TEXT as Woven Words

Posted on September 12, 2010 by coffeys

woven sunflower and clouds

Picture taken by Clyde Robinson.

I chose this picture for my introduction post for two reasons. First, sunflowers are my favorite flowers. Second, as a representation of the definition of text as ‘woven words’ or a ‘topographical surface, replete with undulating rhythms, sounds, and images’ (Etec 540 Course Notes, Fall 2010). I found this initial look at the meaning of text to be an eye opener as my initial thoughts on the definition of text were that text is written language. To think of text as a creation and not necessarily a creation of written words is an interesting change in mindset for me. I am now looking forward to exploring this concept more during the course duration.

This is my my seventh course in the MET program and the only course I will be taking this fall. I am a high school science teacher in Quesnel, BC with five years experience and this fall I am teaching Science 10 and Biology 12 courses. I am excited about my teaching assignment this fall because I have a classroom again with a SMART board and after pushing a cart from room to room during the previous school year I appreciate it so much more! In my free time I enjoy running, hiking, and exploring new places.

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Changing perspectives

Posted on September 12, 2010 by Heather MacLellan

New York Public Library Central Building Stacks

I have chosen this picture of the New York Public Library Archives for several reasons. One, it represents a large repository of information which is stored in familiar book form. And two, because it shows the hallway in perspective, representing a single way of looking at the world. Recently, the advances in technology have begun to change our culture’s perspective. Now, we can store more information in a smaller area and we can look at the written word in a more fluid way.

Hi everyone, I’m Heather. This is my third course in the program and I’m really happy to be here. The last course that I took was ETEC 500, research methodology. In it, I began to research digital storytelling and narrative writing. Through this process, I began to understand that the definition of text and writing is already changing. It caused me to become very interested in the subject so I took this course to explore the matter further.

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A Child’s Alphabet

Posted on September 12, 2010 by Camille Maydonik

This image is interesting to me because it incorporates type, typography and graphic design.  I admire designers who can incorporate text with images to create something visually appealing.  The vintage look to the design is what first attracted me, however, speaking as a grade one teacher, mastery of the alphabet and letter sounds is critical to the foundation of early literacy, reading and writing.

A Child's Alphabet

photo by Andy Field (Hubmedia)

Hello everyone, my name is Camille Maydonik.  I am a grade one, French Immersion teacher at Westgate Elementary in Calgary, AB.  I am interested in broadening my understanding of literacy in a technological context in the hopes of developing new methods for my young students to learn the French language.  ETEC 540 is my 8th course in the MET program.

Looking forward to learning with you all!

Camille

http://camilleteaches.com/

http://twitter.com/iBike78

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Possibilities

Posted on September 12, 2010 by Cathy Jung

Ancient Book

Ancient Book by Richard Scott33

I was drawn to this image. It is very simple – a blank page in a book. I chose this image because it represents to me the “possibilities” that exist out there for text, technology, literacy, reading, writing and printing. This blank open book with a white page is ready and waiting for someone to express him/herself and for the world to interpret it. The fact that the book is weathered and ancient added to my intrigue as it emphasizes the juxtaposition between the past and future possibilities.

My name is Cathy Jung. I live in Markham, Ontario. I am a Manager of Learning and Development for the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). I am in the final home stretch of the MET program – this is my last course! I have a background in teaching ESL, so reading, writing and literacy hold an interest to me. I am also a mother of two young boys and as such have an interest in how their experiences with text, technology, reading and writing will change or remain similar. I look forward to working with everyone in this course.

Cathy Jung

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Japanese writing desk

Posted on September 12, 2010 by Brian Farrell

Writing

I selected this photo because it represents a different perspective from my primarily western-influenced education. This is actually a photo that I took a couple of years ago when I first moved to Japan and began to explore my new neighbourhood. One thing I’ve discovered since living here is an idea of harmony and balance in very simple things, including writing. Calligraphy is held in high regard as an important art in Japan, which stands in stark contrast to the techno-crazed image that many have of modern Japan.

I’m really looking forward to this course – it’s a refreshing break in my mind from many of the other courses in the MET program, and as an international school librarian, it’s one that is directly relevant to my work.

Looking forward to discussing and learning with you all.

