Hello, my name is Scott Tammik. I am a member of the Ontario College of Teachers and presently teaching on contract in the communications technology and visual arts departments at Bayview Secondary School, in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada. My education and professional background includes undergraduate degrees in psychology, image arts and education. Prior to teaching, […]
Continue reading Hello from TO Posted in: Week 01: Introductions
Hi, my name’s Adriana. I am from Mexico and a recently landed immigrant in Canada; however, I still come and go between both countries due to my job. I have worked in ELT (English Language Teaching) since 1984 in teacher training, coordination posts, materials design, and teaching. I have also co-authored several textbooks for the […]
Continue reading Hi from Mexico City! Posted in: Week 01: Introductions
Hello Adriana – Wow! 3 classes at once will definitely keep you very very busy. But congrats on being on your last leg of your MET journey. I’ll look forward to working with you in 522! Peggy
Hi Peggy. Most of this week was spent sussing out how to use a new LMS ‘Connect’ that we’re using in ETEC 512 :-{ At least it keeps my brain ticking. Have a nice week.
Hi Adriana:
Good luck taking 3 classes! When you are in Canada where do you live?
I can appreciate your final comment about staying up late finishing assignments with your adult kids. I did that for a couple of years with my older son, then he graduated and left the nest.. I miss my “school buddy”.
Doug.
Hi Doug,
When in Canada I live in Vancouver. I love it! It’s a beautiful city, with great outdoor activities, amazing places to go nearby, and the best hockey team 🙂
Adriana
Welcome Adriana. We are in the same crazy boat (3 courses this term). We can try to keep each other sane. Your experience and background sound very interesting. Best of luck this term.
Ken
Hi Ken.. I didn’t get off to a great start, but I hope to organize my time better this week. The first week is always confusing, trying to navigate your way around different course structures, schedules and activities.
Best of luck to you, too.
Adriana
I couldn’t agree more when you said “we learn by trying things out, by making mistakes, and by embracing change.” Looking forward to the learning we’ll be learning together in this course, Adriana!
Thanks James. I must admit it’s often a challenge, but a gratifying one. We appreciate more what we don’t come by easily.
Have a great week!
Hi Adriana,
Nice to meet you here. I love Mexico and their people, I went to Guadalajara quite often and I love it there. I always want to pursue an MA in Applied Linguistics as I love language teaching and learning. Looking forward to getting to know you.
Nice to hear you liked Guadalajara. I go there often because my parents live there. If ever you’re around this side of the continent, let me know 🙂
My name is Julie Kotler and I am originally from Montreal, Quebec, but now live in Tel Aviv, Israel. This is my 4th MET course, but I am also taking two others this semester too. In addition to this program, I was recently working part time as an assistant program developer for a center that […]
Continue reading Hi everyone! Posted in: Week 01: Introductions
Hi Julie,
You have an interesting and diverse background. I am also taking three courses right now…Yikes! Best of luck this term.
Ken
Hi Ken,
I am also a little bit nervous about taking three courses at once, but hopefully we will both make it through! Good luck to you too.
Hi everyone. My name is James, and this is my 5/6th course in the MET program. I have a B.A. in Philosophy, a diploma in TESL, and a B.Ed. in Elementary Education at the intermediate level. I have worked with students from K to adults as an EFL instructor for 5 years in Taiwan, and […]
Continue reading Hello from Vancouver! Posted in: Week 01: Introductions
Welcome James,
Your motivation to help students selecting technology is similar to mine. I have wanted to help students and my colleagues with this, which lead to my joining the MET program. Pitching to policy/decision makers is an important skill. Have you taken ETEC 520? I found that to be a helpful course related to decision making. All the best.
Ken
I’m going to take 520 next term. Can’t wait! I’ve watched Dragon’s Den, and seeing people pitch their ideas to the big companies really got me thinking about the skills I need to have in order to navigate through a tech driven economy. Looking forward to learning with you and everyone else in this course!
James
Hi James,
I’m also in EFL and have found it’s not that easy to get fellow colleagues to use technology unless management is onboard; however, sometimes it’s management that is onboard, but teachers aren’t because of the time it implies to learn to use the tool in question. Perhaps creating and OER aimed at getting teachers onboard would be good.
