I just thought I would finish off the course with a Santa Claus Blog: the coal has been bought, the stockings are stuffed and I’m finished my paper.

Take a read if you like and have a Happy New Year in between time.

Until we meet again: Adieu! Ho… Ho… Ho!

I’m sitting downstairs here at the Viscount Gort fighting with people in their tweens, teens and twenties for computer time – go figure. I think they are starting to think that I’m some middle aged cyber stalker on the prowl. My dress code, or lack there of (fashion faux pas), aides them in this thought process: I look like the “Mad Trapper” – an Albert Johnson incarnate.

Anyhoo: Three items to report:

1. Passport Security Breach: It seems that when applying for his passport online, a gentleman out east, was able to access the files of other applicants simply by changing the last letter in the url address. The site has since been shut down for immediate correction by officials duly concerned.

2. Facebook Suicide: It seems that a parent and two teenage children started a false account by the name of “Josh”. Well “Josh” went on to have online relationship with a thirteen year old girl who committed suicide when he terminated the relationship. It has been stated thus far that it is unlikely that the online creators of “Josh” will be charged because “Josh” (technically) doesn’t exist.

Note: Both of the above stories were on our national news broadcasts over this past while so I perceive them to be true.

3. Greenprint: a product to be purchased to save yourself ink and paper during the printing process. It operates by preventing the useless printing of those blank pages we all use for airplanes after the job has been done and the water cooler is empty.

PS: I am still working on my paper: a thousand words and counting.

Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, people of all ages… the “Rock of Retribution” is getting ready to roll: the deadline is near upon us and I can hear the typewriters all aclickity clack up the “Bayline” track: it reached Churchill in 19 and 29: Just in time to give all of those with their new found poverty somewheres not to be seen, or heard (crying) for that matter. I’m feeling pretty good “write” now for I have just come over from “Google Docs” and have gotten off to a decent start on “Mine Essay”. Yes, I’m also coming to you from that of the caboose, but last I heard they were “old school” too. I’m beginning to feel really irrelevant at times. Today in school my students asked me when it was that I would retire and they were hoping it was before that of my “Old Age Nervous Breakdown”. Just exactly what they were intimating is beyond my realm of comprehension…?

Well today I had the fortune of linking up with the G-Man and he was able to help me immensely in re: to the “essay” at large, my course progress thus far, on how I could embed URL’s within that of a paper proper and actually have them work, and… he introduced me to that of Zotero: to be found at http://www.zotero.org: a down loadable Fire Fox application or tool designed to aide and abet, both professor and student, with online writing delivery technique. What I like most about this program thus far is it’s ability to “APA” all of the url addresses etc et al for we students who get a wee bit stressed when it comes to the formal citation of borrowed research, ideas, and thoughts: we must not plagiarize now and back up that which we say (note to self) with that which is published in book or online. Have I worked on my paper today? Yes… the learning opportunity provided here will help me in the collection, citation and access to and of the information I will need/use to lend credence/validity to my argument per say.

Note: Now I sit me down to pray…

The definition of progress in my hometown (Wabowden) is that of the two story outhouse, I kid you not. We still however have yet to figure out how to bypass that of the 1st floor. Needless to say that ladder construction has begun to contribute greatly to the local economy, which has guaranteed that our forestry operations won’t shut down anytime soon: It’s all relative you see and yes we are related. And while you are laughing please try to remember that the 1st wheel was square: we have it on display at our local museum.

So what have I accomplished (for lack of a better word and in an effort to encourage myself on) thus far in the course:

- Posts: I have made many and I really do enjoy this new mode of expression and publication. I could most certainly make use of the weblog idea somewheres within that of my teaching responsibility.

- Podcast: I did do one in pink (I was attempting to get in touch with my sensitive side and I must have for now I am crying). It didn’t have much do about “Blended Learning” per say but I was attempting to be humorous during my delivery of a “Top Ten” list in re: to doctoral student over study.

-Skype: have downloaded it successfully and have actually used it on several occasions. The desk top camera I could do with out. Jolene did catch me drinking a beer one nite.

