Natalie Shearer – Introduction
Hi everyone!
My name is Natalie and I most recently worked as an Instructional Designer and Content Developer for a startup eLearning company in Fredericton, NB. Since then, my husband and I have moved back to our home province of Ontario and welcomed a beautiful baby girl into our family. She is 9 weeks old and has us both completely wrapped around her little finger. I am currently on courses 6 and 7 of my MET program this semester, and really looking forward to each of them.
I have a healthy appetite for good food and a (mostly) active lifestyle to go along with it. As much as I love yoga and outdoor hikes, I am just as content on my couch watching a good comedy. My German Shepherd, Ranger, is likely smothering me with affection anytime I am trying to get coursework, or anything else, done.
The above image captures Ranger on a video call with my husband, who was working out-of-province at the time. While it is debatable as to whether or not Ranger could actually see him on the computer screen, he definitely responded to the sound of his voice. I feel that this moment provides a snapshot of how technology has allowed us to overcome the barrier of location, as it pertains to social interaction. While hand-written letters still carry a great deal of value, there is something to be said for the ability to communicate, using various media tools, in real-time with loved ones who are miles away.
I look forward to starting this course with all of you!
Natalie
Hi Natalie! Welcome to ETEC 540
Hi Natalie,
I can certainly attest to the powers of improved communication and collaboration with video conferencing apps like Hangouts and Skype. When my wife and I were dating, I was doing my teacher training in New Zealand whilst she was still teaching in Korea. Couldn’t imagine life without Skype – I often wonder if our relationship would have lasted if it were just letters and phone calls.