled of sent in secrets. It is described as art.

My first thought about the site is not in regards to art, but online sharing. Obviously people find some healing in sending in, and reading others secrets. Peoples comments of their ability to relate and understanding of how the secret sharer feels must make them feel more in touch with their own emotions.

I was introduced to it by a friend a while ago, and continue to check it out Sundays. I think it is an interesting online collaboration of people using a combination of emotion and technology to stay connected to themselves.

Collaborative Project

I am fortunate enough to work on my Collaborative Projective with Kayla. We are working with a Grade 8 class to create Digital Stories!

The students need to create a story and choose two out of many of the online tool options that we provide to create their story. Before starting their digital creation the students need to have their story approve by us. Once approved they can begin their digital journey. To showcase their stories the students need to create a Glog that showcases their theme and links to their stories. Below is a link to the blog that details the assignments, and online story tool options as well as the marking scheme. Any comments are much appreciated!

Computer Literacy 8

 

Glog

No, this is not a spelling error. Glogster is a website where the user can create an interactive poster about themselves. It is free, fun, and really easy to use. A glog is an interactive poster as the creator can insert various links to other websites. I really enjoyed using this tool, and would see the benefit of having students create a Glog to showcase their learning on a variety of topics.

Here is a sample Glog I created for our collaboration project – Digital Story Telling

Glog tips………

• To start creat an account by registering on the Glogster website.  Glog does not require you to confirm your account through your email but you may want to as this will avoid having to do it later.
• Click on “Create a New Glog.” Start choosing the option colours and backgrounds you would like for your Glog from the tool bar options on the side.
• You can drag the graphics to various locations.
• You will add links to your stories into the graphics by clicking on the graphics and adding a link into them by clicking “Edit” and then the “Link” option. You do not need to note the technology you used to create your story like the sample does, this is just for an example.
• To get the main tool bar back click on the arrow on the left hand side of the poster.
• When you are done click “Save and Publish.” This is where you can name your Glog.
• After this you simply copy and paste the URL of the Glog to share it!

Thanks to Kayla for introducing me to this tool!

Interviews and Assignments

This is the scope of my life right now!

(Sigh) The last semester here is proving to be a busy one…………

• Resumes
• Teacher Applications
• Philosophy of Education
• Portfolio
• Teacher Certificate Application
• Interviews

I think that successfully completing all of the above tasks and forms should be a class all to itself that one should receive credit for. Those Teacher Applications were some of the most complicated forms I have ever completed. If I would give one piece of advice to anyone entering their 4th year it would be to complete their resume during their internship, when things are fresh in their mind and to avoid a headache later on! Luckily I did this thanks to my co-op’s advice.

As far as the assignment part of this post I am finding it hard to stay focused in this ECMP class. I think it is the lack of freedom, and the fact that the assignments and tasks do not have set due dates. I am kind of embarrassed that apparently as an adult I work better with those prescribed time constraints. Perhaps I should I provide myself with some due dates, or hire a personal assistant to keep me organized!