- Skypecasts: I have not held one but have participated in 3: Glen, Linda and Jolene. It is here that I ran into that gentleman who did not cheer for the Bombers and I can now understand why.

- Delcio: have it set up and am actually using it, not, I’m sure, to maximum capability or to proper protocol but using it anyhow.

-Tags: I’m afraid I’m still short circuiting in re: to maximizing a smooth flowing connection between all of the applications and offerings that have simply over run my brain: buy me, NO… buy me, and it isn’t even Christmas yet: too many messages for my type of mind.

- Flickr: I do like the photos as you can all see iffen you tune in to my site. I still need a 1,000 or more hits to catch Berdron.

- Skype Yugma: This may be the most enjoyable learning session I have had throughout the course entire. Having the Prof looking over your shoulder and guiding you forward is a sure fire way to success: I’m sure there is a high tech acronym in there somewheres: POS – that’s how we say BOSS up here.

- Slide Shows: 2 to be exact, one with sound (I was missing my son) and the other not. I’m sure they could be used in ELA somewhere?

- Wiki: Not as of yet and that is why this list is appearing here.

- Jing: I have downloaded it, or so I think, but something keeps prohibiting me the use of: probably those in the know.

- G-Mails: good to go.

- Responses: to all colleague blogs at least once, twice and hopefully thrice.

- Google: calendar, reader and docs. It is my intention to use Google Docs for my essay and this should guarantee me a visit from the “Boys from Belleview”: An insane asylum in upper state New York last I heard.

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Math Question: N is an integer: If N plus 5 is greater than 5N minus 32 and less than 8N minus 54: What is the value of N? A problem posed to me by a Pre-Calc nephew of mine tonite.

So you say you have snow do you? I’m sure there is more but all of this has reminded me that I need to finish reading my book. Imagine running out here at 4 in the morning dressed in long johns of silver with the backside flap all a flap in the wind, lest we forget the rubber boots and the curlers in her hair: “Go Granny Go”!

The Judas Tree does thou await,

A Persian Princess slayer’s mate…

I was over on Linda’s site checking out the “Spanish Main” and true to my random abstract attention deficit way of operating found myself creating a video/slide show as well – thanks Linda.: hope you enjoy?

It has been my intent to get busy on my essay each time I sit myself down before this here screen but have usually found myself traveling off elsewhere with Mr. Gulliver to discuss his “Theory of Procrastination”. He tells me to worry not for we will be sure to find something along the trail to which we can apply to the paper proper upon our return.

PS: Is not the “Mexican Invasion” but that of the “Spanish Invasion Incognito”? The big three: France, Spain and England still fighting for control of the America’s through control of the language front…

Great Spirit in the Sky

Here I stand with tears in my eyes,

See my brokenness,

Help me with your strength,

To walk right on the red path,

Being aware of what I depend:

The mother earth,

The father sun,

The four directions,

All my relations,

In the mineral, plants and animals.

And between men of all colors,

That I seek for truth and don’t forget the humbleness,

As I know all comes from you,

And it’s my duty to take care of it,

To keep it in balance,

And not hurt anybody,

And be ready to forgive,

And give love as I received it,

As we all walk at your feet,

So I can come to You with a clear mind,

And do the things You want me to do,

To keep this circle of life going in balance.

Cherokee Prayer Blessing:

May the warm Winds of Heaven,

Blow softly upon your house,

May the Great Spirit,

Bless All who enter there,

May Your Moccasins,

Make Happy Tracks in the snows,

And may the Rainbow,

Always touch your Shoulder.

And Where Breaks the Wave…

Where sails the albatross a sailor soul does soar,

And where breaks the wave upon some distant forlorn shore,

A lady lies in waiting; a widow of the sea,

Praying Please Poseidon, Salem on home to me!

Upon yon horizon, the Columbus sail does peak,

A voyage of discovery, human souls it tis we seek,

And where breaks the wave upon some distant forlorn shore,

A lady lies awaiting, a widow yet to be,

Cryin’ Christian Crusader, sail on home to thee!