I look forward to sharing our experiences in EFL.
Good luck,
Adriana
I think so too. Since technology is evolving at such a rapid pace, it can be intimidating for teachers to step out of their comfort zones and into the zone of proximal development in terms of technology integration using unfamiliar technology. An OER targeted to help educators and management streamline this process sounds interesting!
James
James! We meet again, after just finishing 530 this summer. I enjoyed, as always, the month long break. I’m looking forward to more of your great insight this semester.
Peggy
Great to see you again, Peggy! Looking forward to the things I’ll be learning from you and everyone else in this course!
Hey, buddy! It’s great to see you again. I was wondering when we would share another class.
Good to see you again too, Ben! I was wondering about that too. I am with Sheza and Rose in 512 this term. Looking forward to the things we’ll be learning together this term!
I am very excited to see what this course will bring. Currently I am working on courses 8,9, & 10 of this crazy thing called MET! Some of you might think I am crazy for taking three courses right now…maybe I am. I am actually enjoying an education leave that is allowing me to focus […]
Continue reading Ken in NB Posted in: Week 01: Introductions
Nice meeting you, Ken! Three grad courses in one term is not an easy task, but I wouldn’t say that you’re crazy. Well, maybe a bit. But that’s what we need to make it in this crazy world!
James
Great to meet you Ken. I have found that the MET program has opened doors for me even though I have not completed it yet. Good luck with your course load.
Hi Ken,
It appears there are two of us ‘crazy’ people; I’m taking 3 courses, too!! I have a lighter work load for the upcoming months, so I’m hoping I will survive. The subjects you teach are ones where many technological tools can be incorporated; I look forward to learning from how you have integrate them.
Best of luck with your three courses! Here’s to finally graduating!!
Adriana
Hi Ken,
Good to share another course with you again. I felt like I was crazy for trying to take on 2 courses with work, but maybe 3 courses is a bit crazier. Kudos to you. Looks like this is the homestretch for you!
Jonathan
Nice to meet you again Ken,
I believe that we did ETEC 565 together and I was impressed by your work. I know that if anyone can handle three courses and excel it would be you.
I wish you the best and look forward to working with you.
Patason
dude…looks like you got it good.
My apologies for not writing back to your welcome messages…I have checked back here today but have only just seen the replies at the bottom, I’m not sure why they weren’t visible before. I am glad that I see them now. I was beginning to feel like nobody was reading them. 🙂
Ken
My name is Doug Connery; this is my 9th MET course. I started in the MET program three years ago in September 2009. To enable me to balance work, life and lifelong learning, I take one course at a time; thus I am on the scenic route through the program! However the end is in […]
Continue reading Greetings from Calgary Posted in: Week 01: Introductions
Congrats on being almost through the program! It looks like you live a very active life. Great to see that you and your family share the same passions. I look forward to working with you this term!
Ken
Thanks Ken, should be a challenging and engaging course.
Doug.
Hi Doug,
I enjoyed your story very much. I think the SAIT has a very complete view of what ‘curriculum’ is; however, it must be very hard to put and keep all the pieces together. I am very much looking forward to learning from you as you have clearly have a lot to share.
Adriana
Hi Adriana:
Yes it makes each day unique and interesting keeping track all of the pieces and demands. This is what keeps me at SAIT though.
Doug.
My name is Coral and I’m from Vancouver (well, technically Tsawwassen for anyone from BC, but Vancouver is easier to spell…) I work with Pearson Learning Solutions, one of the largest providers of educational content and services. I am currently a Managing Editor, responsible for the oversight of customized print and online materials for universities and […]
Continue reading Hello everyone! Posted in: Week 01: Introductions
Coral,
Welcome to the MET. I can assure you that you will gain a lot from this experience. I am in my final three courses and the time really goes by fast! I look forward to hearing from you about the changes and struggles with dealing with print and digital books. Have a great term!
Ken
Hi Coral,
Though Pearson is my competitor here in Mexico (I write for Macmillan), I must admit it has some great texts and materials; you must be very happy to work in such an important company. I guess we have in common that we are both in publishing, and we both love anything to do with cooking and eating. I look forward to sharing experiences in the publishing world with you, and perhaps the odd recipe, but not in the blog 🙂
Welcome to MET.
