I can see how one can get lost looking through the photos in the Flickr commons! I had to stop myself after 15 or so minutes and make a choice.
I chose this photo in part because I feel that the plethora of text in cyberspace and in print is phenomenal and in a way so much of it seems to be screaming to be noticed. The photo of the rock with the text “This stone avoids large crowds” in some simplistic way finds a way to be noticed in the sea of other stones.
I live and work in Kamloops, BC where I teach ESL and in the Teaching ESL programs at Thompson Rivers University, but started off teaching Japanese here. I’ve been here for a several years now, and previously taught in universities in metropolitan Sapporo, Japan for the better part of ten years. It’s nice to see a couple other folks have Japan and/or ESL related work. Outside of work, my passions include cycling, skiing, kiteboarding, sailing and travel. I’ve been married for 15 years now and have a 3 year old son. He’s a delight and reminds me on a daily basis what the real focus in my life should be. I’m in the home stretch in the MET program and look forward to reclaiming my evenings/weekends next year!
I choose this course in part because as a long time language teacher the notion of how technology impacts language – particularly text is of interest/intrigue.
Bests,
Joe
Joe,
I attended Thompson Rivers when it was tiny little Cariboo College 20 odd years ago… I love Kamloops and spent some time fishing and camping at Lac Le Juene this summer with my wife and 3 young boys (8, 6, & 3). Also became a big fan of the Kamloops Blazers at that time
Looking forward to collaborating and learning with you in the course.
Al
Joe!
Great to see you here. Love the irony of the rock’s statement & anticipating as well exploration of the connections between text and technology… and how it all relates to the language learner.
Vicki
Hi Joe,
I was reading your posts and it made me think of a colleague who recently moved to Kamloops. Her husband accepted a job with your school. I think it awesome to see/meet another language educator. I really look forward to having discussions with you this term.
I liked your visual representation; ““This stone avoids large crowds.” It is very symbolic.
Thanks – hope your friends enjoy TRU/Kamloops – for some it’s a great lifestyle choice to move to a smaller city. There’s been tremendous growth and change in the 8 years I’ve been here both on campus and in the city. Looking forward to working with you this semester.
Joe
That’s a clever image. I might reuse this one myself…