Out of darkest Africa, a slaver is away and free,

Beneath her deck lies Sheba, a Lady of liberty,

Around the Horn of Plenty, onward to slavery,

And where breaks the wave upon some distant forlorn shore,

A lady lies a widow, born of the sea,

Mourning forever Africa, sail me on home to thee!

Where sails the albatross a sailor’s soul does soar,

And where breaks the wave upon some distant forlorn shore,

Within the Mist of Misery can be found an awful fright,

The albatross does circle, surely he must alight!

I was listening to the news as per usual and happened across a couple of items that made a person wonder (at least to me that was) as to why it is we can’t seem to arrive on the same page (plain of existence) together. I do believe that we all are truly trying to get to this same place (Wherever that may be: the end of the book, perhaps?) no matter the degree to which we enter the circle (a merry-go-round it may be) from. But for whatever the reason, we all too often wind up under some leafless tree eating our bologne sandwich (with onions, mayo and a cold Pepsi) all by our lonesome self.

Item One:Cheerleaders in the States suspended for having the letters (a letter for each girl) of their team attached to their back sides. At cheer’s end, they would simply turn to the crowd and flip up the skirt. It was my opinion that they were simply having innocent fun with that of their sexuality, nothing exposed, the ladies were fully covered and it was Friday nite at the football game. And now, it is my opinion again, that they are being made to feel dirty. I don’t think they were pushing the line like the some I do see on a daily basis walking down the hallways advertising Lord knows what… too much information, cover up your business please… it most certainly is none of mine.

Item Two: Girl in danger of not receiving her high school diploma for using the Lord’s name (Jesus) in that of her Valedictorian Address.

So now I’m confused (more so than yesterday): Let’s see: You want me to dress religiously but yet I can’t pray? You want me to go to war and die at 18 but I can’t drink or get drunk until I’m 21? You want me to grow up and become my own person only if I behave and act like you? And on and on we go down the road too often traveled.

What does this have to do with ICT: Intelligent Computer Talk? Well in order to traverse, close, or bridge, not only that of the digital divide, but that of all divides, maybe we should start to anti up in the “common cents” department: I mean if we have to trump up every minor situation that we encounter to that of a “Royal Flush” (down the drain please) just to prove to the monkey that he was right in his kicking us from the tree, then all is lost.

What we are talking about here: is how to get computers from that of the a 1st world order into that of a 3rd world order while still sending students to the office for late slips. Why does the teacher need to be told twice that the child is late, did he or she get it wrong the 1st time?

Now factor in money, and all “Common Cents” goes for not…

The digital divide can be crossed if it is found on a horizontal plain; however, if we are talking mountain peaks and valleys, then there shall always be a slippery slope to travel, so we best start learning how to ski. And Hey! Let’s have fun (be a little silly) as we descend away from that of our lofty ideals.

Over the past few days I have had the pleasure of being invited in on a couple of “Skype cast” conferences with the hosts being that of Linda (Lily) and Jolene (Jo Jo): both conferences went well ladies – I thank you for the invites.

With Linda: the discussion focussed around that of “Blended Learning” and the challenges facing the “Millennial Generation” (spoiled brats of our creation though they may be) in re: to having ICT embedded within curriculum, schools and universities across Canada. The major obstructions/obstacles at present would be that of teacher reluctance (fear), career stage and mo’ money, mo’ money, mo’ money…

It was my opinion that this fledgling move towards a balanced blended ICT approach to curriculum deliverance (delivering us from the Dark Ages Mr. Dewey) will/would take, not a few years but that of several teacher generations in fact. We 1st need to have, and this is simply a migratory fact of life, our middle to late career teachers pass through the “Hallowed Halls of Enlightenment” on their way out the door (willingly or not) to retirement and golf courses else where: southward bound, forming the latest version of the Canadian “Snow Goose” flock (an endangered bird it is not): beware the Speedo. Why so? How many of the aforementioned, willingly or mandated: want, would, should or could re-invest time and money already spent on the re-education of thine own self at this stage in life? Factor in RRSP’s, children off to college, children getting married, grand children and the grand cottage out at the lake/loch (Grand Beach) and we begin to see why the “Life Long Learner” begins to stagnate, not for all, but for all too many, in and around mid to and late life: It’s time to grandfather a few of the clauses… Santa.

