Blogging from Vancouver
Hello Everyone,
My name is Doug Smith and I’m entering my second year into the MET program. I’m a teacher-on-call (ie substitute teacher) in Vancouver, focusing on math science and physics. Prior to teaching I was a mechanical engineer for 15 years. Partly due to my background, I’d like to develop and grow some skills that are applicable to educational technology ventures. While I enjoy teaching, I am using MET as a means to keep other opportunities and doors open in career.
As far as educational technology goes, I’m very excited about what computers can offer learners in general, when combined with appropriate pedagogy. I’m a modest tech hound, and can be seen carrying mobile devices such as a Blackberry phone and Playbook. I really got to take advantage of the Playbook last term, by using it on public transit – a lot of forum posts and module readings were done on Skytrain.
I’ve been expanding my PLN via twitter handle @bcphysics and also have an education blog found at http://www.physicsoflearning.com
On the recreation side of things, I won’t be delving too heavily into MET until after this weekend, as I’m participating in the Vancouver to Whistler Gran Fondo. I’ll be riding 125 km with around 7000 of my closest friends.
bcourey 6:19 pm on September 7, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Good luck on your event! I am envious of your ambition in this race! And I would love to hear about your Playbook experience…I am a blackberry user surrounded by iPhones and iPad, but have quite an affinity for the Playbook despite the derision of the Apple users…am I crazy for wanting one over the iPad??
Doug Smith 8:09 am on September 8, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Not crazy at all, especially if you want a mobile device or something that is smaller. Only recommended for people with Blackberry phones though, but that may change in the next few weeks with an OS update. Otherwise, frankly, tablets all seem to behave relatively the same (I’m testing out an HP Touchpad right now). They have decent web browsers, apps for reading books, calendars, etc. Ask anyone with a tablet what apps they use the most, and you’ll see that most people would do okay with any platform.
Karen Jones 7:06 pm on September 7, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hey! Best of luck in the ride, Doug. You’ll be riding right past us 😎 Do you tether your Playbook to your phone’s data plan?
Doug Smith 8:11 am on September 8, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I tether it all the time, the Blackberry Bridge is always connected. I have my email, contacts, calendar synced and can use the internet wherever there is a cell signal. I imagine most/all tablets have equally accessible tether options (I hope!).
Everton Walker 8:56 pm on September 7, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Doug,
All the best with your riding adventure. Good luck with your MET course when you return.
colink 9:48 pm on September 7, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Good luck on your race!
hall 7:05 pm on September 8, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hi Doug, I think we have met in one of the courses I have taken in this programme. I am happy to be in the same class with you. I am mathematics and physics teacher who I think that this programme will help me to be more marketable my profession.
Doug Smith 9:49 pm on September 11, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hi Conroy, you’re right. I think we took 512 together?
I couldn’t find your introduction for a while, then I realized that it was posted under “uncategorized”. I was trying to figure out who “hall” was.
Have a good course!
Deb Kim 2:31 pm on September 12, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hi Doug,
I see our UBC Elearning website in your Playbook pic. Did you open the website using Safari or Internet Explorer? I’ve tried opening the website on my iPhone as I’m always carrying my mobile device with me just like you. It’s very convenient and efficient, isn’t it? I’m also amazed that many places (e.g. mall, retaurant, bank, etc.) offer free WiFi these days.
Nice meeting you and looking forward to working with you. 🙂
Deb