Adriana
Hi Adriana
Thank you! I love Mexican food so I would be happy to share recipes! I’m actually headed to Puerto Vallarta in Oct with my family so I’m looking forward to lots of great Mexican food 🙂
C
Thank you Ken! I’m really looking forward to the program and this course.
Welcome to MET Coral – I’m sure you’ll enjoy it – I’ve found the discussions with my MET classmates have made the entire journey, and effort, all worthwhile.
Peggy
Hello, my name is Colin and I am a teacher in Surrey where I teach an Entrepreneurship program to at risk grade 12 students. I was drawn to this course as I am a business teacher and a Bachelor of Commerce graduate so I am interested in anything business related. This will be my third […]
Continue reading Hello from Surrey Posted in: Week 01: Introductions
Welcome Colin,
I am sure your Business background will be a help to all of us. I have two kids as well, it has been tough juggling working and making time for my kids, while studying. I am on an Ed Leave right now. Hopefully that will help balance things. Your website sounds very engaging. I have begun using Edmodo as our district does not have an LMS other than the Distance Ed courses. They do not offer the social networking functions that other sites offer. Best of luck this term.
Ken
Hi Ken, it definitely is hard to manage kids while studying and working. That is what I am doing right now and it is not easy. That is why I can only take 1 course at a time. Good idea on taking an Ed leave and finishing the course it will be nice to finish quickly I am sure.
all the best,
Colin
Hi Colin,
I also work in the Surrey school district with ‘risk youth’ youth. I was wondering whether you work at a learning centre or within a program at a secondary school. I think your background will be invaluable in this course. It is definitely difficult to balance coursework as priorities such as family come first. I also have a little one running around and quite often find myself to be exhausted by the end of the day, I couldn’t even imagine two. It is good to touch base with someone who works in the same district and I look forward to collaborating with you as we move through this course.
Bye for now…
Manny
Greeting from Ireland! Ok so far I have been the only Irish person on the MET course so I assume its the same here. This is my 5th course and I am delighted to say that I have just finished all the ‘core’ subjects. Now its down to the good stuff. David Vogt, you, were […]
Continue reading Hello from Ireland! Posted in: Week 01: Introductions
Ireland, hmm. Is this Stuart? Are you also taking 565A as well?
sure am – going to be an interesting workload but thats what we are here for i guess
By night, I am METman.. The RTE player looks interesting! Nice meeting you!
James
Great to meet you. You have an interesting job. As a Media teacher I feel very overwhelmed by the amount of knowledge I am lacking in the field. I am sure that I could learn a few things from you. I have a friend at CBC (Tech Producer for Hockey Night in Canada) and his wife works for the Toronto Film Festival. They have presented to my class before and I think I was more excited than my students. Best of luck this term.
Ken
Hey Ken,
Keep me in mind for your next guest presentation to your class. I am always on the look out for new experiences.
S
That would be great. I’m not teaching this semester but will be offering two Media Studies courses next semester. It is always great to have people that work in the field willing to help out. I had a director from Halifax come to my class two years ago. It was great as he helped the students edit some of their video projects. Much more meaningful for them to have someone in the business talk with them. Thanks!
Hi Stuart. I believe we were in ETEC 511 together last semester. I think this blog will provide quite a different experience than we had with Connect.
yes it will avninder – delighted to be done with connect, but I am sure that it is just for now.
Great to meet you Stuart – will be great to have an Irishman on board, and a different perspective from education. Thanks for the puffin pic – amazing birds! Peggy
Hi Stuart:
Great intro post, looking forward to working with you in the course.
I will also need to add Skeligs Rock to my to do list as the bird life, history and scenery look amazing.
Doug.
Hello there fellow METers! My name is Jen; I’m a crazy American about to move to the UK (for just a few months) in just a few short hours (3 to be exact). I figured I would try to get a jump on posting as I’m not sure how available I will be this week […]
Continue reading Greetings from Colorado, USA (and soon to be London, UK)! Posted in: Week 01: Introductions
London UK – thats excellent Jen. At least there are two of us now that are in the same time zone. Looking forward to it and we can discuss things before the others even get out of bed!