Teacher fear and or reluctance will and can be addressed through a greater push by our universities to make ICT and Blended Learning the new Operating System (OS) to which all universities must adhere to in order to have our newly matriculated educators ready for the stressors being placed upon them, as we speak, by this the Millennial Generation…

Money: like that of chewing bubble gum, throwing snowballs, swearing and the wearing of hats, will always be an issue especially within the confines of the Public School System.

With Jolene: She had her conference registered at the ready, but for whatever the reason, it was only I whom was able to reach her over the neighborhood sky? What we did discuss (in addition to fragile technology) was that of our “Professional Learning Group” here in Mystery Lake and the reworking of our mandate: the development and retention of an administrator pool. Why so? To combat the turn over ratio: be it due to retirement, leaving the community (going south) or that of leaving the field and or profession altogether, we do need this group, and it does need our support. Why so? In order to further the cause as to a well thought, well developed, vision plan in re: to the Northern Experience; a plan which will stand on it’s own whomever be in charge: similar to that of the Northern Lights and the Rainbow’s Rim. Failure to do so may result in wee bit of Northern Exposure and frostbite unawares – sorry, couldn’t help myself.

In between time I managed to hook up with some lonely old gentlemen (I hope) cruising around looking for someone to talk to via Skype. He hailed from Windsor, Ontario, and he wasn’t a Bomber, nor a Bill fan, so we quickly parted ways.

Lastly, iffen you want a listen: friends, Romans and countrymen go to http://duhmader.mypodcast.com and lend me thine ear? A big thanx to one Thomas O’Kelly who is responsible for busting me loose and setting me free: “God A’Mighty, I’m Free at Last, I’m Free at Last…”

I was just watching channel CHCH out of Hamilton, Ontario and a very interesting bit/piece came over the airwaves so I “jumped to the pump” and ran in here to get it all down before my “Old Timers” memory forgot where I put my notebook.

Blog Headline: Professor teaches 3200 1st year students a 1st of it’s kind psychology class from the comfort of the couch, not his, theirs: he, like we did today, still had to drive in…

Professor Comment: It is kinda akin to putting on a TV show (hopefully not a soap opera): we have a studio complete with the technology and all the personnel needed to put our action plan into effective effect.

Student Responses: Very convenient; a no brainer; it allows me to manage my already hectic schedule a little more wisely; I take better notes when I can stop the “teach” and rewind him when and where I want etc et al.

Course Comment: What I was most impressed with is how enthusiastic the students were and how each interviewee (Are you ready?) held a pencil and paper at the ready: old school meeting new school. I did not get the impression, nor the feel, that they were photo “opping” it for the cameras present. I did feel though that they were indicating to us that maybe, just maybe, that from afar they could be those all interested interactive participants as opposed to those of the in-house passive classroom zombies.

PS: Students alike still had to make a two tutorial in-house weekly appearance – just to keep them honest I would think. Also, with these online endeavors even when you are absent, you can be present; so this kind of throws that “MIA” excuse (justified or not) right out the window. And what does or will it do to the attendance policies at say a high school level. At ours it is 12 A’s for a discontinuance and some do stick to this rule religiously. And, on a personal note, I would quit worrying about attendance anyway, if you can’t solve the problem, which, it is my opinion that we never will, turn to that of managing it to the positive side. This goes for hats, bubblegum, snowballs, cellphones and computers in the classroom as well.

On the probability of being considered bombastic, hyperbolistic, jargonistic and journalistic: I have added a “Blended Learning” information page/link to my blogroll side bar. I figured if I plan to do a podcast I best read up on what it is that I plan to talk about; mind you I really did enjoy Angel’s “Blended Flavors” podcast complete with free advertising to boot Sweetpea. Mine own definition of “Blended Learning” is that of wrapping technology with that which makes us human: hope and compassion – all else be false.

And if you are missing the pictorial representation (deflection from that of my short comings), I’ll get them all to ya… further along the line.

Later,

DUH Mader with the “DUH”