Brian Farrell

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A Blending of Technology

Posted on September 11, 2010 by ashleyross
In my bag today
Photo by Mat Packer

I am drawn to this photograph because it depicts how text and technology has changed over the years;  from a pencil and paper to an iPhone and iPad.  I agree with Postman (1992) when he says; “new technologies alter the structure of our interests; the things we think about” (p.20). I must admit that if someone had shown me this picture a week ago and asked me to pick out the technology I would have left out the pencil and paper. When I think of technology or even text technology a pencil and paper is not the first thing that comes to mind. I imagine this may be the case for many others who were also born in the last few generations and have not grown up without a computer in their home.  The photo makes me really excited for the journey ahead and for the many things that I will learn from this course and the MET program.  It also makes me feel a little naïve because I would take something like a pencil and paper for granted.

My name is Ashley Ross and this is my first week as an MET student. In addition to this course I am also taking ETEC 511 and ETEC 512.  I recently graduated from Carleton University with my Bachelor’s of Arts in Linguistics.  While I was completing my undergraduate degree I worked as a tutor for students with learning disabilities, helping them develop learning strategies with the assistance of technology.  I recently moved to Oakville, Ontario with my husband and two cats.  I do not have much experience in the field but I am very excited to learn and am looking forward to learning everything I can and getting to know everyone!

References
Postman, N. (1992). Technopoly: The surrender of culture to technology. New York, NY: New York

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Stand out from the crowd

Posted on September 11, 2010 by Joe Dobson

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.

stones text writing poetry Southsea beach

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

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Text as an evolutionary imperative

Posted on September 11, 2010 by Annette Smith

Aesops Fables page 462Picture By perpetualplum Sue Clark

I chose this image from Aesop’s Fables because for me, text and technology is an extension of the characteristic that, in my mind anyway, makes us human: The transmission of culture and knowledge to our offspring. This creation, expansion and permutation of our body of knowledge allowed us as developing hominids to go further than our ancestors, and to become the most successful predators around. We created the technology of text to further this, and I see it as an expression of our evolutionary imperative to share our ideas, create social bodies, and learn and teach.

My undergraduate degree is in physical anthropology and evolutionary biology. I taught elementary school in Toronto for 8 years, but have recently escaped. I now design online courses in continuing education for social workers.

I live in Toronto with my husband and cats. This is my seventh MET course, and I have to say that working through the courses has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done academically. I look forward to working with everyone. ~ Annette

Posted in Image Feed (Flickr), Technology, Text | 4 Comments

Woven Words

Posted on September 11, 2010 by Al Davidson

Embroidered text messages = brilliant. (by Christi Ginger)

Embroidered text messages = brilliant. (by Christi Ginger)

I was intrigued by how this image reflected some of the ideas explored throughout the prefatory materials and Module 1 introduction. The prompt, in the defining terms section, to have our learning community explore the idea of text and technology as topographical space, as texture, as creation and as construct, among other concepts, are all captured in this image. In particular, the etymological work of Scholes (1992) that challenges us to consider text as being woven into a construct comes through for me in this image.

My name is Allen Davidson and ETEC 540 is my 9th course in the MET program. I am a Vice-Principal and junior high social studies teacher at a K-9 school in Calgary, Alberta. Although I am glad to be nearing the end of my MET studies, I must say that the impact the program has had on furthering my practice and the practice of my colleagues has been incredible. As an example, the increased use of instructional blogging as medium for student discussion has afforded me the opportunity to improve in my formative assessment practice as well as provide the space for all students to get their perspectives voiced in our learning communities. Thus, I anticipate a chance to further explore the potential for such spaces in terms of student learning in ETEC 540.

I look forward to learning with and from all of you. The chance to connect with such diverse and talented educators across time and space has been another aspect of the program that I have come to truly value.

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My literal world

Posted on September 10, 2010 by ryan edgar

Robot Scrabble
Robot Scrabble
Photo by Jenn and Tony Bot

I chose this picture for its literal translation.  Both text (letters) and technology (robots).  But the more I read in the prefatory material the more I liked the image on different levels.  The letters in the game of scrabble are in fact text but also tactile in nature.

I have to admit when I briefly read over the course outline I thought I was in for something different.  I am interested to explore more recent changes in how modern technologies have changed the way we communicate.

My name is Ryan Edgar and I live and teach high school in North Vancouver.  I am taking 2 courses this term which will be 6 & 7 for me (the end is getting closer every term – obviously).  The good news on a personal note is that successful completion of these 2 courses will mean I move to a PB+15 on the pay scale – yeah (if you are a teacher in BC then you know what I mean).  I look forward to taking this journey with each of you -good luck to us all!

Ryan



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