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…