That’s wonderful! I’ve already thought about the advantages of this… longer time to procrastinate… but, no! I shall be vigilant and get things done ahead of time. 🙂
Hi Jen. Thanks for your sharing a bit about your background – I must say it all sounds rather exciting!
Great photo in your post as well. I haven’t seen a portrait shot on Velvia stock for many years, that’s awesome 🙂 Cheers, Scott.
That’s what comes from having too many fancy photo apps on the iPhone! I look forward to sharing more with everyone as more things fall into place.
Lego Engineering Instructor, if that isn’t the coolest job title I don’t know what is. Have a good flight and I look forward to working with you. — Jonathan
Everything was so smooth getting here, but I am still looking for a flat. It is quite an adjustment and a bit tough to get started with everything here, but it will all work out soon enough. (At least, I certainly hope so!) It is a great job; I look forward to working with you as well!
Hi Jen. Your research topic sounds interesting! Look forward to working with you this term. Safe journeys.
It is fascinating stuff! I created a 20 minute multimedia presentation on it. If I have access to it, I will certainly post it for anyone who is interested. I look forward to working with you as well!
Jen,
This is a very exciting time for you! Congrats on nearing the completion of MET. I am done after this term! Where does the time go? Is your acting/filming/editing for work or for fun? I look forward to hearing more about your experiences.
Ken
It certainly is flying by faster than I ever thought it could have! I’ve done the acting thing for ages now. I just got my SAG (Union) card in the States just before I left for England. I guess I can call myself a professional now! (Whatever that means in the acting world… Ha.) I look forward to sharing more of my adventures as they creep up… and I figure out how to integrate all of this wonderful MET business into them! 😉
What a cool job! I hope to hear much more about it and your research during Ventures. That’s what I love about the program, getting to meet such a diverse group of people. Have fun while in the UK!
Peggy
I LOVE the diversity in the MET program! I certainly was pleasantly surprised by it all and am continually impressed as I progress through the courses. So very nice to “meet” you!
Hello everyone! Welcome to September! I’m your instructor – David Vogt – you can reach me whenever you wish at david DOT vogt AT ubc DOT ca or by using the message system in this weblog. I spend most of my time as an entrepreneur and innovation leader, but I have a longstanding passion […]
Continue reading Hello everyone! I’m your instructor – … Posted in: Announcements, Week 01: Introductions
Hello everyone, my name is Ranvir and I’m really excited to take this course. This is my 3rd course and I hope to learn a lot and share experiences as we work together. I live in Surrey,BC and have an interesting commute to UBC where I work as Instructional Designer/ elearning PM
Hi David:
Thanks for the welcome and introduction. Can you tell us about the East Coast Trail, such a contrast of shorts and icebergs.
Doug.
Great to meet you David and I am very much looking forward to this course. Did you by chance have the opportunity to sample any of the Glen Breton when you were on the East Coast????? We still have a half of their single malt in the cupboard – Good for what ails you.
PC
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kstackhouse 8:54 am on September 6, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Welcome Scott. Like you I am teaching Communication and visual Arts (or Media Studies). I was a member of the OTC briefly…I had to pay to join them so they would send a letter to my current province stating I was a member in good standing. 🙂 I went to Queen’s instead of UNB. You have an advantage in your teaching though as you have the practical knowledge and experience. I am sure I can learn a lot from you. Have a great term.
Ken
Lisa Nevoral 12:39 pm on September 8, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hey Scott, guess we’re doing another course together! Looking forwards to working with you again. Hope you enjoyed your August off.
Lisa
stammik 7:21 pm on September 11, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Thanks Lisa, its great to see a familiar name again! August was relaxing, but zipped by a bit too quickly and after being back teaching for only a week, it seems too distant already 😐
Regardless, I’m ready to dive into this course and it seems we will be working together for project 2. See you online soon.
melissaayers 9:25 am on September 11, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hi Scott,
You have an interesting background, I will be interested to hear how your previous experiences bring perspective to our course work in ETEC 522
Melissa